The Szołayski Tenement is one of the accessible branches of the National Museum in Krakow, located at Plac Szczepański 9. It combines the intimate atmosphere of a historic townhouse with exhibitions that are often surprisingly engaging even for children. On the ground floor you’ll find the museum bookshop and a café, and at the back there’s a green courtyard — a great spot for a short rest after visiting the galleries.
The Tenement hosts both permanent displays (including a gallery of Polish design from the 20th and 21st centuries) and temporary exhibitions. That makes it a good option for families, because some displays focus on everyday objects, design and things children can more easily recognize and relate to their own lives.
Another plus is the family programs and guided tours organized by the museum — workshops and family tours run regularly and are designed to help young visitors enter the museum world without boredom.
Opening hours and prices can change, but typically the Szołayski Tenement is closed on Mondays, open longer on Tuesdays, and has standard afternoon hours on other days. The museum offers full-price, reduced and family tickets; young people in certain age groups often qualify for very low fares. Free admission to the permanent displays is often available on Tuesdays — it’s worth checking before you go.
Before you arrive, check the National Museum in Krakow website for the latest information about exhibitions, current hours and tickets, and family events. If you plan a guided tour in Polish or another language, the museum usually provides this option with prior reservation.
If you’re coming with a stroller, check entrance and lift availability. In old townhouses full accessibility can sometimes be limited, so plan your route and ask about leaving a stroller at the entrance or using the cloakroom.
Exhibitions dedicated to design and everyday objects often include elements that attract the youngest visitors. You may see displays of furniture, dishes or accessories created in interesting ways — a good starting point for a conversation with a child about how objects are made and what they’re for.
The museum also runs special family tours and workshops where participants can explore topics hands‑on and creatively. Activities are sometimes age‑restricted (for example, 6–10 years), so check details and age requirements before signing up.
The ground floor bookshop offers interesting books and souvenirs, and the nearby café makes it easy to take a break between viewing exhibits. The museum’s green courtyard is an extra spot where children can run around briefly in good weather.
On the ground floor the branch hosts a café called Sweet & Sour (the venue name may change from time to time), with the bookshop and courtyard nearby. This is a convenient solution for families — coffee, cake and a resting corner without the need to look far. Many people include this stop as part of a family sightseeing plan.
If you plan to stop at the museum café with children, remember these places can be busy on weekends. For larger groups it’s better to call ahead or check whether you can reserve a table. Museum cafés often offer child‑friendly options such as small desserts, herbal teas or caffeine‑free drinks.
Krakow has several places that regularly receive good reviews from families. Among venues recommended by parents and guides are MAMY CAFE, the cinema‑café KIKA, club‑cafés with playrooms, and cafés that organize workshops for the youngest guests. Some places offer permanent play corners, children’s menus, changing tables and high chairs.
A few practical tips when choosing a café: check reviews and opening hours, call ahead if you’re coming with a group, ask about reservations and facilities like a changing table or feeding area. In tourist season popular places can fill up, so a reservation brings peace of mind.
If you want to combine a walk with a relaxed coffee break, Kazimierz and the area around the Main Market Square are good neighborhoods. For families with small children consider cafés with spacious interiors or a dedicated play zone where a child can play safely while adults enjoy coffee.
A simple, pleasant half‑day plan: start at the Szołayski Tenement, allow 60–90 minutes for the exhibitions and bookshop, take a break for coffee and dessert in the museum café, then enjoy a short walk to the Market Square or under Wawel Castle. This schedule works well with younger children who need regular breaks.
For families who want more movement, try this route: museum — Planty — Main Market Square — short stop at a chosen café on the Square or near Kazimierz. Keep the pace gentle: children like short stretches of walking and one longer break for play or a snack.
If you plan a full day, combine an MNK visit with a playground or park. For example the Vistula Boulevards and the area around Wawel offer plenty of space to run, and the many ice‑cream shops and cafés nearby make for a pleasant end to the day.
An overambitious plan for a single day — families often try to see too much. It’s better to shorten the list and leave time for breaks and spontaneous attractions. Children will enjoy one interesting place and calm time more than rushing from spot to spot.
Not reserving a table for larger groups — if you plan to stop at a popular café, call ahead, especially on weekends. For groups of several people ask if a section of the venue can be reserved.
Lack of preparation for changing weather — Krakow’s weather can change during the day. Bring lightweight rainwear, an extra change of clothes for children and a backup plan for indoor activities (café, museum, cinema) in case of rain.
Is the Szołayski Tenement stroller‑friendly? - Many old buildings in the center have architectural limitations. Before visiting it’s worth checking entrance access for strollers and planning an alternative or contacting the museum to arrange details.
Does the museum run workshops for children? - Yes, the museum organizes family tours and workshops, often divided into specific age groups. Dates and registration are published on the museum’s website.
Where can I buy tickets? - Tickets for permanent and temporary exhibitions can usually be bought on site and online. For larger groups or to book a guided tour it’s best to reserve in advance.
Can I bring food into the museum? - Amateur photography and filming is often allowed in permanent displays, but eating in exhibition halls is not recommended. It’s better to use the museum café or eat in the courtyard.
The Szołayski Tenement regularly hosts exhibitions that showcase the design of everyday objects — a great bridge for talking with children about how the things around us are made and why design matters.
Many museum cafés and bookshops are perfect places to buy souvenirs, children’s books and small meaningful gifts — a nice reward for calm museum behavior.
Tuesdays are often a day with lower fees or free admission to the permanent displays — this can be an opportunity for an economical family outing, but remember it may also be busier.
Have fun planning: agree with the children on one main goal for the day and one reward at the end, for example choosing an ice‑cream, visiting a favorite café or buying a small book in the museum shop.
Pack a backpack, not a suitcase: a sling or carrier, a spare shirt, snacks, wet wipes and a small first‑aid kit are the most important items that save the day away from home.
Reservations and a quick call to the venue help: if you want to visit child‑friendly cafés at a specific time, call or check their profiles and opening hours before you go.
The Szołayski Tenement is a great starting point for a family day in central Krakow — the museum offers exhibitions that are easy to combine with a café break and a walk to the Market Square or Wawel. With educational programs and a green courtyard, it’s a family‑friendly spot for those seeking a calm cultural experience.
If you enjoyed this article, share it with friends or on social media — it will help other families plan a great day in Krakow. If you’d like the visit tailored to your needs — pace, themes and breaks — consider a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Details can be found on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
