The Emeryk Hutten-Czapski Museum is one of those intimate but very interesting Krakow attractions - especially for families who enjoy history, maps and… coins. In the neoclassical palace you’ll see one of Poland’s most important numismatic collections, and behind the building there’s a historic garden with a lapidarium - perfect for a short break between exhibition rooms. For a child the visit can be surprising: small shiny coins, old maps and stories about past travels and trade can capture the imagination even of a picky young visitor.
Pałac Czapskich is part of the National Museum in Krakow (MNK), so a visit combines solid historical storytelling with visitor-friendly facilities: a café, a reading room and a chance to buy souvenirs in the museum shop. It’s a nice place for a calm family afternoon with a bit of culture and pleasant views in the garden.
Opening hours: the museum is usually open Tuesday to Sunday; Monday is closed. Hours may vary slightly with season or special announcements, so it’s a good idea to check current information before your visit. The last visitors are generally admitted about 20 minutes before closing.
Tickets and reservations: tickets can be bought at the museum ticket office and some tickets are available online. Group reservations and guided tours are arranged after prior contact - the museum provides a phone number and an e-mail address for bookings.
Accessibility: the historic garden and lapidarium are open and free to enter, and the café and reading room operate at specified times. The museum also publishes information about concessions and entitlements for different visitor groups.
The family ticket for the MNK Czapscy branch is often the most convenient option for a family of four. Typically it works like this: there is a family ticket at a set price covering up to four people, and the group must include at least one child under 16. It’s a simple and economical solution when you visit in a typical 2+2 composition.
Other tickets: besides the family ticket the museum offers standard and reduced tickets and special prices for youth in a defined age range. Many MNK branches also have free-admission days for permanent exhibitions - a good time for a cheaper visit, but expect more visitors then.
Tip: if your family is larger than four people, contact the ticket office or reservations - sometimes an individual arrangement can be made or groups can be split to make the best use of available pricing.
Keep visits short but meaningful: instead of trying to see everything at once, choose a few rooms and focus on the most visual exhibits - coins, medals and maps. Children also enjoy the lapidarium in the garden, where you can rest and compare sizes of stone fragments.
If you’re planning to go on a Tuesday - check whether there’s free admission to permanent exhibitions. That’s a great option but can mean larger crowds. If you prefer a quieter visit, pick a weekday outside free-entry days or an earlier time of day.
Bring some small change for souvenirs and snacks. The museum café is a pleasant place for a break, but if you plan a longer walk around the center, bring a map and schedule a lunch break at one of the nearby family-friendly restaurants.
The numismatic collection is the main attraction - you’ll find coins, medals, banknotes and unique old prints. Displays are often grouped thematically, which makes it easier to tell children short stories about where a coin came from and what it was used for.
The Józef Czapski Pavilion is a separate, more modern part of the complex devoted to the life and work of Józef Czapski - if it’s open, it’s worth a visit. Note that some parts of the pavilion may be temporarily closed for modernization works, so check museum announcements before you go.
The garden and lapidarium behind the palace are ideal for a break - fragments of Gothic architectural details and shaded paths create an atmosphere where children can run a little and adults can relax. Entrance to the garden is usually free.
Pałac Czapskich is in central Krakow, which makes it easy to reach by public transport. Trams and buses stop nearby; the stops by the Jagiellonian University and the Old Town are the most convenient. A walk from the Main Market takes only a few minutes, so if you’re staying in the center you can get there on foot.
If you’re looking for family-friendly accommodation, choose somewhere in the city center or on Kazimierz - these areas give easy access to most MNK branches and have cafés and restaurants recommended for families.
If you travel by car remember that the center has paid parking zones - check rules and availability in advance.
If you want something tasty after the visit, in the area you’ll find both cafés with good coffee and restaurants serving Polish cuisine. Recommended places with solid reviews include Cafe Camelot (a cozy café with atmosphere), Charlotte (fresh bakery products and a French vibe), and for a traditional lunch - Restauracja Pod Aniołami or Wierzynek (if you want a historic place with character). When choosing a place to eat with children, pay attention to the availability of kids’ dishes and quick service.
Consider the cafés near Pałac Czapskich - they are often convenient for families and offer simple snacks and space to rest.
If you prefer less touristy options, ask locals - they’ll often suggest well-rated, lesser-known places with home-style cooking.
Planning your visit on a free-admission day without accounting for the number of visitors is a common mistake - the museum can be crowded, which reduces comfort, especially with children. It’s better to choose a quieter day outside promotions.
Not checking current exhibitions before arrival - parts of the pavilion or some rooms may be temporarily closed for modernization. Check the museum’s announcements to avoid disappointment.
No plan for breaks - focused visiting works better if you schedule shorter sessions and pauses in the garden or café. Children tire faster, so it’s wise to have a plan B.
Is the family ticket always available? - The family ticket is often a standard item in the branch price list; check at the ticket office or online for the current offer and person limits.
Is admission free on Tuesdays? - Many MNK branches offer free entry to permanent exhibitions on Tuesdays, but rules can change, so confirm before your visit.
Can I enter with a stroller? - Most museum spaces allow strollers, but some rooms and exhibits may be less accessible; if in doubt, ask staff at the entrance.
Can I take photographs? - Amateur photography is usually allowed without additional lighting or tripods, but some exhibits have restrictions. Check the regulations on site.
In the lapidarium behind Pałac Czapskich you can see fragments of historic sculptures and even a piece of a 14th-century pinnacle from St. Mary’s Basilica - an unusual element that often escapes visitors who only walk the city center streets.
Pałac Czapskich is not just an "old house with coins" - it combines numismatics with family history and local stories, and the modern pavilion often features multimedia materials about Józef Czapski that may interest teenagers.
Some temporary exhibitions at the branch are short and intimate - if you find an interesting theme, take the opportunity, because not everything returns to the permanent display.
If you’re planning a family visit, use the family ticket when it fits your group - it’s a simple saving and very convenient. Choose a quieter day or a morning time outside free-admission days, wear comfortable shoes and plan a break in the garden.
If you enjoyed this article, share it with friends or on social profiles - it helps other families better plan their trip to Krakow. You can also consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz - contact details and the offer are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Have a great visit!
