Collegium Maius is the oldest building of the Jagiellonian University, associated with historical figures such as Nicolaus Copernicus. In the museum treasury you can find, among other treasures, the Jagiellonian Globe — one of the oldest globes showing the New World. Spring is a great time for a walk through the blocks of the Old Town and to visit the arcade courtyard and the Professors’ Garden, but spring conditions and the tourist season also create a few common mistakes visitors often make. This guide will help you prepare so your visit is pleasant and stress-free.
Mistake 1: Assuming the museum is open widely all day and on weekends. Reality: opening hours can be limited and some days or times are busier. How to avoid it: check opening hours before you go and plan to visit outside peak times — early weekday mornings or late afternoons are best.
Mistake 2: Skipping a guided tour or commentary. Some parts of the exhibition and the treasury (for example the vault, stories about the globe, or the clock with the procession of figures) are often shown in guided groups — self-guided visits can be shorter and less satisfying. How to avoid it: join a guided tour or ask at the ticket desk for the most complete route.
Mistake 3: Not planning time for last admission. Many ticket desks stop selling tickets 20–30 minutes before closing. How to avoid it: arrive early enough to see the rooms calmly and avoid rushing at the end.
Mistake 4: Not checking days with free entry or special events. At certain times the museum offers free entry hours or limited-access events. How to avoid it: look up information about free hours and temporary exhibitions before your visit.
Mistake 5: Expecting the courtyard and garden to be available in the same way year-round. The Professors’ Garden and access to some courtyard areas are often seasonal. How to avoid it: if the garden is a main reason for your visit, check its opening dates (typically it opens seasonally from late spring).
Mistake 6: Forgetting about the weather — spring can be unpredictable. Rain, cool mornings and strong wind can affect the comfort of visiting the courtyard and walking around the area. How to avoid it: bring a light jacket and an umbrella, and plan an indoor alternative in the city if it rains.
Mistake 7: Taking photos with flash or ignoring museum rules. Some exhibits require photography restrictions. How to avoid it: ask staff about photography rules and turn off the flash.
Mistake 8: Trying to do too much in the Old Town in one day. Many visitors try to “do everything” in a single day and end up exhausted, rushing through sites. How to avoid it: combine your Collegium Maius visit with just a few nearby sights and plan a break at a good café before moving on.
The arcaded courtyard with the clock and the procession of figures — the small mechanical spectacle of the clock is one of the most recognizable attractions; check the times when the mechanism plays a short tune and presents the procession of the university’s founders and patrons.
The treasury and the collection of scientific instruments — the holdings include rector insignia and valuable astronomical instruments, including the Jagiellonian Globe, which has a fascinating history.
The professors’ rooms and the library — reconstructions of academic interiors that show how scholarly life looked through the centuries.
The Professors’ Garden (seasonal) — an ideal place to rest after touring, usually open during the warmer months.
Best time of day: in spring we recommend visiting Collegium Maius right after opening or late in the afternoon on weekdays — these are the least crowded times.
Tickets and reservations: check whether you can buy tickets online and for information about family or reduced-price tickets. For larger groups, reserve in advance to avoid disappointment.
Visit length: allow 40–60 minutes to calmly see the permanent exhibition; if you plan to join a guided tour or visit temporary exhibitions, set aside at least an hour.
Photography: photos are usually allowed without flash; for particularly valuable exhibits staff may ask visitors not to photograph them — always ask when in doubt.
Getting there and parking: it’s easiest to walk from the Main Market Square; paid street parking and underground car parks are in the area, but in season it’s often more convenient to use public transport or walk.
Accessibility: the building provides some facilities for visitors with limited mobility, but not all corners of the historic structure are fully accessible — inquire in advance for details.
After visiting, take a break in one of the well-regarded cafés nearby — Camelot Cafe is a classic of the Old Town, and for simple, homestyle flavors try Milkbar Tomasza. The area around Collegium Maius also has many cozy bistros and restaurants offering Polish and international cuisine.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in the center, consider well-reviewed options — Hotel Stary is a good choice for those who want comfortable accommodation close to the sights. Nearby you’ll also find intimate guesthouses and apartments that make it easy to return for a short rest between sightseeing.
Nicolaus Copernicus studied at Collegium Maius — that’s a nice context when you look at the astronomical instruments and globes.
The Jagiellonian Globe is one of the earliest surviving globes showing the continents from the Age of Discovery.
The mechanical clock with the procession of figures not only draws the eye but also reminds visitors of the long academic tradition of the Jagiellonian University and how scholarship is intertwined with the life of the city.
How long does a visit take? The standard route takes about 40–60 minutes; if you join a guided tour or want to see temporary exhibitions, plan for about an hour.
Do I need to reserve tickets? Individual visitors don’t always need to reserve, but for larger groups or during peak season it’s wise to check availability and book in advance.
Can I take photographs? Yes, photography is generally allowed without flash; there are restrictions for some valuable exhibits.
Is visiting the courtyard free? Parts of the courtyard may be accessible without a ticket, but full access to the exhibitions is paid; the museum also sometimes offers free entry periods — check current information before your visit.
Is the museum accessible for people with limited mobility? The building provides selected accessibility solutions, but because of its historic structure not all areas are fully accessible. Contact the ticket desk for detailed information.
A spring visit to Collegium Maius can be one of the most pleasant highlights of your time in Krakow if you pay attention to a few simple things: check opening hours, plan your time, consider the variable spring weather and think about joining a guided tour. By doing this you’ll see more and get a richer experience from your visit.
If this guide helped you — share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like to explore Collegium Maius and the surrounding area with a local guide, feel free to contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz of zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Good luck and enjoy your visit!
