The Ethnographic Museum (Seweryn Udziela) at Wolnica Square is a place that comes alive in summer with workshops, family activities and exhibitions that are easier to “feel” on sunny days — from hands-on craft sessions to photographic walks around Kazimierz.
If you’re looking for a spot that mixes culture with a great idea for a hot afternoon, the museum offers workshop formulas and guided activities tailored to different age groups — a perfect base to surprise your group with more than just “another exhibition.”
Remember that in summer many museums and open-air museums organize outdoor events; you can use these to build an attractive day program that goes beyond indoor displays.
Before you go inside — a little ice-breaker: ask everyone to say in one sentence what they expect from the museum. Then run a mini-quiz: who first finds an object that matches the story? Simple tasks like this loosen everyone up and engage people.
Bring a small photo prop — a scarf, hat or wooden spoon. Setting up a themed scene by an old piece of furniture produces fun, memorable photos and helps bring the objects’ stories closer.
Create a museum field game: prepare 5 unusual tasks before your visit (for example, find an object made from a specific material, count the buttons on one costume, read a fragment of an inscription). The person or pair who completes the most tasks wins a small prize — an ice cream, a coffee or a souvenir from the museum shop.
The museum regularly runs craft workshops and photographic walks for families with children; these are often part of the summer program and are designed for various age groups. Booking places in advance is recommended, especially for popular dates.
Some children’s and family programs are funded locally, which can mean free or symbolic participation fees — check current information and prices before you visit.
If you plan to come with small children, choose themed workshops instead of long guided tours. Workshops are practical, often last 1–2 hours and engage the senses — children remember hands-on museum experiences much better.
Look for contrasts: dark wooden furniture, colorful textiles and metal tools photograph beautifully against bright walls. Changing perspective — a low-angle shot or a wide composition — adds drama to photos.
Use objects as props. Short reenactments (for example, trying on a replica crown or pretending someone is writing on an old typewriter) create natural, joyful photos and spark the rest of the group’s curiosity.
Macro photos of details: buttons, embroidery, fabric texture. Ask everyone to take one photo of a detail they especially like — compare the shots at the end and pick a “detail of the day.”
The Ethnographic Museum presents permanent and temporary displays showing daily life, customs and crafts — a great backdrop for stories about how old objects “speak” about people’s lives. A short anecdote about an exhibit immediately increases interest.
Summer programs often include hands-on workshops that let you touch old techniques: from spinning and fabric decoration to simple carpentry tools. This is a less obvious experience than just looking at display cases.
If you plan a walk around Kazimierz after your visit, remember that Wolnica Square and the surrounding lanes have a rich, multicultural history — a brief digression about the neighborhood’s past nicely complements the museum experience.
Kazimierz is a perfect end to a museum afternoon — you’ll find cozy cafés and well-rated restaurants nearby. A popular local choice for Middle Eastern mezze is Hamsa Hummus & Happiness (Szeroka), and for a quick coffee near Wolnica you can look for Urban Coffee on Plac Wolnica.
If you want something quick and reliable for a group, pick places with good reviews and short service times — in summer queues can lengthen waiting times. A simple plan: visit + workshop → coffee and cake at a nearby café → short walk around Wolnica Square and Kazimierz lanes.
For families with children, choose places with highchairs and child-friendly menus; many cafés in the area offer homemade cakes and cool drinks — perfect after busy museum activities.
Not booking workshop places in advance — popular summer slots fill up fast. Call or email to reserve if the museum allows it.
Arriving without a time plan — visit + workshop + meal can take several hours. Decide beforehand how much time you have and choose activities accordingly.
Assuming the same program every year. Summer programs change: check the museum’s current news before you plan the trip.
Address of the Ethnographic Museum: Wolnica Square 1, Kraków. It’s conveniently located in Kazimierz and is easily reachable by public transport or on foot from the bridge to Kazimierz.
Opening hours (approximate; check before you go): the museum is usually open 10:00–18:00 on most days, but times can change for special events or holidays — verify the current hours before your visit.
Bookings and education info: the museum runs programs for schools and families; some classes require email or phone reservations — contact details are available on the museum’s official site. If you plan for a larger group, notify the museum ahead of time.
Are workshops paid? — Some summer activities are free or have a symbolic fee; others may require a ticket for the exhibition. Always check the current price list before visiting.
Is the place child-friendly? — Yes. The museum offers educational programming for different age groups — from youngest children to teenagers. Workshops are designed for practical engagement.
Is booking necessary? — For popular workshops and school activities booking is recommended. For family groups it’s a good idea to reserve places in advance.
9:30 - arrive in Kazimierz, short walk around Wolnica Square and quick coffee in a nearby café.
10:30 - visit the permanent exhibition with a short themed quiz.
12:00 - family workshop or creative activities for children.
13:30 - light lunch at a recommended local spot, rest and compare photos taken during the visit.
This schedule gives rhythm and room for surprises — small competitions, photo props and stories about exhibits will make the visit memorable.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others plan great family summers in Kraków. If you prefer to explore with a private guide, contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
