Jan Matejko's House is more than “just another” museum in central Kraków — it’s the place where one of the greatest Polish painters of the 19th century was born, lived, worked and died. The townhouse at Floriańska 41 preserves the atmosphere of the artist’s studio and family home. The biographical exhibition displays sketches, smaller paintings, props and parts of the atelier that help you understand Matejko’s creative process. For anyone interested in art and history, a visit feels intimate and authentic — different from seeing monumental canvases in large galleries.
The House of Jan Matejko is part of the network of branches of the National Museum in Kraków (MNK). That matters because it means unified ticketing rules, the option to buy tickets online and access to the MNK information and reservation center.
The house is located right by the Main Market Square, so it fits perfectly into a walking itinerary of the Old Town — when you leave, you can head straight to the Square for a coffee or continue to other museums.
The easiest way is to buy tickets online on the official National Museum in Kraków website (MNK shop) or directly on the branch page for Jan Matejko's House. Buying online saves time and helps secure your spot for guided tours or events.
Indicative ticket prices for MNK branches include: regular ticket around 18 PLN, reduced around 14 PLN, family ticket around 36 PLN (up to 4 people, including at least one child up to 16). There is a symbolic ticket for young people aged 7–26 (about 1 PLN) — a very generous option for students and younger visitors.
In practice: the museum may be closed occasionally for renovation work — check MNK updates before planning your trip. Also note that Tuesday is the day of free admission to permanent exhibitions, which can mean larger queues. The ticket office and museum shop are usually open until closing time, and the last visitors are admitted about 20 minutes before closing.
Group reservations and guided tours are organized by the MNK Information and Reservation Center — for groups and for some events it’s often necessary to reserve in advance, as spaces can be limited.
Standard opening hours for the MNK Matejko branch are: Tuesday 10:00–18:00, Wednesday–Sunday 10:00–16:00; closed on Mondays. Still, always check current hours on the museum’s website, especially during the tourist season or renovation work.
Tuesday is the free admission day for permanent exhibitions — a good opportunity but expect more visitors. The last admission is usually about 20 minutes before closing, and the ticket office closes with the museum. Organized and school groups may have slightly different booking rules and often use earlier visiting hours.
The exhibition at Jan Matejko's House is intimate and organized around the artist’s life: you will see living rooms, studios with original furniture and personal items, sketches and smaller paintings, as well as materials showing the creative process — from studies and sketches to painting preparations. The house contains works that illustrate the early and middle stages of Matejko’s creative path, and you’ll also learn about his interest in collecting and protecting Kraków’s monuments.
Pay attention to the sketches and smaller works, which are often more “human” than the famous monumental historical canvases displayed in other MNK branches. It’s a great chance to see the master’s workshop and how he worked on compositions.
When planning your visit: buy your ticket online, especially if you’re coming on a weekend or on free Tuesdays. Online purchase guarantees your place and helps you avoid lines at the ticket office.
Arrive at a relaxed pace — visiting Jan Matejko's House usually takes 30–60 minutes, depending on how much time you spend reading labels and studying details. If you want a museum-led tour or to take part in an educational event, reserve your spot in advance.
Large bags and backpacks: space is limited in smaller museum branches — it’s better to leave large luggage at your hotel or use a cloakroom if available. Check photography rules — some rooms may prohibit flash or photography altogether.
Accessibility: the historic townhouse may have architectural limitations; if you need information about accessibility for visitors with reduced mobility, contact the museum before your trip.
Jan Matejko's House sits right by the Main Market Square, so you have plenty of dining options nearby — from small cafés to elegant restaurants. If you’re looking for well-known places, consider Restauracja Pod Baranami or the historic Wierzynek (both on the Square), or small atmospheric cafés and bistros in the side streets. Massolit Books & Cafe is a good option for literature lovers and a light lunch.
For a more local feel, visit Stary Kleparz (a short walk) and try regional specialties at the market stalls — a quick and authentic experience. After the museum, it’s also nice to stroll through Kazimierz or along the Planty to feel a different side of the city.
Visiting on Monday — many museum branches, including Jan Matejko’s House, are closed on Mondays. Check the museum’s hours before you go.
Expecting huge canvases — Jan Matejko's House is a biographical, intimate exhibition; the large famous paintings are often displayed in other National Museum branches. If you hoped to see the big history paintings, plan a visit to the MNK main building as well.
Not checking admission rules and promotions — Tuesdays with free admission to permanent exhibitions are attractive but busier; if you value peace and space, choose another day of the week.
Do I have to buy a ticket online? Not always, but buying online is convenient and reduces the risk of waiting in line, especially on weekends and during events.
How long does the visit take? Usually 30–60 minutes. For visitors who like to read labels and study details, it can take about an hour or slightly more.
Are there discounts for youth and families? Yes — there are reduced and family tickets and a very low-cost ticket for people aged 7–26 (approximately 1 PLN).
What if the museum is closed for renovations? Check current information on the MNK website before you travel; the museum posts notices about closures and renovation periods.
Jan Matejko was also a collector and a lover of Kraków’s monuments — many objects and documents in the house illustrate his interests beyond painting.
The House often displays sketches and drawings that many visitors find more intriguing than the famous large paintings — they are a window into the artist’s creative process.
The symbolic ticket price for young people (1 PLN) is an interesting element of cultural policy in Poland, intended to encourage youth to engage with cultural institutions.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others better plan their visit to Kraków. If you’re interested in a guided visit with a local guide, I invite you to use the private services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. If you have questions before your trip, I’m happy to help plan your route and suggest how to combine Jan Matejko's House with other attractions in the city. Have a great trip and enjoy your visit!
