Bricks & Figs in Kraków combines adult nostalgia with the pure delight of children. Its huge collection of minifigures and assembled sets makes even a short visit bring smiles and surprise across generations.
The exhibition is located in Zabłocie, a neighborhood known for museums and pleasant walking routes, so you can easily combine the visit with more activities: coffee at a nearby café, lunch at a restaurant, or a walk along the Vistula river.
Christmas is a time when small gestures and thoughtful ideas matter most. At Bricks & Figs you can use the exhibition’s atmosphere plus a few simple tricks to create an inexpensive but impressive surprise for family or friends.
Museum address: Henryka Dąbrowskiego Street 20 (Zabłocie) — it’s close to MOCAK and the Oskar Schindler’s Factory, so it’s easy to add more attractions to your day.
The collection numbers in the thousands of minifigures and several hundred sets — the exhibition is wide enough that an average visit lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, though you can stay longer if you want to study details closely.
The museum uses flexible opening hours and sells timed tickets — book in advance when possible, especially during the holiday season when family attractions are popular.
If you’re arriving with a larger group or planning something special (for example, a mini-workshop or a private tour), contact the museum staff ahead of time — that’s the best way to settle logistics and avoid surprises.
Mini cardboard theater: before the visit, prepare a simple scene with cardboard “backdrops” and bring one personalized minifigure as the ‘star of the evening’. When the group reaches a chosen display case, present the figure as a gift — the reaction is instant.
A mysterious gift with the ticket: buy tickets in advance and tuck a small Christmas trinket into them (for example a tiny pocket bag of bricks or a personalized sticker). Hand the ticket in an elegant envelope and ask them to open it only at the exhibition.
Themed quiz with prizes: prepare short questions about the display (for example about favorite characters or rare sets) and give small prizes for correct answers. A simple checklist with tasks to tick off engages both children and adults.
Mini photo session at a favorite display: pre-select the most "Instagrammable" spot in the exhibition and ask one person to take photos of participants with small props. After the visit you can instantly print a photo as a keepsake (if you have a portable printer) or email it with holiday wishes.
Ask the staff to prepare a surprise: check in advance whether the museum can arrange a small personalized message or package for your group. Even a modest gesture from them — e.g. a dedicated plaque at the entrance for the honoree — can be very impressive.
Book tickets online in advance. During the holiday period the best time slots fill up quickly, and pre-booking ensures the whole group can enter together.
Plan at least 60–90 minutes for a relaxed viewing of the exhibition. If you want to run extra activities (quiz, presentation, photos), add another 30–45 minutes.
Check opening hours for the day of your visit — during the holiday season the museum might have altered hours or special closed days. A phone call is useful if you need to arrange group details or ask about guides.
Remember that paid parking zones operate in Zabłocie during set hours and parking for buses is often limited. If you plan to arrive by coach, arrange a drop-off/parking spot in advance or consider public transport or taxis.
If you want to continue the holiday plan with lunch or coffee, Zabłocie has several pleasant options. Nearby is MOCAK Café — a friendly spot inside the Museum of Contemporary Art, good for a light snack and coffee after visiting.
For a longer family meal consider Emalia Zabłocie — an industrial-style restaurant with a broad menu that easily accommodates groups and is well regarded by visitors. Booking a table for weekends or company Christmas dinners is often necessary.
If you’re after a more formal Christmas menu or an elegant dinner, check restaurants around Kazimierz and the city center — many offer special holiday menus but seats are limited, so reserve ahead.
For families with small children, keep a place in mind with a kids’ menu and space where the little ones can move around. Museums and nearby cafés often note family amenities on their sites.
Assuming the museum visit will be a quick ‘walk-through’ — Bricks & Figs can absorb visitors for longer; plan time realistically so you don’t rush guests after the visit.
Not booking during the holiday season — last-minute seats are rare, so it’s safer to buy tickets a day or several days earlier.
Failing to inform about restrictions for large groups or strollers — if someone in your party has special needs, contact the staff before the visit.
Neglecting a post-visit dining plan — popular nearby places fill up quickly after exhibitions and shows, so booking a table or having an alternative will save you long waits.
Mini brick sets as a gift: small sets or a little bag of loose bricks are an affordable, effective present to tuck inside a ticket or hand over just before entering the exhibition.
Personalized minifigure: for a truly special gift, order or build a minifigure that resembles the recipient — it often becomes a beloved toy or collector’s memento.
Gift voucher for the museum shop: many people prefer to choose a souvenir themselves; a voucher lets them pick what they like and ties nicely to the visit.
How long does the visit take? A standard visit is about 60–90 minutes, but it depends on the group’s interest and any extra activities.
Do I need to book a guide? It’s not required, but a guide can add context and stories — if you want a guided tour tailored to your group, arrange it in advance.
Are there age limits? No — the exhibition is designed to interest both children and adult collectors.
Can I take photos? Usually yes, but check at the entrance whether there are any photographic restrictions on a given day or for certain exhibits.
Is the museum stroller-friendly? Check availability of facilities first — in some spots the space between display cases can be tight; if you’re bringing a stroller, contact the staff to coordinate the most convenient entrance.
Collections like this often include items with interesting histories — sometimes pieces have been shown at conventions, come from private collections, or even had unusual “journeys” (great storytelling material during the visit).
If you want an extra-personal surprise, prepare a short home slideshow with childhood photos of the person you’re celebrating — when they see a similar exhibit, the reaction can be priceless.
A little storytelling adds magic: invent a short, funny backstory for one of the minifigures and use it as a running theme during the visit. Kids especially love such role-playing games.
If you’d like, I can help plan and lead a Bricks & Figs visit with extra elements: a Christmas quiz, stories about exhibits and small activities for children. For private groups I prepare programs tailored to guests’ ages and interests.
I encourage you to contact me via zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — in your message, write the date of the planned visit, number of participants and a short description of the surprise you’d like to prepare. Together we’ll agree the best plan and discuss costs and availability.
1) Book tickets and confirm opening hours for the day of the visit.
2) Plan your time — 90–120 minutes is a safe margin for the visit and small activities.
3) Decide whether you want a guide or additional attractions — book in advance.
4) Reserve a table at your chosen restaurant for after the visit, especially during the holiday season.
5) Prepare small gifts or a surprise scenario and pay attention to details — they make the biggest impression.
If this text helped you plan a Christmas surprise, share it on social media or send it to friends who are also planning to visit Kraków during the holidays.
If you’d like help preparing the surprise scenario or having me lead the visit — contact details and the offer are on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. I’ll be happy to help make your holidays in Kraków extraordinary.
