The Museum of Photography in Kraków (MuFo) is one of the most interesting places for lovers of the visual image - from classic photography to contemporary experiments with image and sound. The permanent exhibition “What Does a Photograph Do?” and numerous temporary shows present the diversity of photographic media and different approaches to photography as an artistic and documentary form. It’s a great place for short or longer visits, including visits with family or with people who have special accessibility needs.
MuFo operates in two main locations: MuFo Rakowicka (the main seat) and MuFo Józefitów (a concert-and-exhibition branch). Each location offers a different experience - Rakowicka focuses more on permanent displays and a large exhibition, while Józefitów often runs tours led by guides.
The MuFo headquarters on Rakowicka Street was prepared with different levels of mobility in mind: there are ramps at the entrance that make access easier for wheelchairs and strollers, wide doors leading to the lobby, and elevators connecting the floors. The building includes wheelchair-accessible toilets and a baby-changing table. The museum also provides a parking space for people with disabilities.
At the information point in MuFo Rakowicka you can borrow a wheelchair for the duration of your visit, as well as magnifying lenses - without prior reservation. Selected exhibitions offer tactile graphics for blind visitors, touchable models and audio guides with audio description. The museum also states that it can adapt materials and guided tours to the needs of people with intellectual or sensory disabilities.
The MuFo branch in the Józefitów building offers visits at specified times and often only with a guide - check the schedule before you plan your visit. Group size limits and the guided format may require advance booking, especially if you arrive with special needs or with a larger group.
Remember that not all branches have the same level of facilities: MuFo’s accessibility information points out possible barriers (for example, limited availability of Polish Sign Language interpretation in some branches) - so it’s a good idea to confirm details by phone or e-mail before you come.
MuFo Rakowicka is closed on Mondays; typical opening hours are mornings and afternoons on weekdays, with extended hours at weekends. The museum runs so-called quiet hours (for example, Wednesday afternoons), which make visiting easier for people who are sensory-sensitive.
The ticket office and information point can tell you about discounts and priority service - MuFo gives priority to families with children, pregnant visitors and people with disabilities. Tickets can be bought on site and some offers are available online; contact the reservations team ahead of your visit if you need group tickets or special arrangements.
There are seating areas in the lobby and along selected exhibition routes - sofas and poufs, and benches outside the building. The main exhibition provides some materials in Braille and recordings plus QR codes for audio description. Information points are ready to help visitors, and staff are available to assist with moving around the displays.
If you need additional assistance (for example, setting up portable ramps, help from staff to pass through doors, or a simplified-format guide), it’s best to report this in advance by e-mail or phone - the museum is open to suggestions and tries to accommodate visitors’ needs.
You can reach MuFo Rakowicka by public transport - the nearest tram stop is named for the Photography Museum. For visitors arriving by car, the museum provides a parking space for people with disabilities; in the paid parking zone in central Kraków there are specially designated spaces for vehicles of people with disabilities (check local rules and permits before your visit).
When planning your trip by public transport, pay attention to curb heights at certain stops and possible obstacles - if you’re unsure, museum staff can advise you on the best route.
There are many cafés and restaurants in the museum’s neighbourhood - if you want to combine your visit with a coffee or a meal, choose places with good reviews and easy entrances. Many central Kraków venues are equipped for people with limited mobility, but some historic buildings still have steps at the entrance - always ask about street-level access before you go in.
If you need a fully barrier-free dining option, call ahead to confirm access to the toilet and wheelchair passage. If you’d like personal recommendations, I’m happy to suggest well-rated places tried by my clients - just ask.
Not contacting the museum before your visit - if you have specific needs (borrowing a wheelchair, audio description, help from staff), report them in advance. That gives staff time to prepare solutions that make the visit easier.
Assuming that all branches of a museum have identical accessibility - standards and facilities may differ between locations within the same institution. Check the description of the specific branch and opening hours; in some places (for example MuFo Józefitów) visits are organised only at set times with a guide.
Does MuFo have elevators and wheelchair-accessible toilets? Yes - MuFo Rakowicka has elevators between floors and toilets adapted for wheelchair users; baby-changing facilities are also available.
Can you borrow a wheelchair at the museum? Yes - you can borrow a wheelchair at the MuFo Rakowicka information desk for the duration of your visit.
Are there audio guides and Braille materials? Yes - selected exhibitions provide guides in Braille and audio descriptions.
How can I contact MuFo before my visit? For reservations and ticket information contact MuFo’s information desk (contact details and e-mail are published on the museum’s website).
Do people with disabilities get priority in the queue? MuFo states that it gives priority service to families with children, pregnant visitors and people with disabilities.
If you’re visiting with someone who needs extra comfort - plan shorter sightseeing sessions with rest breaks; MuFo offers seating along exhibition routes. Try to take advantage of quiet hours if you’re visiting with someone who has sensory sensitivity.
If you’d like, I can help plan a route around Kraków that includes barrier-free spots, recommend trusted cafés and restaurants, and book a visit time that matches your needs. Feel free to share this article with friends or on social media - it will help others plan a safe and pleasant visit to MuFo. If you’re considering a guided tour with a private guide, you’re welcome to contact me - Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Enjoy your visit to Kraków!
