A May long weekend in Kraków means crowds and non-standard opening hours — the National Museum operates as a network of branches (Sukiennice, Main Building, Matejko House and others), and each has its own rules and price list. The most common mistake is going “without a plan”: not checking opening hours, ticket availability and rules for a given branch. Before you set off, check the page of the chosen branch, consider buying a ticket online and reserve a specific entry time if possible. This will help you avoid disappointment and long queues.
Keep in mind that many people use the long weekend for short trips, so popular exhibitions can be crowded — when planning, think about priorities: which room or exhibition you most want to see and how much time you have. If you’re coming with family, check seasonal educational programmes and children's trails the museum may offer.
Assuming “everything is running as usual” — museums often change hours on holidays. Check the branch’s opening hours and possible maintenance closures. If an exhibition limits entries (for example Oskar Schindler’s Factory or other popular displays), book tickets in advance.
Arriving without a ticket or reservation — queues at ticket desks can be very long during the May long weekend. Buy tickets online where possible, or plan your visit outside peak hours (early morning or late afternoon).
Assuming one ticket covers all branches — the National Museum is several independent locations, often with separate tickets and prices. Find out in advance which branches you want to visit and buy tickets separately if needed.
Not preparing for baggage rules — the regulations may require leaving backpacks in the cloakroom. Bringing a large backpack without checking can mean returning to the cloakroom or even being refused entry. Opt for a small shoulder bag instead of a large backpack or use the cloakroom.
Choosing a free-entry day (for example specific days with free admission) without realizing it will be the busiest — free days are great but expect crowds and less time at exhibits.
Not reading photography restrictions — some exhibitions prohibit photography or require no flash. Respect the rules to avoid being reprimanded by security.
Underestimating time — seeing the main exhibition often takes more time than you expect. Plan breaks for rest and coffee so the visit doesn’t become a rushed run-through of artworks.
Not checking accessibility and special-needs facilities — if you use a stroller or have mobility limits, check in advance about lifts and accessible toilets.
Ignoring family information — many branches offer educational materials and themed trails to download. Use these to make a visit with children more engaging and less stressful.
Buy a ticket online or reserve an entry time. If you plan to visit Oskar Schindler’s Factory or special temporary exhibitions, do this well in advance — spots sell out quickly.
Arrive at opening time or in the late afternoon — this is the best way to avoid the biggest crowds. During a May weekend the museum is usually busiest around lunch and early afternoon.
Set priorities: start with the exhibition you care about most. If your time is limited, focus on the main rooms and use the museum map. Leave less important displays for the end or another visit.
Pack a small shoulder bag instead of a backpack and prepare any discount cards you have (student ID, senior card, etc.). Most branches have a cloakroom for larger luggage.
Plan a break for coffee or a light meal — after intensive viewing it’s good to rest. Around the Market Square and the Planty you’ll find several well-rated cafés and restaurants; if you want something close to the Sukiennice, consider trusted spots with good reviews.
Use available educational materials and themed trails if you’re visiting with children. The National Museum often prepares self-guided materials worth downloading before your visit.
Check whether photography is allowed in a given exhibition and whether flash is banned. In some rooms photo restrictions are necessary to protect the works.
If you’re coming by car, expect traffic disruptions and limited parking spaces in the centre; public transport (trams and buses) is often a better option.
Stay flexible — during the May weekend hours can change or some branches may be partially closed. A quick call to the ticket desk or checking the museum’s updates will save you surprises.
Use an audio guide if you want to enrich your experience. An audio guide is usually a small extra cost but significantly increases enjoyment and understanding of the displays.
If you visit with children, plan shorter stages and breaks for activities outside the galleries — nearby parks and the botanical garden are a good complement to the day. The museum also offers family tours and seasonal workshops.
Can I enter with a backpack? — Rules at many branches prohibit bringing backpacks into exhibition rooms; it’s better to leave larger bags in the cloakroom or at your hotel. A small shoulder bag is usually accepted, but staff may ask you to secure it.
Do all branches use the same tickets? — No. The National Museum comprises several independent locations with separate tickets and opening hours; check which ticket you are buying.
Are there free-entry days during the May long weekend? — Some museums have specific free-entry days (for example certain Tuesdays), which increases visitor numbers. If you prefer a quieter visit, avoid free days and choose less busy hours.
How long does a visit take? — Allocate at least 1.5–2 hours for the main exhibition; if you want to see several branches, plan a full day or spread visits across multiple days.
Is the museum accessible for people with disabilities? — Many branches offer accessibility features, but some historic buildings have limited access. Check accessibility information before your visit.
Tourists often don’t know the National Museum provides self-guided materials to download and print — these are perfect if you’re coming with children or want concise notes on key works.
If you want to avoid the biggest crowds around specific paintings, ask at the information desk for less obvious routes — sometimes it’s worth starting in the less popular rooms and then calmly seeing the “hits”.
Pay attention to temporary exhibitions — they are often the main reason to visit and may require separate reservations. Planning only around permanent displays can mean missing something special.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on your profiles — it might save someone’s May weekend plan!
If you’d like to visit the National Museum in comfort with more stories and curiosities, consider a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — a professional guide who can provide context for the works, help you avoid queues and make the most of your time during the May long weekend. Contact details and the offer are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website.
Check opening hours for the exact branch you plan to visit.
Book tickets online for popular exhibitions.
Carry discount cards if eligible.
Use public transport to avoid parking problems.
Plan coffee/meal breaks and rest stops.
Can I combine visits to several branches in one day? — Yes, but check opening hours and travel time between locations; in many cases visiting two branches in one day is realistic, more may be tiring.
Is there a place to eat inside the museum? — Some branches have cafés or nearby cafés; check the branch page for details.
