The Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków is more than a collection of flying machines — it’s a place where aviation history intertwines with personal stories of pilots, engineers and designers. On the grounds of the former Kraków-Rakowice-Czyżyny airfield you’ll find unique airplanes, helicopters, gliders, engines and memorabilia connected to Polish and global aviation.
For visitors who have only two days in Kraków, a visit here complements a walk around the Old Town and an evening in Kazimierz — the museum offers open space and a different kind of experience compared with the crowded city centre.
Remember that the exhibition includes large indoor hangars as well as open-air displays, so depending on the weather you can spend anywhere from 1.5 to 4 hours here.
Address: al. Jana Pawła II 39, Kraków. GPS: N 50° 4′ 37″ E 19° 59′ 23″.
Opening hours: usually Tuesday to Sunday 09:00–17:00; the museum is typically closed on Mondays — watch for holidays and special closures.
Collections: the museum displays hundreds of items — airplanes, gliders, helicopters, engines, documents and memorabilia; part of the collection is housed in modern hangars, including a large exhibition dedicated to civil aviation.
Tickets: regular, reduced and family tickets are available; often on Tuesdays there is free admission to selected permanent exhibitions — check current information before you come.
PZL P.11c — the museum’s most recognizable exhibit — is the only surviving original example of this fighter in the world, making it a true symbol of Polish interwar aviation.
The museum houses papal helicopters; guides often share anecdotes suggesting that one of these helicopters is still airworthy, which surprises many visitors.
The exhibition sits on the grounds of an airfield whose history goes back to the early 20th century — walking among the aircraft, you tread on taxiways that date from the Austro-Hungarian period and the Second Polish Republic.
You’ll find not only machines but also fragments of stories about espionage, prototypes that never entered serial production and operations that sound like plotlines from a movie.
Day 1 — morning: start in the Old Town — the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Church — and have a light lunch in the centre. Reserve the afternoon for the Polish Aviation Museum — it’s 20–30 minutes from the centre by public transport or taxi. Begin with the permanent exhibition in the Main Hangar.
Day 1 — evening: return to the centre for dinner at one of Kraków’s recommended restaurants like Filipa 18, Bottiglieria 1881 or Wierzynek.
Day 2 — morning: if you’re an aviation fan, return to the museum for an extra hour to see what you missed the day before (for example engine displays or temporary exhibitions). Alternatively visit the nearby Museum of Municipal Engineering or enjoy a walk in the green areas close by.
Day 2 — afternoon: explore Kazimierz with its cafés and antique shops, then head back to the Main Market Square for final photos and souvenir shopping.
Take a guided tour or rent the museum’s multimedia guide — a passionate guide will reveal stories you won’t find on the exhibit labels.
Set aside at least 2 hours to see the main hangars and outdoor displays; if you’re interested in engineering and engines, add another hour.
Check the museum’s daily schedule — some days feature special demonstrations, talks or open storerooms with rare items.
If you’re traveling with children, look for interactive exhibits or family workshops — the museum runs educational activities for families and schools that greatly enhance the visit.
The museum is at al. Jana Pawła II 39; the easiest way to reach it is by public transport or taxi from the centre. By car, access is from ul. Markowskiego and there is usually a free visitor parking lot.
The main entrance and part of the exhibition are accessible to visitors with limited mobility, but some older hangars and outdoor displays may require consultation with staff — it’s worth asking at the ticket desk.
Last entry is usually about one hour before closing (for example, if the museum closes at 17:00, entry may be allowed until around 16:15), so plan your visit so you have enough time.
Comfortable shoes — exhibits are spread across a large area, often on hard surfaces and inside hangars.
Layered clothing — some displays are outdoors and hangars can be cooler than the city centre.
A camera or a good phone — many machines make great photo subjects; remember the photography rules (temporary exhibits may have restrictions).
After your visit, for a memorable meal in the centre try Filipa 18 Food Wine Art (known for awards and excellent cuisine), Bottiglieria 1881 (creative cuisine and an outstanding wine list), Wierzynek (historic restaurant at the Market Square) or Pod Aniołami (atmospheric venue with traditional dishes).
For accommodation choose the Old Town or Kazimierz — from there you’ll reach the main attractions easily and you’ll have a large selection of restaurants and cafés in the evenings. If you prefer more peace, consider the Dębniki district or areas along the Vistula, which also have good connections to the centre.
For families and visitors who value convenience, look for hotels and apartments with easy access to the museum or those that offer transfers on request.
Arriving on Monday — the museum is usually closed, so check the weekday before planning your visit.
Trying to 'see everything' in one hour — the exhibition is extensive; it’s better to pick a selection and spend time on the parts that interest you most.
Not checking opening times and temporary exhibition schedules — some displays can be closed or have limited access due to preparations or special events.
Forgetting about the weather — part of the exhibition is outdoors, so rain or heat can affect your comfort.
Is the museum suitable for children? Yes — the museum offers educational exhibitions and workshops; check the current family programme before your visit.
How much time do I need? Plan at least 2 hours for indoor and outdoor exhibitions; avid enthusiasts should allow 3–4 hours.
Do I need to book tickets in advance? For single visits it’s usually not necessary, but for special events and groups it’s wise to reserve in advance.
Can I take photos? In most areas yes, but always check signage and rules for specific temporary exhibits.
The museum stands on one of the oldest airfields in the world — fragments of the original infrastructure are still visible among the displays.
Not all exhibits are on constant display — the museum keeps storerooms and collections that are occasionally released to the public during special shows.
Some machines in the collection are prototypes or examples connected to operations from World War II and the Cold War — for military history enthusiasts the museum is a treasure trove of little-known details.
The Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków is a must for visitors who want to enrich a two-day stay in the city — it combines space, history and technology in an engaging way.
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If you prefer to tour with a private guide, I invite you to use the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — contact details can be found on the guide’s page.
