The Sukiennice on Kraków’s Main Market Square are one of the city’s most recognizable places — and not only because of the market stalls under the arcades. On the upper floor is the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art, a branch of the National Museum, where a selection of the most important works of Polish painting from the late 18th and 19th centuries has been gathered. Here you will meet big names: Matejko, Chełmoński, Malczewski, Siemiradzki, Michałowski, Gierymski and others.
In the renovated gallery you can feel the 19th-century atmosphere — restored wall colors, plush sofas and stylish details — while also experiencing a museum adapted to today’s visitors: air conditioning, carefully chosen lighting to protect the works, multimedia zones and interactive stations. The exhibition area (about 1000 m2) displays nearly two hundred paintings and a dozen or so sculptures in a thematic-historical arrangement that helps explain the artistic changes of the 19th century.
For the tourist this means two things: first — visiting the Sukiennice is not just “looking at pretty pictures” but a lesson in art history; second — it’s easy to pick your personal must-sees and plan your time, even if you only have an hour.
Choosing the “most beautiful” paintings inevitably involves some subjectivity, but there are works that almost always impress visitors. Among them are:
- The Torches of Nero by Henryk Siemiradzki — a monumental canvas that was one of the gifts that helped start the collection. In Siemiradzki’s large room it still serves as a dominant focal point of the display.
- The Four-in-Hand (Czwórka) by Józef Chełmoński — a depiction of galloping horses, a large-format painting with exceptional painterly power. In recent years the work underwent conservation and regained its original color and dynamism.
- Selected works by Jacek Malczewski — paintings that combine realism with symbolism, full of narrative and figures that spark the imagination. Malczewski, often called the poet of Polish symbolism, is represented here by several key compositions.
- Selected compositions by Jan Matejko — although some of his largest monumental works are also on Wawel and in other locations, in the Sukiennice you can see important pieces and sketches that show Matejko as a chronicler of Polish history.
Of course the rooms also contain works by Michałowski, Gierymski, Grottger and other artists worth seeing even during a brief visit — each room has its own dominant piece and atmosphere.
At the Sukiennice it’s worth looking not only at the “big scenes” but also at small technical and iconographic details. Sometimes a costume detail, a hand gesture or a brushstroke texture reveals epochal changes in painting.
The post-renovation arrangement restored a 19th-century mood — that’s why you’ll see plush sofas, palms and wall colors inspired by the original decor. It’s not about display cases but a carefully designed setting intended to help viewers receive the works as they were experienced in the 19th century.
The Sukiennice also have “technical surprises”: artomats — touch screens with information about works and their creators — and a media library where you can deepen your knowledge. For those interested in conservation it’s fascinating that some works (for example the famous Four-in-Hand) were conserved on site in view of visitors, giving a chance to see conservators at work.
Allow at least 1–2 hours to visit the Sukiennice: in one hour you’ll see the key works, and with two you can read labels and use the multimedia resources at a relaxed pace.
Check opening hours before you go — the gallery has regular hours, and the museum announces seasonal changes and special events. Keep in mind that the National Museum sometimes runs temporary exhibitions that can extend your visit.
Tickets can be purchased on site or online — if you want a specific time or want to avoid queues, it’s worth reserving tickets ahead. Also check for days with free admission to the permanent exhibitions, as the museum occasionally offers them.
The museum is accessible for visitors with disabilities: there are no thresholds along the route, there is an elevator and accessible restrooms. A cloakroom and toilets adapted to various visitor needs are available on site.
Photography: in most rooms you can take photos without flash — but check at the ticket desk before entering in case of temporary restrictions (for example during conservation work or temporary shows).
Is it worth going up to the Sukiennice if I have little time? Yes — even a short visit lets you see a few icons of Polish painting. Focus on the Chełmoński Room and the Siemiradzki Room if you want to see the exhibition highlights.
Are all of Matejko’s famous paintings in the Sukiennice? No. Some monumental Matejko compositions are in other branches or on Wawel. Still, the Sukiennice show a representative selection of his work and sketches.
Are there official guides? Yes — the museum employs official guides and educators from the National Museum. You can join tours led by museum staff or use audio guides offered by the institution. If you prefer a private guide who knows Kraków and the museum inside out, you can arrange a personal tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz through zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
How can I avoid crowds? The best times are early morning just after opening or late afternoon. Peak tourist season and weekends draw the most visitors; for quiet visits choose a weekday outside holidays.
Confusing the Sukiennice with the market stalls on the ground floor — many tourists only visit the merchant hall and don’t realize that one of the best 19th-century painting collections awaits upstairs. Ask at the ticket desk about the permanent exhibition.
Trying to “see everything quickly” — the Sukiennice are best enjoyed slowly. Instead of rushing from work to work, choose 5–7 paintings to study more closely. After a room, take a short break on a sofa and reflect on what you’ve seen.
Assuming all masterpieces are behind glass — the museum allows fairly direct contact with paintings, which is a great advantage, but it also requires respect — don’t touch frames and don’t use flash.
The Main Market Square and the area around the Sukiennice offer many places at different price points. For a historic and unique dining experience, Restauracja Wierzynek has long been a symbol of Kraków’s culinary tradition — expect higher prices but also a distinctive atmosphere. For a cozy coffee and dessert, Cafe Camelot is a popular, atmospheric bistro in the old part of town.
If you prefer hearty regional comfort food, look for well-rated restaurants serving traditional Polish dishes or modern bistros — many receive excellent reviews from tourists and locals alike. Reservations are recommended on weekends.
Remember: during high season some places around the Market Square can be very crowded; if you want a quiet meal choose side streets around the Square or book a table in advance.
During the gallery renovation elements of 19th-century style were restored — it’s not mere decoration: color schemes and furnishings influenced how paintings were experienced in that era. The exhibition aims to convey a bit of that historical “spirit.”
Symbolic gestures are part of the Sukiennice’s story: during modernization in 2010 a symbolic renewal act was signed and placed in a silver sphere mounted on top of the Sukiennice — a small curiosity that connects tradition with modernity.
Not all works always hang in the same room — the museum collaborates with other institutions and sometimes lends works for external exhibitions or temporary shows. If you’re coming specifically for a single painting, check its availability before your visit.
The gallery offers educational and multimedia spaces: a media library and artomats with touch screens where you can find additional information about works, artists and historical contexts. This is great for families with children and for visitors who want to expand their knowledge interactively.
The museum also organizes lecture series, themed tours and conservation workshops — if your goal is a deeper understanding of 19th-century art, check the branch’s events calendar. Official guides and museum educators lead tours that often include curiosities not found on wall labels.
Large formats and old painting techniques require care. Some works are temporarily withdrawn for conservation, others are shown under special microclimatic conditions. For example, the conservation of Chełmoński’s Four-in-Hand was carried out on site; these treatments revealed how much a painting’s appearance changes after yellowed varnishes and retouches are removed.
If you see a notice about conservation work at the entrance, take it as good news — the museum cares for the collection so future generations can enjoy the works in the best possible condition. Often the museum provides educational materials that show the stages of conservation.
Dress comfortably — the floors and stairs of an old building are not always friendly to high heels, and standing for longer periods while viewing requires comfort. Bring a small bag — the museum has a cloakroom, but large backpacks are best left there.
Come with questions — National Museum staff and official guides are happy to talk about historical contexts and painting techniques. If you’re especially interested in an artist (for example Matejko, Chełmoński or Malczewski), ask for recommended works to see first.
Reserve time for coffee after the visit and share your impressions — the Sukiennice often leave visitors wanting to return.
If you found this guide useful — share it with friends or on social media. Post a photo of your favorite work from the Sukiennice and write a short note about what moved you.
If you want to tour the Sukiennice with someone who knows Kraków and the museum inside out, consider a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and booking are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Professional guiding will help you get the most out of your visit.
Enjoy your visit — the Sukiennice hold a lot of history and many paintings that can tell the story of Poland differently than a textbook. Go upstairs and give yourself time — art rewards attention.
