How to avoid the most common mistakes when visiting the Museum of Engineering and Technology (MIT) in summer? If you are organizing a group visit of 7–30 people, this article will help you plan everything from the reservation to returning to the bus — without stress or surprises. You will find a list of typical mistakes, a ready-made visit schedule, practical logistical tips and an FAQ useful for every supervisor and organizer.
MIT operates in several locations (the Zajezdnia at ul. Św. Wawrzyńca 15, the Stanisław Lem Experience Garden at al. Pokoju 68 and the Hangar Czyżyny), with a rich offer of workshops and guided tours — and that variety calls for good organization, especially in summer when the museum can be busy.
This guide was created after reviewing current information about group offers and rules and collecting practical tips that will help you avoid the most common problems.
The Museum of Engineering and Technology combines interactive exhibits, educational workshops and an outdoor space (the Experience Garden), which makes a visit appealing to a wide range of ages. Educational museum lessons and the Brick Zone are designed for children and youth, while thematic guided tours let you adapt the program to the group's level.
Summer programs include themed activities and workshops usually lasting 60–90 minutes, which makes it easy to combine a visit with a full day of sightseeing in Krakow. The museum also offers an information and reservation service — use it to avoid organizational problems.
1. Not booking in advance — in summer dates and slots for lessons or guided tours fill up quickly. Book early and provide the exact number of participants and the group's age.
2. Choosing a program that doesn't match the group's age — selecting activities that are too hard or too easy leads to loss of interest. Confirm the lesson topic with the museum before booking and match it to the group's age and expectations.
3. Underestimating the time needed — 60–90 minutes for a lesson plus time for entry, the cloakroom and possible meals. Plan breaks and buffer time so the group doesn't have to rush.
4. Ignoring capacity limits and rules — each museum has restrictions for safety and conservation. Check the maximum allowed number of people and rules about backpacks, food and photography.
5. Not having enough supervisors — it's usually wise to have at least one supervisor per 10 participants (or follow your institution's rules). Assign supervisors' duties before the trip.
6. Failing to report special needs — inform the museum in advance about allergies, mobility restrictions or other needs so staff can prepare appropriate arrangements.
7. Arriving late or allowing delays — museums often have limited time for activities. Set a meeting point and time with a margin and remind supervisors and participants to be punctual.
8. No backup plan for bad weather (if the Experience Garden is on the program) — have a Plan B for indoor activities or shorten outdoor time.
9. Overlooking payment details and invoices — find out how the museum accepts group payments, whether there are discounts or minimum group fees and the timetable for issuing invoices.
10. Forgetting transport and storage arrangements — check cloakroom and toilet availability and options for bus drop-off and parking nearby.
09:30 - Meeting in front of the Zajezdnia entrance (ul. Św. Wawrzyńca 15). Quick attendance check and handing out wristbands/IDs for the group.
09:45 - Entry, use of the cloakroom and a short reminder of museum rules (no food, movement rules, meeting points).
10:00–11:00 - Museum lesson or themed guided tour (60 minutes). Agree the topic with the museum in advance according to the group's age.
11:00–11:15 - Short break, move to the Brick Zone/interactive sections.
11:15–12:00 - Time in the Brick Zone or viewing selected exhibits in smaller subgroups.
12:00–12:30 - Possible meal outside or at a nearby café; if the weather is bad, plan a quick catering option at the meeting point outside the exhibition.
12:30–13:00 - Visit wrap-up, quick exercise/quiz (if educational materials were provided), return items to the cloakroom and exit.
For larger groups, consider splitting into two smaller subgroups running workshops and tours in parallel and then swapping.
Book the date through the museum's Information and Reservation Center — preferably by email or phone, and confirm the number of participants a few days before the visit. The museum usually asks for participant numbers, the group's age range and contact details for the organizer.
Find out about costs: admission tickets, fees for lessons/workshops (there is often a minimum group rate) and possible discounts for supervisors. Ask whether the museum requires a deposit and what the invoice issuance deadlines are.
Read the museum's visitor rules and group policies — pay attention to restrictions on luggage size, eating in exhibition areas and safety rules. Always follow the museum staff's instructions.
Main branch address: ul. Świętego Wawrzyńca 15. The Experience Garden is at al. Pokoju 68. Check bus drop-off points and parking options in advance because space may be limited.
Set a meeting point and allow time for cloakroom and toilet use. Many museums ask groups not to bring large backpacks into exhibition areas, so ask participants to leave belongings in the cloakroom.
If anyone in the group has mobility limitations, inform the museum ahead of time so staff can prepare an accessible route and assistance. Ask about lifts and step-free paths.
If you are looking for reliable places to eat after the visit, consider well-rated cafés and restaurants in the Old Town and around Wawel — they offer a variety of home-style and regional dishes suitable for groups.
Good options for a short break include cafés and bakeries near the historic center; for a group lunch consider restaurants where you can reserve a table in advance or order set menus.
If you plan a group meal, reserve in advance or consider catering/packed sandwiches, especially for school groups.
Attendance list with supervisors' phone numbers and contact details for the museum reservation person.
Reservation confirmation (email), payment and invoice information, and parental consents if required.
First aid kit, any students' medicines with designated responsible persons, a list of allergies and special needs.
Printed directions and the day's schedule for supervisors, participant IDs, and a backup plan for bad weather if the Experience Garden is included.
Payment means or confirmation of collective payment and information on whether the museum accepts card payments.
Do I need to reserve a group visit? Yes, reservation is highly recommended, especially in summer and during popular school trip dates.
How long does a museum lesson last? Usually 60–90 minutes depending on the topic — confirm when booking.
How many supervisors should I bring? It is recommended to have at least one supervisor per roughly 10 participants, but check your institution's rules and the museum's requirements.
Can we bring food into the exhibitions? Most exhibition areas prohibit food and drinks — plan meals outside the exhibition space.
What if someone has mobility limitations? Notify the museum in advance so staff can propose an accessible route and assistance.
What if the group is larger than reported? Museums may refuse to provide the service if the number significantly exceeds the reported count; always inform the museum of changes in advance.
Bring small tasks or quizzes related to the exhibition — short activities increase engagement and help keep group discipline.
Agree with the museum on a signal or keyword in case the group gets split up — a simple procedure helps quickly gather participants.
If the group is shy, divide them into small subgroups with simple tasks: learning by doing works best in interactive spaces.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — you will help other organizers plan a calm and successful visit.
If you would like to explore Krakow with more comfort and a personalized program, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Best of luck with your planning and enjoy your visit to MIT!
