The Szołayski Tenement is one of the most pleasant, intimate branches of the National Museum in Krakow — it stands right by Plac Szczepański, just a few steps from the Main Market Square. The branch mixes the building's history with a modern exhibition dedicated to Polish architecture and design of the 20th-21st century, so it's worth adding to your list even if you only have a few hours in the city.
If you plan to visit several MNK branches, pay attention to opening days and ticket rules: the National Museum has set principles for tickets and free admission days, and a well-planned day will let you see more while spending less. For many visitors the key trick is to use Tuesday — on that day MNK opens its permanent exhibitions free of charge.
The address of the Szołayski Tenement is Plac Szczepański 9 — right by the Old Town, next to the Old Theatre and the Palace of Art. The building has a rich history: it originated in the Middle Ages, was rebuilt over later centuries, and in the 19th century housed the editorial office and printing press of the influential Krakow newspaper "Czas". In 1904 the tenement became part of the National Museum's holdings and has served culture ever since.
At the Szołayski Tenement you'll find permanent galleries devoted to contemporary Polish architecture and design of the 20th and 21st centuries, multimedia exhibition rooms, a museum bookshop and a café. It's a great place when you want a calm, thematic visit away from the biggest crowds near the Cloth Hall.
The Szołayski Tenement is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday; Mondays are closed. Exact hours can vary by season and special events, so it's a good idea to check the current opening hours the day before your visit or call ahead.
Entries to permanent and temporary exhibitions often include technical breaks in the middle of the day (for example around 12:00-12:30), and the number of visitors may be limited for some temporary shows. The museum also offers audio guides at some branches — check language availability and pricing at the ticket desk.
MNK price lists distinguish tickets for permanent galleries at branches from tickets to the Gallery of Polish Art in the Cloth Hall or special exhibitions in the Main Building. Standard prices for permanent galleries are moderate, with separate full-price, reduced and family tickets.
Young people aged 7 to 26 can take advantage of a special, symbolic price (remember to carry a valid ID). Important practical note: tickets for many MNK branches (including permanent galleries) are valid for a set period from the date of purchase — in some cases this allows re-entry within a few months. Always check the conditions printed on the ticket or ask at the desk.
The most convenient way to buy tickets is online via the museum's official ticketing system — this saves time and reduces the risk of queues. Avoid buying tickets from unofficial sellers who often mark up prices significantly.
Tuesday is the free admission day for the National Museum in Krakow's permanent exhibitions. It's a great chance to visit the Szołayski Tenement without spending on a ticket, but keep in mind that free days can be busier than usual — try to plan your visit early or later in the afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.
On free days the same rules on visitor limits and technical breaks usually apply, so arriving early and asking at the ticket desk for recommended routes is a good idea. Not all temporary exhibitions are necessarily included in free admission — it depends on the individual exhibition's rules.
Start with the exhibition “Przekroje” — an overview of Polish architecture of the 20th-21st century, where you will find models, plans, photographs and descriptions of important projects. For design fans the gallery devoted to Polish design is a must; the displays show everyday objects as well as design projects that shaped life in Poland.
Permanent displays often include multimedia elements and contextual presentations that make the visit interesting for younger guests and families. On the ground floor you'll find the National Museum bookshop and the SOUR café — a pleasant spot for a break after exploring the exhibitions.
If you have limited time, combine a visit to the Szołayski Tenement with a short walk around the Main Market Square and a stop at another MNK branch such as the Cloth Hall — this way you can see different periods and styles in a short time.
Buy tickets online where possible — it saves time and guarantees entry. For free days or very popular temporary shows it's worth being at the ticket desk at opening or checking whether the museum runs timed entries.
Talk to the staff at the ticket desk — they often advise which rooms are must-sees and how much time you realistically need. Don't overload your plan: a single themed exhibition typically takes 45-90 minutes, depending on interest.
The Szołayski Tenement houses the SOUR café — a comfortable place for coffee and something sweet after viewing the exhibitions. If you prefer a classic, atmospheric café just a few steps away, try Cafe Camelot on ul. Świętego Tomasza — a well-known, highly rated spot with a cozy interior.
The Main Market Square and surrounding streets offer a wide choice of well-rated restaurants and cafés, from small places serving local specialties to more upscale restaurants. Choose venues with good reviews and reserve a table on weekend evenings to avoid waiting time.
The Szołayski Tenement provides visitor amenities, but accessibility standards may vary between parts of the building. If you need assistance (step-free access, accessible toilet, etc.), contact the museum's Customer Service before your visit — staff will provide the latest information and help prepare your visit.
The building has restrooms and places to sit briefly, and the museum bookshop by the entrance sells catalogues and publications about the exhibitions. Wear comfortable shoes — although it's an intimate branch, visiting may include several floors.
The Szołayski Tenement is often the venue for smaller, niche exhibitions and educational projects — check the museum's events listings because you might find a workshop, curator-led tour or multimedia show.
Several traces of the building's earlier functions remain — the tenement's historical connections with 19th-century press life are easily missed by visitors rushing from the Market Square. It's a good opportunity to slow down and feel the local context.
Mixing up names: the Szołayski Tenement is not the same as the Cloth Hall or the Czartoryski Palace — each MNK branch has its own character and ticket rules. Instead of buying a generic “MNK ticket” without checking, make sure the ticket you buy is valid for the branch you plan to visit.
Not checking free admission days — Tuesday is the day to visit, but it can be busier. Come outside peak hours or combine the visit with another attraction to spread crowds.
Buying tickets from third parties — avoid unofficial resellers who often overcharge. Use the museum's official ticket system.
Is entry to the Szołayski Tenement free on Tuesdays? Yes — on Tuesdays MNK opens its permanent exhibitions free of charge (check for exceptions for temporary shows).
How much is a full-price ticket to MNK branches? Prices vary by branch and exhibition; permanent galleries in many branches have reasonable rates, while the Gallery of Polish Art in the Cloth Hall and some special exhibitions can be more expensive.
Are there discounts for young people? Yes — young people aged 7-26 can use a special low-price ticket upon showing valid ID.
Is it worth renting an audio guide? An audio guide is useful if you prefer to explore at your own pace and want historical and interpretive context. Check availability and languages before your visit.
How long does a visit take? Allow 45-90 minutes to view the exhibitions at the Szołayski Tenement calmly, depending on your interests and whether you use extra materials.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others plan a visit to Krakow. Remember to check the museum's current news before traveling, because hours and admission rules may change for special exhibitions.
If you'd like to discover the Szołayski Tenement and other corners of Krakow with a local guide, consider booking with local guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — contact and offer are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. It's a convenient way to see more and hear local stories from someone who knows the city inside out.
Enjoy your visit and happy discoveries — Krakow has more to offer than you might expect!
