The National Museum is not only home to exceptional collections — it’s also one of the most visited places in Krakow. In recent years the museum surpassed the barrier of over 1.8 million visitors a year, which means you can expect more traffic and longer queues in summer than in the off-season.
In practice this means it’s worth planning your visit to avoid the largest crowds and the hottest hours: early morning right after opening and late afternoon are often the most pleasant times to visit.
Not checking the baggage rules. The museum has specific limits — larger backpacks and bags must be left in the cloakroom or in the deposit lockers; only items below certain dimensions are accepted. It’s always better to come with a small bag or leave suitcases at the station lockers.
Arriving without a reservation on days with popular temporary exhibitions. In season special exhibitions can fill up quickly — buy tickets online if possible, or be prepared to wait.
Entering in the heat without a plan. Krakow summers can be hot — if you plan a long walk around the city and several museums, schedule breaks, drinks, and shorter stages of sightseeing.
Ignoring rules on photography and behavior. Some rooms restrict photography, and keeping backpacks or umbrellas with you can bother other visitors and endanger exhibits.
Underestimating the time needed to see the collections. The museum houses extensive collections — rushing through the rooms often wastes the chance for a real encounter with the art. Plan at least 1.5–2 hours for the main building, longer if you want to see temporary exhibitions.
When packing for your visit keep the rules in mind: museums usually ask visitors to leave large backpacks, suitcases and umbrellas in the cloakroom or deposit lockers. This keeps the displays safer and makes the visit more comfortable for everyone.
If you arrive in Krakow with a suitcase, it’s better to leave it in station storage or your hotel luggage room than to bring it into the museum. The museum cloakroom is there for visitors — use it without hesitation.
The museum is usually quietest right after opening and in the late afternoon. An early visit also lets you enjoy air-conditioned rooms and see exhibits without crowds gathering around them.
If you want to combine the museum with a longer walk through the Planty or Błonia, allow time for cooling breaks and drinks. In hot weather it’s easy to lose energy, and fatigue can make the whole trip less enjoyable than it deserves to be.
Not all rooms allow photography — this is especially true for temporary exhibitions and certain works on paper. Flash, strong lights and very close-ups can damage objects, so follow the signage and staff requests.
Pay attention to barriers and the distances marked around exhibits. A moment’s carelessness can be enough to catch a picture frame or touch a sculpture accidentally.
Eating and bringing drinks into the exhibition halls is usually not allowed. After your visit head to one of the well-reviewed cafés nearby — popular options around the Old Town include Café Camelot, Massolit Books & Café, or the local bakeries and bistronomy spots near Plac Szczepański.
If you plan to stay longer in the area, consider reserving a table at a popular restaurant for the afternoon — in summer places fill up fast, especially on nice days.
If you’re visiting with children, check the museum’s educational and workshop offer — summer often brings special activities and family tours. It’s smart to plan shorter visits with breaks for play outside the museum.
Visitors with limited mobility should check accessibility information and any easier entrances in advance. The museum publishes details about facilities, cloakrooms and the availability of lifts and accessible toilets.
Museums in large cities — even traditional ones like the MNK — actively organize summer programs: workshops, day camps and family tours. These are excellent options if you’re traveling with children and want to combine culture with fun.
Rules can be stricter than you expect — a small backpack that’s fine elsewhere may be asked to stay in the cloakroom here. It’s better to carry only the essentials.
Can I bring a small backpack? — Check the rules of the specific branch in advance. Many institutions ask visitors to leave larger bags and backpacks in the cloakroom; small bags are usually accepted.
Do I have to buy a ticket in advance? — For temporary exhibitions and during peak season it’s a good idea. Booking online saves time and helps avoid queues.
Can I take photos? — It depends on the room and the exhibition. Look for signs and follow the staff’s instructions.
How much time should I allow for the visit? — At least 1.5–2 hours for the main building; if you want to see temporary exhibitions in detail, allow up to 3 hours.
What if it gets very hot? — Plan breaks, use nearby cafés and shaded walking routes around the Planty and Błonia.
Check opening hours and information about special exhibitions, buy a ticket online if possible, leave large luggage in the cloakroom or at a storage facility, plan morning or late-afternoon hours, and bring a water bottle (use it before entering or in permitted areas).
If you want a comfortable visit with full context, consider a short guided tour — and if you need help planning your visit or a private tour, Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers private guided walks — contact details are on the guide’s website.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media. A good plan and a few simple rules will make a summer visit to the National Museum pleasant and stress-free.
If you’d like to tour with someone who knows the city and its museums well, consider a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on the guide’s site.
