Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory and the Home Army Museum tell two important, though different, stories of World War II and postwar resistance in Poland. The factory in Zabłocie presents the fate of Kraków's residents under German occupation and the story of the people saved by Oskar Schindler. The Home Army Museum brings closer the underground organization, its covert activities and the lives of soldiers whose choices affected the fate of the whole country. Both places carry a strong emotional weight — expect moving exhibitions and a wealth of documents, photographs and multimedia.
Visiting both sites gives a fuller picture of Kraków's history: the Factory shows everyday life and the tragedy of the Jewish population as well as the actions of an individual who saved people against the odds; the Home Army Museum reveals the structure, methods and dilemmas of the Polish underground. Together they form a complementary educational route for any visitor to Kraków.
If you are interested in 20th-century history, you'll likely want to see both exhibitions during one visit to Kraków — this guide will help you plan your time, buy the right tickets and find good places to rest or eat after touring.
Schindler's Factory (a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków) is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday; Mondays are sometimes reserved for limited free entry — on those days tickets are often sold only at the ticket office and in limited numbers. The Historical Museum runs its own ticketing, group reservations and school-visit rules.
The Home Army Museum in central Kraków operates regular visiting hours and typically offers standard, reduced and family tickets; it's a good idea to check ticket availability on the museum's website or call the ticket office, as temporary exhibition closures or conservation work can occur.
Important future note: from January 2, 2026, the city announced changes to Schindler's Factory ticketing. Among the changes are named online tickets, online sales opening 90 days before a visit and new ticket prices (for example, standard and reduced tickets are to be raised). If you plan to visit in 2026 or later, check the dates and rules when buying online — named tickets and the new rules may require additional information at booking.
Buying tickets online gives the greatest certainty of entry, especially in the high season and at weekends. Schindler's Factory online tickets often sell out days in advance, so book ahead. Museums offer online sales systems and on-site ticket offices — remember that on free-admission days (for example certain Mondays) the allocation of box-office tickets is limited.
From October 2025 and especially from January 2026, expect that some Schindler's Factory tickets purchased online will be named; if you buy an online ticket for 2026 or later, have an ID ready and enter the full name. Box-office tickets may have shorter entry windows (for example a limited time to enter after purchase) compared with online tickets — check the conditions when buying.
If you're planning a group visit or a school trip, use the reservation forms for institutions — museums often have different rules, times and discounts for organized groups; group reservations may open earlier than individual sales, so plan in advance.
Allow at least 1–1.5 hours for a relaxed visit to Schindler's Factory; if you want to view exhibits in detail and use multimedia materials, plan for about 2 hours. The Home Army Museum usually requires 1–2 hours depending on interest in temporary exhibitions and any workshops. A combined visit to both sites can easily take 3–4 hours including walking time, breaks and a meal.
Bring comfortable shoes (many rooms are on several levels), an identity document if you bought a named ticket, and a charged phone — some exhibitions offer multimedia guides or companion apps. Plan rest breaks — exhibits can be emotionally demanding.
If you're traveling with children or people with limited mobility, check in advance about lifts and accessibility features. Many museums publish accessibility information and allow booking additional services.
Schindler's Factory: the exhibition tells the story of the factory, prewar and wartime life in Kraków, the fates of workers and the people saved — displays combine objects, photographs and documentary films. Many parts focus on personal stories and documents, making the visit intimate and often moving.
Home Army Museum: the exhibitions present the AK's structure, covert operations, soldier biographies, propaganda materials, maps and operational documents. Pay attention to personal accounts, uniforms, medals and archival materials that provide insight into the organization, scale of activity and daily risk faced by underground soldiers.
Both venues frequently mount temporary exhibitions that complement the permanent collections — if a special show is on, allow extra time. Check the museums' exhibition calendars when planning.
Schindler's Factory is in the Zabłocie district, close to the city centre and easily reached by tram or bus; getting from the Main Market Square takes a few tram stops or about 25–30 minutes on foot. The Home Army Museum is closer to the city centre and Kraków Main Railway Station — a convenient stop to include on a walking tour of the Old Town.
If you are driving, be aware of paid parking zones in central Kraków — closer to the museums it's often easier to use paid car parks or a park-and-ride facility and continue by tram. Kraków's public transport network is extensive; timetable apps are helpful to arrive on time.
For visitors with reduced mobility: call both institutions before your visit to confirm availability of lifts, adapted toilets and rest areas. Museum staff are usually happy to provide information and assist with entry arrangements.
After touring you can relax in one of the well-regarded local restaurants and cafés. Around Zabłocie and Kazimierz you'll find friendly cafés and restaurants with good reviews — great for a coffee break or lunch after an intense visit. Close to the Home Army Museum and the Main Station there are also eateries known for local dishes and reliable service.
Nearby options around Schindler's Factory include Emalia Zabłocie and Orzo, plus the MOCAK café inside the Museum of Contemporary Art — all good choices for different budgets and tastes. There's also a tapas and wine bar on Lipowa street popular with visitors. For the area around the Home Army Museum and the Main Market, cafés such as Wesoła Café and the restaurants in Galeria Krakowska offer quick and convenient options.
If you want specific recommendations or a list tailored to your preferences (vegetarian, vegan, family-friendly), contact tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — she knows local places and can help with bookings.
Buying tickets on the day without checking availability — especially in season — can backfire; many time slots sell out. Solution: book online ahead or plan visits outside peak hours.
Not reading named-ticket entry rules (from 2026) — if you buy a named online ticket you must present ID matching the name; otherwise you may be refused entry. Solution: check terms before purchase and carry ID.
Expecting the exhibitions to be 'short and light' — both shows can be emotionally heavy and require time. Solution: schedule a break, have coffee, rest between exhibitions and leave time for reflection.
Can I buy tickets at the ticket office? Yes — both Schindler's Factory and the Home Army Museum sell tickets at the box office, but the number of box-office tickets can be limited, especially on free days and during peak season.
Are there discounts for pupils, students and seniors? Yes — most museums offer reduced tickets for pupils, students and eligible seniors; you must show appropriate ID or a student card at entry.
Are both museums suitable for children? Yes, but some parts may be difficult for very young children due to subject matter. If you travel with children, check for educational materials or family routes.
Schindler's Factory is more than the story of one man — the building itself has become a place of memory for different communities and is part of Zabłocie's wider industrial landscape. The exhibition links individual histories with the urban context, which also appeals to visitors interested in urban and industrial history.
The Home Army Museum develops not only permanent displays but also educational and digital programmes — in recent years it has offered online materials and youth programmes that make complex history accessible. If you like deeper immersion, check for workshops and lectures.
Both sites sometimes host academic events and remembrance ceremonies — access to some rooms can be restricted on special days.
When planning, allow enough time, buy tickets in advance if possible and have an ID ready for named tickets (especially after January 2, 2026). If you want a more comfortable visit and to learn more, consider booking services with private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. The guide can tailor the route, reserve tickets and recommend cafés and rest stops.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media so others can prepare better for a Kraków visit and avoid ticketing stress. Wishing you an inspiring and peaceful visit — Kraków can move, surprise and teach.
