The Stained Glass Museum in Krakow is more than an exhibition — it is an active workshop with a tradition reaching back to the early 20th century. Address: al. Zygmunta Krasińskiego 23. Visitors see the whole stained-glass-making process: choosing glass, cutting and painting, and finally lead framing. It’s a great attraction for cooler, shorter autumn days, when light from the windows adds extra glow to the panels.
In recent years the museum has carried out reconstruction projects based on well-known designs from Young Poland artists, and among the most recognizable undertakings are realizations of Stanisław Wyspiański’s designs – “Apollo” and “Polonia”. For some projects the workshop has sourced glass made according to historical recipes, creating an authentic effect that delights craft lovers.
Tours are guided only, and the display combines a permanent exhibition with the artists’ workplace. A visit lasts about 45 minutes and is often experienced as a break from the crowds of the Old Town: warm interiors, concentrated craftwork and stories about techniques rarely seen today.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday; it is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Tours run in set sessions — check availability and reserve a spot before you come.
Visits are possible only with a guide. For individual tourists the museum offers selected hours in Polish and English; the minimum number of visitors is usually 2 (rules for organized groups differ). A standard visit takes about 45 minutes.
Tickets and prices: the museum sells tickets through an online booking system and at the box office. Individual ticket prices have previously been around 60 PLN, and family tickets have been available. The museum also runs workshops — a great option for hands-on experience with glass (workshops last from 1 hour to several hours and have separate pricing).
Contact and booking: the workshop and museum publish a telephone number on their site; it’s a good idea to email or book in advance, especially on weekends and holidays. The museum welcomes visitors with four-legged pets — a friendly plus for travelers with animals.
Yes — it’s an excellent place to include in your city itinerary. Forty-five minutes in a cozy workshop is a nice change from walks in the Old Town or Kazimierz, or a pleasant break between museum visits. In autumn, when days are shorter, the museum benefits from picturesque lighting — light through the windows highlights the character of the stained glass.
Practically speaking, plan your visit around midday or early afternoon — it makes logistics easier: after the tour you can relax with coffee, as there are several nice cafés and restaurants nearby.
If you want a hands-on workshop, book well in advance — places fill up quickly and sessions run only at specific times with limited capacity.
Start your morning at the Main Market Square: Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica (climb the tower for a panorama if you like), then walk through the Planty — a quick overview of the city center helps you get your bearings.
Lunch nearby: choose a well-reviewed spot close to the Square. For a light coffee or dessert try Cafe Camelot — atmospheric interior and homemade cakes. For dinner pick a restaurant serving traditional Polish cuisine with good reviews. After dark, a stroll along the Old Town streets has a special charm.
In the evening allow time to rest and prepare for the next day; autumn nights in Krakow are cooler, so plan a warm dinner and a short walk along the lit streets.
In the morning devote time to Wawel: the cathedral and royal chambers (if you plan to enter interiors, book tickets in advance). The castle and cathedral are classic highlights and deserve time.
After Wawel, head toward the Stained Glass Museum and schedule your visit around midday or early afternoon. This helps you avoid the morning crowds and gives you time for a calm workshop tour. Remember to reserve — the museum operates in set sessions and tours are guided only.
After the visit, move on to Kazimierz — the district offers atmospheric cafés and excellent restaurants. For dinner try Starka (ul. Józefa) — a popular spot offering local flavors in a pleasant atmosphere. An evening walk through Kazimierz reveals its unique character and many bars with live music.
Spend the third day exploring a different side of the city. Nowa Huta is an interesting alternative to the tourist center: socialist-realist architecture, the Central Square and a compelling history. A walk here gives a new perspective on Krakow.
An afternoon trip or walk to Kościuszko Mound is a great idea — the hill offers a panoramic view of Krakow and autumn colors in the parks are impressive. Another option is Zakrzówek — if the weather is good, a walk along the cliffs and a view of the flooded quarry make for an unforgettable experience. Watch for weekend crowds at Zakrzówek; in autumn it’s quieter than summer, but it’s best to arrive earlier.
In the evening return to the center, have dinner at one of the recommended restaurants or try local milk bars if you want simple, home-style meals.
Use the final day for what you missed: Oskar Schindler’s Factory (Schindler Museum) in Podgórze is an important and moving place — reserve tickets in advance. If you prefer a more relaxed day, take a morning walk through the Planty and buy small souvenirs at the Cloth Hall.
If you still crave art, consider one of Krakow’s contemporary art museums or smaller galleries. To finish the day, enjoy coffee at a local bakery, for example Charlotte, where you can feel a Parisian vibe and eat fresh pastries.
Before you leave, check your departure time for the airport or train station — adapt your afternoon schedule so you don’t rush at the last minute.
Cafés and desserts: Cafe Camelot (ul. Św. Tomasza) is a classic — cozy interior and homemade cakes. Charlotte at Plac Szczepański is a good place for fresh baked goods and breakfast.
Recommended restaurants: Pod Aniołami (near ul. Grodzka) — traditional cuisine in a historical setting; Starka (Kazimierz, ul. Józefa) — local flavors in a friendly atmosphere. Choose restaurants with good reviews and reserve a table for the evening, especially on weekends.
Accommodation: it’s convenient to stay near the Old Town or Kazimierz — this makes evening walks easier and shortens travel times to attractions. If you want a quieter neighborhood and a different view of the city, consider staying near Zakrzówek or in the Dębniki area.
Weather: autumn in Krakow can be variable — dress in layers. Mornings can be chilly and afternoons surprisingly warm. Bring a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes.
Light and photography: the best light is in the morning and late afternoon. Stained glass looks especially beautiful in good light, so plan your visit when natural light is available if you care about photos. Remember museum rules about photography — ask the guide.
Transport: the city center is best explored on foot; for farther points (Nowa Huta, Kościuszko Mound, Zakrzówek) use public transport or tram. Check timetables before you travel.
Not booking a visit to the Stained Glass Museum in advance — this can mean postponing your visit or finding no spaces. Book online or by phone.
Packing an overambitious schedule for a single day — Krakow has many attractions; it’s better to leave time for breaks and coffee than to rush from point to point.
Assuming all museums are open every day — many institutions, including the Stained Glass Museum, close on certain days (often Sunday and Monday). Check opening hours before you go.
Can I take photos in the museum? - Rules vary depending on the exhibition and the workshop. Usually photographing the exhibition is possible after asking the guide; some stages of workshop work may be restricted.
Is the Stained Glass Museum suitable for children? - Yes. The museum runs programs and special sessions for children, as well as family workshops. Morning sessions are often organized for the youngest visitors.
Do I need a car? - Not necessary. Krakow’s center and most attractions described are accessible on foot or by public transport. A car is useful only for trips outside the city.
For some museum projects glass was sourced from furnaces that produce glass according to 19th-century recipes. That affects the color palette and quality of the stained glass.
Reconstruction projects sometimes consume far more material than ordinary craftwork — some reconstructions take months or even years. It’s like slow “sculpting” with color.
The Stained Glass Museum operates in a way similar to a living workshop — visitors can see artists at work, which is much less common than in standard galleries.
If this article helped you, share it on social media or send it to friends — a small help for others planning an autumn trip to Krakow.
If you want to explore Krakow with someone who knows the city inside out and will tailor a plan to your interests, consider booking private guiding services with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Professional guidance can make a trip much more enjoyable and save you time.
Good luck with your planning and have a wonderful trip to Krakow — autumn is a great time to see the city at a gentler pace and create lovely memories by the light falling through stained glass.
