Manggha is the only museum in Poland devoted to Japanese culture and art, combining a rich collection with a program of workshops and events. The collection began with the holdings of Feliks Jasieński and was supported by initiatives tied to the Kyoto–Kraków foundation, and the building was designed by the distinguished Japanese architect Arata Isozaki — the architecture alone is reason enough to step off the main tourist routes and spend an hour or two here. In the sections that follow you’ll find practical information about tickets, opening hours, how to get there, and tips on planning your visit so you get the most out of it.
Manggha is also a lively place: beyond permanent and temporary exhibitions you can attend tea ceremony demonstrations, origami workshops, calligraphy lessons and other events that bring everyday and artistic aspects of Japan closer. It’s a great option for art lovers, families with children and anyone looking for an unusual attraction in central Kraków.
A little-known fact often missed by guides: the museum’s founding was financed in part thanks to the Kyoto Prize awarded to Andrzej Wajda — an element that links Polish and Japanese cultural history at Manggha.
The museum is located at 26 Maria Konopnicka Street, near the Rondo Grunwaldzkie stop and on the bank of the Vistula River, so it’s easy to combine a visit with a walk along the river. The location makes it conveniently accessible by tram and city buses.
The easiest way is to take a tram or bus to Rondo Grunwaldzkie — several tram and bus lines stop there, which makes arriving from different parts of the city straightforward. From the stop it’s a few minutes’ walk to the museum entrance. If you’d like a walk, the riverside area and the route toward Wawel make a pleasant addition to the visit.
On site you’ll also find Café Manggha — a good place for a short break after touring the exhibitions.
Manggha is typically open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00; last admission is usually about half an hour before closing. The museum is often closed on Mondays and has selected closed days during the year, so it’s worth checking current information before you go.
One practical tip for budget travelers: Tuesday is often a free-entry day. This can be a great option if you want to see the exhibitions without buying a regular ticket, but remember that Tuesdays can be noticeably busier.
During larger events, festivals or Museum Night the hours and admission rules may change — in those cases check museum announcements and consider reserving entry in advance.
Manggha usually offers tickets in several categories: full-price, reduced, family and group tickets. The museum also recognizes special discount programs such as the "N" card or the Large Family Card, and symbolic-price tickets (for example 1 PLN) are available for children and youth within certain age limits.
Tickets can be bought at the ticket office or online — for popular exhibitions we recommend online purchase to avoid queues, especially on weekends and on free-admission days. A ticket typically grants access to all current exhibitions on the day of your visit.
Special rates apply for groups and families; the museum also offers guided-visit options (advance booking required). If you plan to come with a larger group, contact the reception ahead of time to arrange the best option and price.
The core of the collection consists of ukiyo-e woodblock prints, applied art such as lacquerware (urushi), militaria including samurai armor, and everyday objects from Japan. The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions presenting both historical works and contemporary art from Japan and East Asia.
Exhibitions are prepared for a range of audiences — from those interested in art history to families and young people. Pay attention to exhibit labels and educational materials provided by the museum: they help explain cultural context and artistic techniques, which enriches the experience.
In addition to permanent and temporary displays, the museum hosts craft demonstrations, workshops and live presentations — if you happen to attend one of these events, your visit gains an interactive, practical dimension.
Manggha offers programs for families with children and facilities for visitors with disabilities. On site you can find services such as tactile maps, PJM (Polish Sign Language) video translations, special educational programs and museum-lesson options tailored to younger participants.
Family tickets are often economical — check terms (maximum number of people, required ages for children) before purchase. The museum also communicates about accessibility programs and sometimes runs workshops or activities for groups with additional needs.
If you’re traveling with a stroller or someone with limited mobility, ask on arrival about wheelchairs for loan and for guidance to help you move through exhibition spaces comfortably.
Manggha offers the possibility of hiring a guide for organized groups; the standard fee for group tours is provided in the museum regulations and usually covers the cost of one ticket plus the guiding service. Tour reservations should be made in advance — the museum requests bookings several days before the planned visit, especially in the tourist season.
There are family-priced guided tours that are often cheaper than standard group tours. If you want a tour in a foreign language or a special workshop, arrange this in advance by email or phone.
When planning a group visit, ask about limits on the number of visitors in an exhibition and about preferred times — some shows limit simultaneous visitors to improve the experience.
To avoid crowds, plan your visit early on a weekday just after opening or late afternoon on days without special events. Tuesdays, despite free entry, may be crowded — a good pick if low cost is your priority, but not if you prefer quiet, unhurried viewing.
Check the museum’s website in advance for current exhibitions and events — popular temporary shows can create long lines and online tickets can sell out quickly. Remember the last-admission rule (usually the last half hour before closing).
Bring comfortable shoes and a camera — both the collections and the building’s architecture offer many interesting photo opportunities. If you plan to attend a workshop, arrive with some extra time, since participant numbers are often limited.
Not checking opening hours and closed days before you go — especially on Mondays and public holidays the museum may be closed. Always confirm hours on the official site before leaving.
Arriving on a free-entry day without a plan — Tuesdays can get busy, so if you value a calm visit choose another day or come right at opening.
Failing to reserve for large groups or guided tours — this may result in not being able to join a guided visit or getting a less convenient time. Contact the museum ahead of time to secure your spot and ideal schedule.
Do I need to book tickets online? - Not always, but for popular exhibitions and events it’s recommended to buy online to avoid queues.
Are there discounts for children? - The museum has special rates and discount programs, including symbolic-price tickets for younger age groups; check details at the ticket office or on the website.
Does Manggha run hands-on workshops? - Yes, the museum regularly organizes workshops (origami, tea ceremony, calligraphy) — check the events calendar before your visit.
Café Manggha is on site — a convenient and reliable spot for coffee or a light meal after touring. To extend your day, consider a walk along the Vistula or a stroll toward Wawel and Kraków’s Kazimierz district — those areas offer many excellent restaurants and cafés.
Manggha makes a great stop in a themed day: after your visit you can continue by the river, stop at a nearby café or plan further cultural visits in Kraków. If you crave more Japanese flavors, look for recommended restaurants in the city center and Kazimierz — there you’ll find both refined sushi places and modern Asian eateries.
If you’re staying overnight, the areas around Rondo Grunwaldzkie and the Old Town offer a wide range of accommodation options from cozy hotels to apartments — Manggha’s location makes it easy to reach other parts of the city quickly.
If this guide helped you, share it with friends or on social media — a well-planned visit is invaluable. We also encourage contact with the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — her services are available via zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. A professional narration about Manggha and the Polish–Japanese cultural ties will enrich your visit and help you notice details you might otherwise miss. It’s worth writing in advance, especially if you plan a group visit or want a tour in a specific language.
Have a great trip and enjoy your visit — Manggha leaves lasting impressions of textures, images and an invitation to continue discovering Japan in the heart of Kraków.
