Jan Matejko's House at 41 Floriańska Street is less a large gallery and more the artist's private space: the place where he was born, worked and lived with his family. The interiors of the tenement and the memorabilia collected there allow visitors to see Matejko from a personal perspective — you will find sketches, family portraits, elements of the studio and smaller compositions that trace the artist’s creative path from youth to his later years. It's a great spot if you prefer a more intimate, "human" encounter with art rather than large exhibition halls. Children often respond with curiosity to details and personal stories connected to the objects, and seniors will appreciate the authentic domestic atmosphere.
Keep in mind that Jan Matejko's House is a branch of the National Museum in Kraków — the museum organises themed tours, lectures and family events, so when planning a visit it’s a good idea to check the programme and consider joining one of the events.
1. Expecting a big gallery instead of a domestic interior. Matejko's House is a small, intimate exhibition within an old tenement — it doesn't have the open spaces typical of large museums. Solution: come ready for a "story" about the artist rather than dozens of large canvases; if you want to see monumental paintings, add the 19th-century Polish Art Gallery in the Sukiennice to your itinerary.
2. Arriving without booking during peak season or leaving it to the last minute. Although tickets are usually available, weekends and special events can be busy. Solution: buy tickets online or check opening hours and availability in advance — this saves time and stress, especially with children.
3. Bringing a stroller or expecting full wheelchair access. The house is historic and has architectural limitations — the branch is not wheelchair-accessible. Solution: if someone in your group has mobility difficulties, plan a shorter visit, use the virtual tour available online, or contact the museum in advance to discuss accessibility needs.
4. Missing the smaller exhibits and family portraits. Many visitors focus only on a few famous paintings and overlook personal mementos. Solution: take a moment to read labels carefully and look for family portraits and sketches — these items give a fuller picture of Matejko’s life.
5. Photographing without checking the rules. In some rooms photography may be restricted or allowed only without flash. Solution: before taking photos ask a staff member or check the information at the entrance; always respect the rules and other visitors.
For a family outing consider shorter, more engaging formats: agree on one specific "theme" route — for example, searching for Matejko’s favourite characters or a short quiz with a small prize for the youngest visitors. For seniors, morning visits or special tours for people aged 60+ (which the museum sometimes organises) are a good option.
If you have a small child with you, bring a few small activities (a short book, a drawing task) to keep their attention. Also remember the pace — the intimate rooms favour calm visiting, so plan breaks for coffee or a short walk in the nearby area.
If someone uses a wheelchair or has limited mobility, contact the museum before your visit — the museum also offers alternative materials such as audio descriptions and a virtual tour that can be an excellent substitute.
Location and character: Jan Matejko's House is located at 41 Floriańska Street — a historic tenement with a biographical exhibition and the artist’s studio.
Opening hours and days: the museum may be closed on certain days of the week — branches sometimes announce free admission days or closed days; check the current opening hours before you go.
Tickets: there are full-price, reduced and family tickets; prices can change, so it's best to check the current price list online and consider buying through the museum's website to avoid queues.
Accessibility: the branch is not wheelchair-accessible, but the museum provides audio descriptions and a virtual tour as well as facilities for visitors with a range of communication needs. If you require a Polish Sign Language interpreter or an induction loop, report it in advance.
Facilities: in a small branch the exhibition space is limited — if you need a changing table, resting place or more room for a stroller, plan a short break outside the museum and visit a nearby café or park.
Pay attention to the home studio — it's the heart of the exhibition, with furniture and props that let you imagine the artist's daily life and working methods.
Sketches and small compositions often tell more about the creative process than a single large canvas — look for sketches, notes, the palette and painting tools on display.
Portraits of family and friends give the exhibition a personal dimension. Study the stories of the people shown in the paintings; labels and guides often reveal amusing anecdotes.
Is the museum large? No — it's an intimate, multi-room house with a biographical exhibition; allow yourself a relaxed pace.
Can you take photos? Photography rules are set by the museum; usually photos are allowed without flash, but always ask the staff and respect any prohibitions posted near objects.
Is there wheelchair access? The branch is not wheelchair-accessible. The museum offers audio descriptions and a virtual tour as alternatives.
Are there family discounts? The museum offers reduced and family tickets — check the current price list online before your visit.
How long does a visit take? At a calm pace 45–75 minutes is usually enough, but you can stay longer if you wish.
Around Floriańska you’ll find many well-regarded cafés and restaurants — if you fancy coffee and cake, look for established cafés on Floriańska and the nearby streets. Choose places with good reviews and a friendly atmosphere, especially if you’re with children or older relatives.
For families, pick venues offering quick meals and a relaxed atmosphere; for those seeking a Kraków experience look for restaurants serving traditional Polish dishes and regional specialties. If you plan a longer break, consider booking a table during less busy hours.
If you want specifics, check restaurant review sites and choose places with high ratings, attentive service and options for children.
Jan Matejko's House is not only an exhibition space — it's a building with a story: the tenement was gradually rebuilt in the 18th and 19th centuries, and after the artist's death a society bearing his name collected a collection and opened the museum at the end of the 19th century.
The museum provides materials for blind and partially sighted visitors, including audio descriptions and a virtual tour of the exhibition — this is a great option if someone cannot enter the building or would like to prepare before the visit.
Check opening hours and buy your ticket online — the most efficient way to avoid queues and surprises.
Adapt the pace of the visit to the least mobile member of your group — intimate interiors lend themselves to shorter, more mindful visits.
Use the alternative materials (audio descriptions, virtual tour) if someone in your group cannot comfortably access the house's interiors.
If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or on social media — it will help others better plan their visit to Jan Matejko's House.
If you'd like to explore Kraków with a private guide, consider the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and the offer are available on the guide's website. Good luck planning your visit and enjoy your time in Kraków!
