The Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) is not only an architectural gem of the Main Market Square — it was also the first permanent seat of the National Museum in Krakow. The Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art, operating here since the 19th century, presents one of the most important collections of Polish painting and sculpture. The 2006–2010 renovation changed the interiors and exhibition systems; during modernization, many large canvases were temporarily shown elsewhere — a reminder of how large a task caring for this collection can be.
In this guide you will find a concrete visit plan, practical tips and a few surprising facts to make your visit easier and help you fully appreciate the treasures on the first floor of the Sukiennice.
The exhibition focuses on Polish painting and sculpture from the Enlightenment through Symbolism and the Young Poland movement — the era that shaped many icons of Polish art. In one place you can see works by Jan Matejko, Józef Chełmoński, Jacek Malczewski, Henryk Siemiradzki and Władysław Podkowiński.
Thanks to the central location on the Main Market Square it is easy to combine a gallery visit with other activities: a short walk to St. Mary’s Basilica, coffee in a nearby café, or climbing to the Sukiennice terrace for a lovely view of the Square.
After modernization the gallery interiors were adapted to exhibition needs: improved climate control, lighting and security systems, and parts of the terraces have been made accessible to visitors.
10:00 — Enter the Sukiennice just after opening: arriving early helps avoid the biggest crowds. The ticket office and museum shop remain open until the branch closes.
10:15–11:30 — Route through the themed rooms: start with halls devoted to the large historical panoramas and portraits (including Matejko’s works), then move to rooms with landscapes and genre scenes (Chełmoński, Michałowski), and finish with rooms showing Symbolists and Young Poland masters (Malczewski, Podkowiński).
11:30–12:00 — Terrace and short break: if the weather is good, use the Sukiennice terrace — access is included with the ticket. You can also stop for coffee or a light second breakfast around the Market Square.
Longer alternative (3–4 hours): add a visit to the MNK Main Building (20th and 21st-century collections) or a short trip to the Czartoryski Museum — check opening hours and buy tickets in advance.
The gallery houses works that for many visitors become the highlights of their visit: Henryk Siemiradzki’s “The Torches of Nero,” monumental compositions by Jan Matejko, paintings by Józef Chełmoński, and works by Jacek Malczewski and Aleksander Gierymski.
Notice the variety of themes and techniques: from large-scale historical canvases through intimate self-portraits to realist genre scenes and landscapes. It’s an excellent place to see how Polish art developed through the 19th century and what inspired its artists.
Don’t rush at certain paintings — sometimes it’s worth sitting for a moment and reading the label to understand the historical context and symbolism, especially for Symbolist works.
Address: Main Market Square 3 (Rynek Główny 3). The gallery is usually open Tuesday to Sunday, approximately 10:00–18:00; it is closed on Mondays. Last admission is typically about 20 minutes before closing. Days and hours can change for special events, so check current information before your visit.
Typical ticket prices: normal, reduced, family and special youth rates are offered. The museum also sells passes and online tickets. Many visitors find Tuesdays convenient because permanent exhibitions are often free that day.
Audioguides are available in several languages (for example Polish, English, German, French, Russian). Guided tours can be booked — the museum offers tours in Polish and selected foreign languages. The building and exhibition spaces offer basic accessibility provisions, but if you need assistance it’s a good idea to contact the museum in advance.
Buy your ticket online before you arrive — it saves waiting time in queues, especially in high season and on weekends. Remember that free entry on Tuesdays can increase visitor numbers.
Arrive at opening time or in the late afternoon for the quietest experience. Avoid visiting between about 11:00 and 15:00 when the Square and the Sukiennice area are often most crowded.
If you want photos without reflections and large crowds, choose weekdays outside the summer season. Amateur photography of the permanent exhibition is usually allowed without additional lighting or tripods, but always check the current rules on site.
The Main Market Square and its immediate surroundings offer a wide choice of places — from historic restaurants to cosy cafés. For an elegant dinner consider historic Restaurant Wierzynek or the classic Wentzl with its beautiful view of the Square.
For a quick coffee and a cosy atmosphere try Cafe Camelot; fans of modern bistros will find well-reviewed spots in the side streets off the Square. Reserving a table in popular restaurants is a good idea in the evening.
If you want to combine art with gastronomy, look for café-restaurant spaces near the museum buildings — they’re convenient for a break between viewing collections and further exploration of Kraków.
Allowing too little time for your visit — the Gallery contains many important works; plan at least 1.5–2 hours so you don’t rush. Buying tickets in person during peak season — queues can be long, so online purchase is better.
Assuming that every room is open every day — some parts may be temporarily closed for special exhibitions or conservation. Check museum news before you go.
Ignoring information about photography restrictions or the last admission — read notices at the ticket desk and in the lobby to avoid disappointment.
During the major Sukiennice renovation over one thousand works were temporarily moved — parts of the exhibition were presented elsewhere, a real logistical feat. The modernization budget and restoration works were significant, including installing climate control, new systems and opening viewing terraces.
Historically the Sukiennice hosted civic ceremonies and representative events — today souvenir stalls still operate on the ground floor while upstairs you can discover treasures of Polish painting.
Many paintings include references to Polish history and 19th-century everyday life — reading the descriptions near the works greatly helps with understanding the context.
Do I need to reserve a ticket in advance? Online booking is recommended in season and on weekends; it saves time. Can I take photos? Amateur photography of permanent exhibitions is usually permitted without extra lighting or tripods, but always check the current rules on site.
Are audioguides available? Yes — the museum offers audioguides in several languages. Is the museum open on Mondays? Usually not — the gallery is generally closed on Mondays; opening days and hours can change for special exhibitions. Is admission free on Tuesdays? Permanent exhibitions are often free on Tuesdays — a good option to save money, but expect higher visitor numbers. Is the Sukiennice terrace accessible? The viewing terrace is sometimes open and access is included with the ticket; check availability before your visit.
Check hours and exhibition availability on the museum’s website. Buy tickets online or arrive just after opening to avoid crowds. Wear comfortable shoes and plan at least 1.5–2 hours for the visit. Reserve a table if you plan to dine after your visit. If you prefer an expert commentary, consider booking a guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — information about private guiding is available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
If you found this guide helpful, share it on social media or send it to friends planning a trip to Kraków. If you’d like a local guided visit, you’re welcome to use the services of local guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
