Yes — it’s a great choice for a cultural and romantic day in Krakow. The Szołayscy Tenement (part of the National Museum in Krakow, MNK) stands right by Plac Szczepański, just steps from the Main Market Square, in the historic surroundings of the Palace of Art and the Old Theatre. Inside you’ll find elegant interiors and collections from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries — perfect for a walk with your partner: view paintings and objects together, talk about favorite works, then enjoy coffee in the museum courtyard or a nearby café. It’s a quieter, more intimate alternative to the crowded Market Square — ideal if you’re after atmosphere and conversation around art.
The building also has an interesting history: the oldest fragments date back to the Middle Ages, the tenement was rebuilt in various eras, and it joined MNK thanks to a donation from the Szołayscy family. For couples who enjoy history and aesthetics, visiting here is a pleasant complement to a stroll through the Old Town.
If you both like Young Poland design and art — parts of the exhibitions dedicated to that period, along with permanent displays of design and architecture, will be an intellectual and visual treat.
The branch presents permanent and temporary exhibitions devoted to Polish art from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, graphic art, design and architecture. Visitors can expect paintings and drawings as well as applied objects from the modernist period, so the displays are varied and easy to find pieces that appeal to everyone.
A practical advantage is the small café and museum bookshop in the building — convenient when you want to sit after viewing and discuss what you’ve seen. Pay attention to seasonal thematic exhibitions: they are often carefully prepared and attract local culture-goers.
If you want to extend the day: MNK is a network of branches — nearby you’ll find the Main Building, the Wyspiański Museum and other MNK locations, so you can plan several short visits in one day.
MNK tickets can be bought online (museum website and the MNK ticketing system) and at the ticket office if places are available. For many visitors buying online is more convenient and secure — especially if you plan to see a temporary exhibition with visitor limits.
Prices vary between branches and by type of exhibition. For example: the Main Building often charges higher prices for temporary exhibitions than for permanent displays; at the Szołayscy Tenement tickets for permanent exhibitions are usually cheaper. The museum frequently offers reduced tickets, family tickets and special rates for youth and students. Check the exact price list for the branch before your visit.
Good to know: Tuesday is the free admission day for permanent exhibitions at many MNK branches. It’s a great opportunity but can also mean more visitors — if you value intimacy, consider another weekday.
If you want a guided tour or an audio guide: the museum offers guided tours in several languages by prior reservation and audio guides in popular languages. If you want a guided tour in a foreign language, book well in advance.
The safest option is to buy tickets online a few days in advance, especially for temporary exhibitions or on weekends. That guarantees entry at your preferred time and avoids queues. For spontaneous couples: weekdays outside the weekend are usually less busy — morning visits or late afternoons offer the most calm.
If you’re after a lower price — choose Tuesday, when permanent exhibitions are often free. Remember that such days can be busier, which reduces the intimate feel of the visit. For a quieter atmosphere, aim for midweek in the morning or just after opening.
Also check the rules for last admission — in some branches the last visitors are admitted 20–40 minutes before closing. That’s important so you don’t get stuck at the desk at the end of the day and miss seeing the exhibition.
Bring comfortable shoes — galleries often require a fair amount of walking. Dress in layers because some rooms are kept cooler to protect the artworks.
Check the museum’s rules about photography — photos may be prohibited in some displays. It’s also a good idea to leave large backpacks in the cloakroom if the museum offers one.
If you plan a romantic day: combine the visit with a short walk in the Planty or on the Błonia (depending on your route) and reserve a table at a nice restaurant for the evening. Bookings near the Market are recommended in advance, especially on Friday and Saturday.
Short, intimate plan: morning coffee at a nearby café, visit to the Szołayscy Tenement, walk through the Planty and lunch at one of the recommended restaurants around the Market. In the evening you can choose a small concert or a screening at an independent cinema.
Romantic cultural evening: visit a temporary exhibition at the Main Building or another MNK branch, then have dinner at one of the fine restaurants near the Market — an elegant way to end the day.
For active couples: after the museum, go for a bike ride on the Błonia or a walk along the Vistula riverbanks, where you’ll find quieter, less touristy spots for conversation.
The Sweet & Sour café (found on the ground floor of some MNK branches) is a convenient spot for dessert or coffee after visiting. It’s a practical option when you want to stay in the cultural vibe of the place.
For a special dinner consider Restauracja Wierzynek or Pod Baranami — both located at the Main Market Square and well known for their historic atmosphere. For more modern flavors and an intimate setting check local guides and “best of” lists — many places offer great service and menus based on local ingredients.
For dessert or a relaxed lunch try small cafés and bistros around Kanonicza Street and Floriańska Street — these spots are often praised for atmosphere and quality.
Arriving on Monday expecting to visit — many MNK branches are closed on Mondays. Always check opening hours for the specific branch.
Not reserving for popular temporary exhibitions — this can end in long queues or no entry at all. Buy tickets in advance if your time in the city is limited.
Failing to plan time for coffee or a break — some exhibitions are more absorbing than they first appear; plan a pause so your walk and conversations aren’t rushed.
The Szołayscy Tenement has historical layers reaching back to the Middle Ages, even though today we see it as an elegant 19th/20th-century building. During your walk pay attention to façade details and neighboring historic buildings that tell the story of changes in this part of Krakow.
Although MNK is a single institution, its branches differ greatly in atmosphere and collection profile — good news for couples, since you can match the visit to your mood: from more sacred and historical interiors to design and modern art.
Tuesdays are often free admission days for permanent exhibitions — a good chance to save, but also a busier time. If you prefer quiet and privacy, pick another day.
Do I need to reserve tickets? Yes — for temporary exhibitions and guided tours it’s worth booking in advance; online you can easily check availability. For permanent exhibitions you can often buy a ticket on site, but it’s safer to have one in busy weekends.
Are there discounts and which ones? The museum offers reduced, family and special rates for youth and students. Check the branch’s rules for discounts before purchase.
Can I borrow an audio guide at the museum? Yes — many branches have audio guides in several languages. They’re convenient if you prefer to tour calmly as a pair.
Before you come, check current opening hours and last-admission rules — in MNK branches last entry is usually 20–40 minutes before closing. This helps plan your day without stress at the ticket desk.
If you plan a guided tour in a foreign language, book in advance — the museum offers tours in several languages for an extra fee.
On the National Museum’s website you can also find information about educational classes, workshops and events — a great supplement to the visit if you want to add something special to your program.
If this guide helped you plan your day, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others discover cultural and romantic Krakow.
If you’d like to explore Krakow with the help of a private guide, I warmly recommend using the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz). Contact details and the offer are available on the guide’s page. It’s a great option when you want local stories, tailored routes and a worry-free day in the city.
Enjoy your visit — may it be a day full of art, conversation and small discoveries together with your partner!
