MOCAK – the Museum of Contemporary Art in Kraków – is not only a place with modern installations and paintings, but also a space designed with visitors' comfort in mind. If you appreciate a relaxed pace of visiting, bright rooms and places to sit, talk about an artwork or rest with a good coffee, MOCAK can be an excellent choice. The museum combines a permanent collection with interesting temporary exhibitions, and next to the exhibition rooms there is a cozy bookstore and a café where you can continue the conversation over dessert. The museum is located in the creative Zabłocie district – a pleasant area where it’s easy to plan short, undemanding walks after your visit.
This guide gives concrete tips: what to see first, how to plan a route so you don’t get overly tired, which accessibility features are available for people with limited mobility, and which workshops and educational offers are prepared especially for seniors. At the end you’ll find a practical FAQ and a few tips to avoid common mistakes during a visit.
Start with the permanent exhibitions — they often provide the best introduction to the museum’s collection. At MOCAK you will find works by important Polish and international artists, including conceptual works, installations and pieces that refer to 20th- and 21st-century history. Pay attention to spaces frequently recommended to visitors: Dróżdż’s "Concept-Shapes" (Pojęciokształty) — examples of conceptual art that invite reflection; the Outdoor MOCAK Collection — works displayed around the museum; film presentations; and archival materials and documents connected with major figures of Polish contemporary art.
Also visit the Mieczysław Porębski Library — a special part of the museum ideal for those interested in the history of ideas and art criticism. Temporary exhibitions can be surprising in form and content, so check the current program and short descriptions before entering the galleries — this helps decide whether a show matches your interests and preferred pace of visiting.
If you want a short but representative selection, plan to see: 1) a few works from the permanent collection on levels -1/0, 2) one temporary exhibition, 3) a quick stop at the bookstore and a break in the café. This sequence balances artistic experience and rest.
MOCAK is usually open Tuesday–Sunday from 11:00 to 19:00; the ticket office typically operates until about 18:30, and the last admission is usually a short time before closing. It’s always a good idea to check current hours and any special closures on the museum’s website or by phone before your visit.
The museum offers full-price and reduced tickets. Concessions include retirees and pensioners upon presentation of appropriate ID. People aged 70 and over often qualify for a special ticket (in practice this is frequently free admission) after showing an identity document with date of birth. On certain days there may be additional offers — for example free entry to selected spaces or discounted days. To save time, buy tickets online or come at a less busy time (for example Tuesday morning).
Remember the rules: before entering the exhibitions you should leave large bags and umbrellas in the cloakroom or in self-service lockers. Food and drinks are not allowed in exhibition rooms, and flash or tripod use is restricted for photography.
The MOCAK building is largely adapted architecturally: no thresholds, wide doors, elevators and ramps where needed. There are cloakroom lockers in the lobby, and the reception offers a wheelchair for loan. This makes moving around the museum comfortable even for visitors with limited mobility.
Accessible toilets are available on exhibition levels and near the café. The museum also provides free Wi‑Fi, a first-aid kit and complimentary hygiene items. For people with visual or hearing impairments MOCAK offers educational options — audio descriptions, tactile graphics, and dedicated sessions arranged in advance with the Education Department.
MOCAK organizes "hush time" (for example on Wednesdays from 16:00 to 19:00), during which loud sounds and intensive lighting effects are limited — an excellent option for those sensitive to noise or light. If you need special assistance, contact the education department in advance to arrange a tailored guided visit.
If you want to spend one to two hours at MOCAK and feel the museum’s atmosphere without too much effort, here is a simple and flexible route: Entrance – lobby and a quick look at the museum map; Cloakroom/locker – leave bags and relax; Level 0 / Main gallery – choose 3–5 works that catch your eye; Level -1 – the permanent exhibition and any installations (check if this level is accessible without stairs); Break at the MOCAK café (Petite France) – coffee, cake and rest; Visit the MOCAK Bookstore – a short browse of books and postcards for a souvenir. This route is light, allows sitting between rooms and can be shortened or extended depending on how you feel.
If you prefer a slower pace, split the visit into two shorter sessions: 45–60 minutes in the morning for exhibitions, and an afternoon coffee and relaxed visit to the bookstore. That way each visit becomes a pleasure rather than a tiring marathon. If you come with a group and want a group visit, note that group tours often start at a minimum of 7 people; for smaller, intimate visits the museum’s educators prepare special programs for seniors.
MOCAK’s Education Department regularly prepares programs and workshops aimed at older adults — from lectures on contemporary art, thematic meetings, to short practical workshops. Some series are created in cooperation with local senior academies and cultural institutions. Sessions often include a talk, a slideshow and a short creative activity that helps participants better understand the language of contemporary art.
Keep an eye on the museum’s events calendar and sign up in advance — many workshops have participant limits (optimal groups are often small, for example 10–20 people). If you want an audio-described visit, a tour for people with low vision or sessions titled “Art Accessible”, arrange the date with the education team ahead of time. This ensures the visit is both enjoyable and substantive.
Be prepared to leave large luggage in the cloakroom or lockers — this is required before entering the exhibitions. A small oversight like bringing a large bag can force a pause to sort matters at reception.
Check opening hours and possible closed days before your visit. Also bring a document that entitles you to a concession (for example a retiree/pensioner ID) to avoid delays at the ticket desk. If you prefer quiet visiting, consider coming during hush hours or on a weekday morning.
Don’t plan a long walk around Zabłocie without breaks — the area around the museum is interesting, but it’s best to plan one resting spot (the museum café or another nearby place). If you need extra help moving around the museum, tell reception — staff are ready to assist.
Is MOCAK wheelchair accessible? Yes – the building has no thresholds, elevators and wide passages that make most spaces accessible. A wheelchair can also be borrowed at reception.
Are there discounts for seniors? Yes – retirees and pensioners are entitled to reduced-price tickets upon presentation of ID; visitors aged 70 and over often benefit from a special ticket (in practice this can be free admission after showing ID).
Can I bring a dog? Only guide dogs are allowed inside the museum. Other pets are not permitted in the exhibition spaces.
Can I take photographs? Photography without flash and without a tripod is usually allowed unless a specific exhibition or object prohibits it. Ask reception if you plan to use a tripod.
How do I book a guided tour for a group of seniors? Contact the Education Department or reception in advance – by phone or email – to arrange the date, format and any needed adjustments.
MOCAK has its own bookstore offering a wide selection of art publications — a great place to buy an album, an exhibition catalogue or an elegant souvenir. The bookstore is often praised for its rich selection of artistic titles.
The museum offers "hush time" sessions — a rarity in exhibition spaces and a big help for visitors sensitive to noise or intense lighting. If you appreciate calm visiting, look for information about hush hours before your visit.
The MOCAK café, Petite France, serves simple lunches, baguettes and French pastries. It’s a convenient place to rest after visiting without needing to look for a place outside the museum.
If you want your visit to be even more relaxed and tailored to your interests, consider booking a private guide with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Her experience and friendly approach help visitors of all ages better understand contemporary art and plan a route that avoids unnecessary fatigue. Contact details and booking information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com, where you can also find options for private tours and available dates.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with family and friends or on social media — it’s a great way for other seniors to explore Kraków comfortably and interestingly. You are warmly invited to visit MOCAK — it’s a place that can surprise, move and inspire, and a well-planned visit can be a real pleasure.
