Józef Mehoffer bought the tenement at 26 Krupnicza Street in 1932 and personally arranged its interiors - that is why details matching his taste and preferences are visible in the museum today. The characteristic carved pine cones, visible in the hall and on the staircase, gave the building the affectionate name "Little Palace under the Pine Cones."
Today the house operates as a branch of the National Museum in Krakow and is an example of an artist's house-museum: inside you will see original furniture, textiles, a collection of Japanese woodcuts, and above all Mehoffer's works - paintings, drawings and stained-glass designs.
Don't forget to visit the garden - Mehoffer designed it after purchasing the property, and during earthworks fragments of historic tiles and elements related to Franciszek Wyspiański's studio were found. The garden is a quiet extension of the exhibition and a wonderful place to rest in Krakow's busy city centre.
Mehoffer's House (MNK Mehoffer) is located at 26 Krupnicza Street. Standard opening hours are: Tuesday 10:00–18:00 and Wednesday–Sunday 10:00–16:00; the museum is closed on Mondays. Tuesdays often feature free admission to the permanent exhibitions - it's worth checking before your planned visit.
The museum sells tickets online - if you plan a long weekend and want to avoid queues or disappointment (especially during special events), buy a ticket in advance or check information about night events such as Night of Museums.
If accessibility matters to you: the garden is reached through a courtyard with a ramp, which makes access easier for visitors using wheelchairs. The historic building itself has limited adaptations - call ahead if you need special arrangements.
If you have half a day: come in the morning - touring the house and garden takes about 60–90 minutes, and morning hours are best for quieter viewing of the interiors and taking photos in the garden without crowds.
A practical long-weekend plan: combine a visit to Mehoffer's House with a short walk through the Planty and to the Main Market Square - Krupnicza is close to the centre and you can easily reach the main points of the Old Town on foot.
In the evening consider joining special events - the National Museum often organises chamber concerts, curator-led tours and outdoor events in the garden, especially during the Garden Festival or Night of Museums.
The house interiors have been recreated in the spirit of Mehoffer's original concept - pay attention to the dining room and the salon with access to the terrace, and to the so-called Japanese room, which reflects the artist's collector interest in East Asian art.
Particularly valuable are the drawings and cartoons for stained glass, as well as personal objects and furniture that recreate the atmosphere of a former artistic salon - a good contrast to the large halls of major museums.
In the garden you'll find a composition resulting from Mehoffer's redesign - it's an ideal spot to rest after touring, and interesting historically because of the discovered tiles and elements linked to Wyspiański's studio.
Near Krupnicza there are several very pleasant cafés recommended by locals: Karma (Krupnicza 12) - a roastery and café known for precise espresso, and Cafe Tektura (Krupnicza 7) - a bright, friendly place perfect for a break. If you want to feel Krakow's historic atmosphere, choose coffee at Noworolski in the Cloth Hall.
For those who prefer a fuller meal: within the Market Square area and the adjacent streets you'll find well-rated restaurants serving both Polish dishes and international cuisine - pick places with good reviews and reserve a table during a long weekend.
A small tip: local cafés are often crowded in the afternoon - if you value calm, go for coffee before noon or in the late afternoon.
Arriving on Monday - the museum is closed. It's also common for visitors to plan short trips without checking for special event hours - it's better to check the museum's page before leaving.
Confusing the house-museum with a large gallery - Mehoffer's House is an intimate artist's home. Don't expect huge exhibition spaces; you will appreciate the intimacy and authenticity of the furnishings.
Not booking tickets for a long weekend - if you want a relaxed visit or plan a specific date (for example Night of Museums), purchase or reserve tickets in advance.
Mehoffer collected art from the Far East - in the house you'll see traces of this passion, for example in the so-called Japanese room; it is a great example of how distant inspirations influenced Polish Art Nouveau.
During renovations of the property, fragments of old decorative tiles and stone elements were uncovered, which points to a longer history of the site and links to local craft workshops.
The house functioned as a salon for musical and literary meetings - Mehoffer and his wife maintained a tradition of cultural gatherings, a spirit that still lingers in the intimate character of the place.
Take into account the limited space and the fragility of the exhibits - be careful with large backpacks; in some rooms you may be asked to leave bigger bags at the cloakroom.
Check the MNK events calendar - if you come across an outdoor concert or a special guided tour, it can add real value to your visit.
When planning photos, remember to respect the interiors and other visitors - flash and tripod use may be restricted in some rooms.
Is Mehoffer's House open every day? The museum is usually closed on Mondays; standard hours are Tuesday and Wednesday–Sunday (check current hours online before your visit).
Is the garden open year-round? The garden functions as part of the exhibition and is made available to visitors, although access may be limited during events or due to weather conditions.
Are there guides? The museum organises curator-led tours and special events - it's worth checking the branch's news on the National Museum's site or asking at the ticket office.
Krupnicza is close to the Planty and the Main Market Square, so after visiting Mehoffer's House it's worth taking a walk through the Old Town, to the Cloth Hall or for a short stroll along the Vistula towards Wawel.
If you enjoy small museums and artists' houses, you can add other branches of the National Museum in Krakow located in the centre to your program; this way you'll experience different aspects of Krakow's history and art.
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If you'd like to explore Mehoffer's House with someone who knows the city and can add historical context and anecdotes, consider the services of local guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details for the guide can be found at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com - this is a great option when you want to visit places off the main trail and hear knowledgeable local stories.
