The Market Underground and the memorial sites connected to World War II in Krakow are places where history meets emotion — ideal for creating a shared experience for team-building groups: they focus attention, spark discussion and provide material for joint tasks and reflection.
Visiting these sites can be gently interactive: short quizzes, team tasks at exhibitions and a shared roundup over coffee help build relationships and collective memory.
The Rynek Podziemny (Market Underground) is a modern exhibition telling the story of Krakow from the Middle Ages to later periods — the displays are impressive and make a great first stop on a city route for groups.
Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory tells the story of Krakow under Nazi occupation — an essential stop if you want the group to understand residents’ experiences during World War II. The exhibition is presented in a narrative way with props, photographs and film materials.
Tadeusz Pankiewicz’s ‘Under the Eagle’ Pharmacy at the Ghetto Heroes’ Square is an intimate, moving memorial space important when talking about the Krakow ghetto and the help given to Jewish residents by some locals.
Depending on time and group dynamics, it’s worth combining: the Market Underground (city history), Schindler’s Factory (occupation) and the Under the Eagle Pharmacy (ghetto) — together they give a fuller picture of events and emotions.
1) Start: a short meeting at the Main Market Square — introduction and team-building goals (10–15 min).
2) Market Underground — visit the exhibition (approx. 60 min). This is a good place to split the group into teams and give short tasks to solve at the displays.
3) Short walk across the Old Town toward Podgórze/Kazimierz — stories on location about wartime traces (15–20 min).
4) Schindler’s Factory — exhibition about Krakow under occupation (60–75 min). After the visit, plan a moderated short reflection and Q&A session (15 min).
5) Under the Eagle Pharmacy or a small memorial square — an intimate finish with a minute of silence and a short roundup; you can optionally present symbolic team certificates.
Group tickets and reservations: the Museum of Krakow manages ticket sales for branches such as the Market Underground and Schindler’s Factory; it’s wise to book in advance, especially for larger groups and outside the main tourist season.
Opening hours and combined tickets: there are combined tickets and updated opening hours for museum branches — before planning your trip check current prices and exhibition availability.
Online purchases and entry limits: Schindler’s Factory offers online ticket sales in advance and applies entry limits; for corporate groups, planning the date in advance avoids queues and ensures comfort.
Contact and group enquiries: for the Market Underground and other Museum of Krakow branches there are email and phone contacts — send an email requesting a group offer and possible guiding options.
Team tasks: short photo contests (who captures the best detail), quizzes with small prizes, or preparing a short scene based on a historical fragment — these encourage engagement and break the ice.
Roles within the team: assign a “note-taker”, “photographer”, “timekeeper” and “presenter” — a simple division of duties increases participation and order during the visit.
Reflection after the visit: plan 15–20 minutes for a debrief over coffee — a moment to share impressions and lessons that bind the group and help translate the experience into everyday teamwork.
If you prefer tried-and-true, highly rated places — consider restaurants around the Market and in Kazimierz: Pod Aniołami, Szara (Market), Wierzynek — all known for quality and locations suitable for a post-visit break.
Cafés for a quick pause: Cafe Camelot and Mleczarnia (Kazimierz) are popular with visitors and work well for short group meetups after an intensive programme.
Group reservations: for larger groups reserve tables in advance — the best places near the Market often fill up, especially in high season.
In the Market Underground you’ll see how the city’s layers overlap — it’s not just “old”, but almost a literal catalogue of Krakow’s changes over the centuries.
The Under the Eagle Pharmacy was the only pharmacy operating inside the Krakow ghetto and became an information and support centre for ghetto residents; its owner, Tadeusz Pankiewicz, was later honoured as Righteous Among the Nations.
Schindler’s Factory uses narrative scenography and multimedia materials, which helps make the story of the occupation more accessible to those just beginning to learn about the topic.
No booking for group entries — consequence: waiting and disappointment. Solution: reserve tickets early and confirm times.
Poor time estimation — planning “too tight” causes delays. Solution: leave a 30–45 minute margin for transfers and breaks.
Inappropriate programme for the group’s character — very heavy topics without preparation can overwhelm participants. Solution: plan a short introduction and a debriefing session after exhibitions where everyone can share impressions.
Is the route suitable for employees with different levels of historical knowledge? Yes — exhibitions are layered: basic information plus deeper threads for those who want to go further.
How much time should I reserve for the whole programme? At a realistic pace: 3–4 hours (Market Underground + Schindler’s Factory + short walk and break).
Is the visit accessible for people with limited mobility? Some museum locations have architectural limitations — check accessibility options and arrangements when booking.
Can this be combined with a trip to the salt mine or Auschwitz? Yes, such extensions are common for longer programmes, but they require additional logistics and time.
If this team-building idea appeals to you — share the article with colleagues or your team, pick a date and book the places.
If you want a professionally guided team route “Market Underground + traces of World War II,” consider arranging the trip with tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. A guide with experience will give the group a coherent programme, supporting materials and conditions tailored to your team-building goals.
