The Home Army Museum is a place that combines the gravity of history with displays designed to spark emotion and curiosity — ideal for an outing with a group of friends who want to learn about Poland’s past in an accessible way. The exhibition presents the activities of the Polish Underground State and the Home Army (Armia Krajowa); interactive elements and authentic artifacts make a strong impression even on people who don’t usually visit museums. Exploring “hidden” exhibits together, entering the reconstruction of a security-service solitary cell, or seeing fragments of wartime machines creates shared memories and gives you plenty to talk about afterward.
If you’re planning an active day in Kraków, a visit to the Home Army Museum pairs well with a short walk toward Rakowicki Cemetery, the Kraków Główny train station, or further sightseeing in the Old Town and Kazimierz. The museum is relatively compact — a typical visit takes about 1.5 hours, so you’ll still have time afterwards for coffee, lunch and more attractions.
The main part of the exhibition is on level -1 and tells the story of the Polish Underground State: from the Service for Poland's Victory through the Union of Armed Struggle to the Home Army. Topics include training, communications, intelligence, sabotage, partisan warfare, women’s activity, and the post-war epilogue.
Among the most memorable exhibits are fragments of the fuselage of a British Halifax used for drops to the resistance, a model or interior element of a V-2 rocket connected to intelligence work, and a reconstruction of a security-service solitary cell — these items have a strong effect in a group because it’s easier to share impressions and comment in the moment. The museum also displays photographs, documents, recordings and everyday objects used by Home Army soldiers.
The museum is located at Wita Stwosza 12, within easy walking distance of Kraków Główny station. Standard opening hours generally cover daytime (usually from 10:00 to 17:00) and the museum is closed on Mondays — check current hours before your visit.
Admission tickets are purchased separately; guided tours require a separate reservation and are a paid service. Many visitors don’t know that entry to some exhibitions can be free on specific days (for example, certain Sundays) — check the current price list before you plan your visit. Photography for private use is allowed, with a request not to use flash where it is forbidden.
Getting there: public-transport stops are located near the museum, and it’s just a few minutes on foot from the main train station. Note that there is no large free coach parking directly at the museum; if you’re arriving by car, plan parking in advance.
Short plan (approx. 2–3 hours): 1) Meet in front of the museum, buy tickets / confirm a guide reservation; 2) Visit the exhibition (approx. 1.5 hours); 3) Coffee and a discussion about what left the biggest impression — we recommend nearby spots for a quick snack or dessert.
For groups that want to add an element of fun: prepare a small quiz with questions about the exhibition in advance — after the visit it’s easy to compare answers and it brings people closer. You can also agree on “themed selfies” at selected exhibits (where photography is permitted).
If you want a more in-depth visit, consider booking a guide — a knowledgeable guide explains context so many details and stories make sense, and the conversations after the visit are richer. Guide reservations should be made in advance, especially for larger groups.
Around the Main Station and the Old Town you’ll find many reliable places for coffee and lunch. For lovers of traditional Polish cuisine there are restaurants serving pierogi and hearty home-style dishes; for a quick dessert or coffee try one of the well-known cafés with a good selection of cakes.
If you’re in the mood for something more local: Kazimierz — a short walk from the museum — offers numerous bars and restaurants with positive reviews; it’s a great direction if the group wants to continue conversations over food or a beer.
When planning a break, take into account opening hours — some cafés and restaurants start service later than museums, and popular places can have queues at weekends. If you have specific dietary preferences (vegetarian, gluten-free, quick lunch), it’s wise to reserve a table in advance.
The museum building is adapted for people with limited mobility — there are facilities available, and the museum offers audio description and special routes for visitors with hearing impairments. Wheelchairs can be borrowed if needed.
Some parts of the exhibitions contain emotionally difficult moments — if you’re visiting with younger children, consider in advance which sections might be unsuitable and plan a break. The museum also prepares educational activities and workshops for younger groups, which can be an interesting addition to a family visit.
Animals are not allowed inside the museum (except guide dogs or assistance dogs).
Not checking opening hours — the museum is closed on Mondays; always check current hours before you go.
Assuming a guide is included in the ticket price — guided tours are usually an additional fee and require a reservation. Book in advance if you want a guided visit.
Underestimating time needed — although the permanent exhibition is compact, leave time to talk afterwards and to stop for a coffee.
Using flash photography or recording materials for publication without permission — photography for private use is allowed, but publishing materials requires agreement with the museum.
Among the exhibits are items and machine fragments that not only document Home Army activities but also show connections between the Polish underground and wider wartime events — for example, aircraft parts used in drops or rocket fragments that reveal the scale of Polish intelligence successes.
The museum combines traditional exhibits with interactive forms of storytelling, so you can experience history on several levels: visually, audibly and emotionally. For many visitors these multimedia elements are the biggest surprise.
How long does a visit take? About 1.5 hours for the permanent exhibition; temporary exhibitions may require extra time.
Can I take photos? Yes, for private use; please do not use flash where it is forbidden. Publishing photos or recordings requires additional permission from the museum.
Can I bring a dog? No, except for guide dogs or assistance dogs.
Are there discounts and free days? The museum may be open free on selected days (for example certain Sundays) — always check the current price list before your visit.
A visit to the Home Army Museum is an excellent agenda item for meeting friends — it combines information, powerful impressions and the chance to continue conversations over coffee or lunch. If you found this article helpful, share it on social media or send it to friends who are planning to visit Kraków.
If you’d like to explore with even greater comfort and hear stories first-hand, consider using the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and information about her offer are available on the guide’s website. Enjoy your visit and have a great time exploring!
id': "home-army-museum-what-to-see-with-friends
publishedDate': "2025-11-02
author': "
