The Lady with an Ermine is the only painting by Leonardo da Vinci in Poland and a must-see for many visitors to Kraków. It’s relatively small, painted on a walnut panel, and has long drawn attention both for its artistic value and the history of the collection it belongs to. When the painting is shown in special exhibitions (it has been displayed at the Royal Castle on Wawel and in buildings of the National Museum in Kraków), it attracts crowds — so it pays to prepare ahead to enjoy it comfortably.
This guide gives practical tips for the Night of Museums, lists the most common mistakes tourists make, and offers simple ways to avoid queues, stress and disappointment. At the end you’ll find an FAQ and recommendations for places to rest after your visit. If you’d like personal help planning your visit, guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) is available to assist — contact details are on her site.
The painting is displayed in a dedicated museum gallery under conditions that protect its conservation and security. Because of limited space and high public interest, the museum may use a ticket system or limit the number of people allowed in the room at once, especially during special events like the Night of Museums.
Historically the Lady has been loaned and travelled to European cities for exhibitions, which always generated strong public interest and sometimes required extra rules about display conditions. As a result, the museum maintains strict procedures for transport, conservation studies and the presentation of the work.
Night of Museums in Kraków is a fantastic opportunity, but it’s also the busiest time. If the Lady with an Ermine is on the program, expect lines at the entrance and longer waits to enter the gallery. Check the museum’s entry rules a few days before the event — sometimes free tickets are issued at the ticket office or prior online registration is required.
If you want to avoid the crowds: arrive before the evening peak, consider visiting the museum on a regular day (outside Night of Museums), or choose a later hour when many participants have already left other venues. Allow time to rest — visiting several sites intensively in one evening can be tiring.
Note that popular dates and weekends can include reserved group time slots — if you’re coming with a larger group, check availability in advance.
1. Showing up unprepared — the most common mistake is not checking current entry rules. Before you leave your hotel, check the museum hours, how entry is handled during the special event and any security requirements.
2. Banking on a “last-minute” chance — hoping to slip in without queuing usually ends in hours of waiting. Book tickets or arrive early.
3. Wrong clothing and luggage — large backpacks, suitcases or umbrellas complicate entry checks and are often not allowed in exhibition rooms. Leave big bags in the cloakroom or your hotel room.
4. Taking photos against the rules — many high-value exhibitions prohibit photography; breaking the rule can result in a reprimand. Make sure whether photography is allowed and whether flash must be turned off.
5. Relying on long, improvised commentary from random people in the crowd — at popular exhibits people sometimes offer opinions that aren’t accurate. If you want reliable context, use museum materials or a trusted guide.
Check the museum regulations in advance: you’ll learn whether photography is prohibited and whether coats or bags must be left in the cloakroom. On busy days bring only the essentials: ID, phone, wallet and a bottle of water. A small backpack or belt bag is more convenient than a large bag.
In the gallery keep quiet and respect other visitors — many people want a moment of calm. Do not touch the exhibits, follow signs and the instructions of security staff. If you have children, plan a short visit or consider leaving them with a caregiver so everyone can enjoy the experience peacefully.
If you need extra context, use the museum’s audio guide or on-site educational materials; they provide reliable information without disturbing the gallery atmosphere.
After your visit it’s nice to relax in a well-rated spot near the Old Town. A few popular places often recommended by visitors: Charlotte — a French-style bakery and bistro, great for coffee and cake; Café Camelot — a cozy café close to the Old Town; Massolit Books & Café — a combination bookstore and café, perfect for a quiet recap. There are also many restaurants offering regional dishes where it’s worth booking a table in the afternoon or evening.
Remember to choose venues with current good reviews and reserve a table if you’re in a larger group or plan to eat after a busy event. At peak times wait times can be long.
Despite its small size, the painting has great scientific and conservation importance; the museum regularly carries out research and tests to monitor its condition. Transport and display procedures are very strict, which is why loans abroad are rare but carefully planned.
The painting’s history is fascinating and connects to the Czartoryski collection; over the years the work has travelled to international exhibitions, always attracting wide public and media interest. Small details, like the symbolism of the ermine, add layers of meaning to the portrait that are fun to learn about before your visit.
Can I take photos? Photography rules depend on the exhibition and the museum — some shows ban photos completely, others allow images without flash. Check on-site information or the museum’s notices.
Is entry to Night of Museums free? Many museums take part in Night of Museums and have special entry rules; sometimes free tickets are available, other times registration is needed. Always check the organizers’ announcements before the event.
How long does it take to see the painting? A moment at the painting can be brief — 5–15 minutes — but plan extra time for waiting, visiting accompanying displays and resting in the museum.
Is it worth coming with a guide? If you want deeper understanding of historical context and symbolism, a guide adds a lot. For a personal, tailored visit you can contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — contact details are available on her page.
Plan your visit in advance, bring minimal luggage, respect the museum rules and allow yourself a moment of silence in front of the masterpiece. If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others plan a better visit to Kraków.
If you prefer a visit with personal support from a guide, consider booking a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — her contact and service details are on her site. Enjoy your visit and memorable moments with the Lady with an Ermine!
