Did you know that the building at Pomorska Street 2 is today a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków and at the same time a painful part of the city’s history? The branch preserves the former cells of the Gestapo investigative prison — a place deeply embedded in the city’s memory that is hard to forget after a visit. For visiting groups it is a must on the Memory Route, together with the Pharmacy Under the Eagle and Oskar Schindler’s Factory.
Pomorska Street is more than a museum exhibition — it tells specific human stories and shows the mechanisms of occupation terror. Group visits allow time to discuss historical context and ask questions; a guide can lead the group through the exhibition, adding testimonies and commentary that make the experience deeper than a self-guided walk. For many visitors the visit is an important step toward understanding Krakow’s and Poland’s 20th-century history.
Day 1: Morning walk through the Old Town, Wawel Castle, afternoon in Kazimierz — evening: a light dinner and rest. Day 2: Morning reserved for the Memory Route — Pomorska Street, Pharmacy Under the Eagle, Oskar Schindler’s Factory; afternoon: museums or themed walks. Day 3: City museums (for example historic palaces or temporary exhibitions) or an optional trip to Nowa Huta for those interested. If your group is particularly interested in World War II history, it’s best to schedule the Pomorska Street visit on the second day, when the group has settled into the trip rhythm and is less likely to be tired from travel.
Group visits at the Pomorska Street branch are possible for groups starting from a certain size — the museum distinguishes individual and group entries, and rules and prices are specified in the museum regulations. Group tickets are usually cheaper than standard individual tickets, and there are special rates for school groups. A guided tour of the permanent exhibition may be charged separately (fee for a guide). Before arriving, contact the branch preferably by email or phone to confirm available dates, group size and booking requirements. Many groups choose a reservation that includes a museum guide or buy tickets in advance online to save time on the day of the visit.
The permanent exhibition displays documents, photographs, testimonies and the authentic interiors of the former detention facility — including cells. The exhibition tells the stories of Krakow’s residents during occupation and the early postwar years, showing different attitudes toward terror and repression. Warn participants in advance that the exhibition is moving and contains realistic descriptions of traumatic events; sensitive people, very young children or those already emotionally strained should be informed beforehand. It is helpful for groups to have a short introduction before entering, where the guide outlines context and rules of conduct (silence, respect for the memorial site, and any photography restrictions).
The Pomorska Street branch opens on selected days of the week; last admission is usually 30 minutes before closing. Visits can be individual (small parties) or group (larger numbers) — regulations define maximum group sizes and possible limits for workshops or guided tours. If your group includes people with limited mobility, ask the museum in advance about accessibility options (lifts, barrier-free routes, staff assistance). Contacting the branch also lets you check for any conservation work or temporary closures of particular rooms.
After an intense visit many groups look for reliable places to eat. Around the Old Town and Kazimierz you will find highly rated spots often recommended to groups — for example Massolit Books & Café (for coffee lovers and atmospheric interiors), Starka (traditional Polish cuisine in Kazimierz) and several riverside restaurants near Wawel that offer regional dishes and are used to hosting larger groups. To save travel time and make the 3-day plan easier, choose hotels or apartments in the Old Town or Kazimierz. When booking for larger groups, contact the hotel directly — many properties offer group discounts or tailored menus.
Not booking tickets in advance — this can lead to long waits or no availability in preferred time slots. Skipping a short introduction before entry — the group won’t know what to expect and may interrupt the visit. Mismatching the program to participants’ ages — the exhibition is intense; plan alternatives for very young or particularly sensitive visitors. Not coordinating transport and timing — delays on the day can disrupt the whole schedule. Solutions: book in advance, inform participants about the exhibition’s nature, confirm guides and transport with time cushions.
Book admissions online when possible — it saves time. Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on historic hard floors. Ask about educational materials for groups — the museum often provides brochures or educational packs. Combine the visit with a short walk following other memory sites — it gives richer context. If you plan to visit during special events (for example Museum Night), check the rules and any special fees in advance.
Do we need to book in advance for a group of 10-25 people? - Yes, booking group visits is strongly recommended, especially outside peak season or on event days. Is the exhibition suitable for children? - The exhibition covers difficult topics; consider an alternative program for younger children. Does the museum offer guided tours for groups? - Yes, guided tours of the exhibition are available (these services are sometimes charged separately); confirm details with the branch before your visit. How long does a standard visit take? - Typically the visit lasts from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on pacing and the number of questions from the group.
If you plan a group visit, start by setting a date and contacting the Pomorska Street branch to secure tickets and any guiding services. If you like, I can suggest a detailed itinerary for each of the three days tailored to your group’s size and interests. I also encourage sharing this article with friends or on social media — a simple recommendation often helps plan the ideal stay. For those who prefer professional assistance, you are invited to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact information is available on the site of zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
