Jan Matejko’s House is a biographical museum housed in a historic tenement on Floriańska Street — the exhibition has been open to the public since the late 19th century, and the collections include several thousand objects connected with the artist’s life and work. This is not just a “gallery of paintings” — it is a home, a studio and a collection of props that Matejko gathered and used in his practice. That makes the visit more intimate: you see the artist’s private belongings, period interiors and traces of everyday life in Kraków from more than a century ago.
Visits by small groups (2–6 people) can be much more pleasant than touring with crowds — it’s quieter, easier to notice details and to ask questions. You only need to prepare properly, especially in summer, when weather and the organization of entries can change the day of your visit.
If you plan to visit on a specific date, it’s worth checking opening hours and reservation rules in advance — the museum accepts group reservations and runs curator-led tours and events that sometimes have limited places.
1) Not reserving in advance or booking too late. In summer themed short tours and events are popular; some activities require advance seat reservation. Practical tip: book your visit through the museum’s Reservation Center (e-mail rezerwacja@mnk.pl or by phone), especially if you want a guided group tour. That ensures entry and lets you match the time to your plans.
2) Arriving at the peak of the heat and planning the visit for mid-day. Matejko’s House occupies interiors of a tenement — in summer the rooms can feel warmer than the street. Plan your visit for the morning or late afternoon; avoid roughly 12:00–16:00 if you want to skip the hottest hours and the busiest streets.
3) Underestimating time needed for entry and formalities. The last visitors are usually admitted about 20 minutes before closing. If you plan a late slot or want to join a guided tour, arrive 10–15 minutes earlier to buy tickets and take care of any formalities at the ticket desk.
4) Not informing the guide or museum of special needs. Small groups have an advantage — you can ask for a shorter or longer tour, focus on selected rooms or works. If someone in your group has limited mobility, difficulty with stairs, or is bringing a stroller, write to the museum in advance (dommatejki@mnk.pl) — they will explain what is possible.
5) Not knowing the rules about photography and touching exhibits. In most museums photography without flash and without tripods is allowed, but rules may differ by room and temporary exhibition. Always check at the ticket desk or on arrival. Never touch exhibits and keep bags close — the interiors are historic and narrow.
6) Bringing large backpacks and bags. Narrow staircases and tight tenement interiors mean big luggage disturbs other visitors and may be prohibited in exhibition rooms. The safest option is to leave large bags at your hotel or in luggage storage.
7) Thinking that
Buy tickets and reserve guided tours in advance — even small groups feel more comfortable with a confirmed time.
Check opening hours before you arrive: typical hours are Tuesday 10:00–18:00, Wednesday–Sunday 10:00–16:00; the museum usually admits the last visitors about 20 minutes before closing. There are sometimes free-entry days for permanent exhibitions — check current information before your visit.
If you want a guide-led or curator-led tour, reserve through the MNK Reservation Center: rezerwacja@mnk.pl or phone. The branch page also lists contact details for the branch manager and the ticket desk — useful when you need to confirm details.
On hot days wear breathable clothing and bring water — although the visit takes place indoors, walking to and from the site can be tiring. Small groups can plan a short stop at a nearby café after the visit to rest.
Ask about participant limits for special tours: some events have seat limits (for example, individual reservations with a cap on how many seats one person can reserve). If an event is open to individuals, one person may be able to book up to a set maximum number of places — check the rules for a given tour.
Leave tripods and large photographic equipment at the hotel — limited exhibition space and delicate objects mean professional sessions usually require separate permission and prior arrangements with the museum.
After leaving Floriańska you have several venues popular with visitors and locals nearby. Camelot Cafe (on Świętego Tomasza Street) is a charming café serving breakfasts, cakes and good coffee — a great spot for a conversation after your visit.
If you want something more formal, historic restaurants by the Market Square like Wierzynek or Wentzl offer well-regarded menus and atmospheric interiors — a good choice when you want to finish the day in style.
Small groups often choose a café to debrief: it’s easier to sit together, share impressions and then continue strolling through the Old Town.
Arrive 10–15 minutes before your scheduled time.
Reserve entry or a guided tour in advance.
Travel light and wear comfortable shoes — tenement buildings have uneven floors and stairs.
Talk beforehand about what you want to see — with a small group it’s easier to adapt the tour to interests (e.g., the studio, family portraits, props).
Respect quiet and other visitors — in tight interiors every voice carries more.
Do small groups need a reservation? — It’s recommended to confirm your entry time in advance, especially if you want a guided tour or are visiting at weekends.
Is photography allowed? — Generally you can take photos without a flash, but rules may vary by room and for temporary exhibitions. Ask at the ticket desk on arrival.
Is the museum suitable for visitors with limited mobility? — The tenement has a historic layout; if someone has special needs it’s best to contact the branch in advance to clarify accessibility and possible accommodations.
Where to book group tours? — Group reservations and information are handled by the MNK Reservation Center: rezerwacja@mnk.pl or phone. The ticket desk and branch contacts are useful if you need extra details.
Small groups sometimes assume they will “skip the queue” — having fewer people helps, but it doesn’t guarantee priority. A reservation and time confirmation bring peace of mind.
In summer be mindful of drinks and food storage: the museum enforces cleanliness and protects exhibits, so eating in exhibition rooms is not allowed.
If you prefer more anecdotes than dry facts, tell the guide — a smaller group is a great chance for a more personal tour.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — small tourist groups deserve calm, interesting visits.
If you’d like to arrange a private guided tour with guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz, please contact her through her page — she will happily plan a route tailored to a small group, taking into account your interests and pace of visiting.
Wishing you a great visit to Jan Matejko’s House — may it be a time of calm discovery, conversation and small discoveries that stay with you long after the visit.
