Did you know that the Museum of Photography in Kraków (MuFo) is the only institution in Poland devoted exclusively to photography, and its Józefitów branch at ul. Józefitów 16 invites visitors to behind-the-scenes tours where you can see conservation studios and storage rooms full of historical equipment? It’s a great chance to show a child that photographs have their own history and require care.
Vibrant Kraków at Easter is full of colorful rituals — from palms on Palm Sunday, through the Emaus fair on Zwierzyniec, to unique regional customs like the pucheroki. Combining a visit to MuFo with stories about local traditions gives families a rich, engaging educational experience.
MuFo Józefitów isn’t a typical gallery: visiting here often means seeing “how a museum works.” Children can see real cameras, conservation workshops and the digitization process — experiences that engage the senses and spark curiosity.
Tours are led by educators who can turn the technical side of photography into a simple, friendly story. Programs often include hands-on family workshops, for example building simple optical devices (a zoetrope) or age-appropriate sessions using historical techniques.
Short, lively stories and behind-the-scenes demonstrations make even very young children more willing to listen and take part than during a typical picture exhibition. It’s an excellent way to develop imagination and respect for photographic heritage.
Unlike MuFo Rakowicka (where you’ll find permanent and temporary exhibitions), the Józefitów branch is a working museum: storage, conservation studios, a digitization studio, historical cameras and collections. Visits are usually guided.
Groups are kept small — important when you come with a child: guided tours are typically organized for limited-size groups, which makes asking questions and interacting easier.
Don’t expect to touch exhibits — for conservation and safety many objects cannot be handled, but the guide will demonstrate tools and processes in a child-friendly way and suggest accompanying activities.
MuFo runs educational workshops for families and children, such as building simple optical devices, cyanotype sessions, or photography workshops teaching composition and looking at images. In the pre-holiday period there are special classes adapted to preschool ages.
Beyond MuFo, Kraków offers many Easter workshops for kids: making palms, decorating pisanki with traditional techniques, and simpler crafts at community centers or kindergartens. Pairing a museum visit with a creative afternoon is a great plan.
If you want your child to take part in a workshop, book in advance — popular dates (weekends and the days around Easter) fill up quickly.
Palm Sunday: show children the palms — a colorful, easy introduction to tradition. In Kraków, palms can be richly decorated and making one together can become a family craft.
Emaus: the fair on Zwierzyniec (often held on the second day of the holiday) has lively stalls, toys and sweets — it’s a good place to explain old-style town fairs and look for small items once bought for children.
Pucheroki and other local customs: telling the story of the pucheroki or the little Kraków traditions can be a fascinating local-history lesson — tell it simply, with playful elements and costume details so a child keeps the image of the custom.
Address: MuFo Józefitów is at ul. Józefitów 16 in Kraków — a central spot that’s convenient to combine with a walk through the Old Town or a visit to the Planty.
Hours and tours: the Józefitów branch usually runs guided visits at set times; some morning slots (for example 10:00–12:00) are ideal for families with small children. Check current hours before you come and reserve a place — Saturday tours often need advance booking.
Reservations and contact: MuFo runs tours for limited groups; sign-ups for family workshops and guided visits are handled through the reservation system or the education email. It’s worth writing ahead if you’re coming with a child and need the program adapted.
Tickets and price: many guided visits at MuFo are affordably priced and there are occasional low-cost family events. Always check the current fees before your visit.
What to bring: a light stroller (if needed), snacks and a water bottle, spare wipes, crayons and a small sketchbook — children love drawing what they see.
Accessibility: if you have special needs (for example wheelchair access), inform the museum in advance — the staff will advise how best to organize the visit.
Cafe Camelot — a cozy café in the center, known for its friendly atmosphere; a good spot for hot chocolate or cake after the museum.
Traditional cafés and patisseries around the Main Market Square: historic places (for example cafés near the Cloth Hall) offer space where children can rest after a walk.
Family restaurants and bistros around the Old Town — look for places with a children’s menu and changing facilities; in season, choose venues with outdoor seating so little ones can run for a bit.
If you prefer something familiar and reliable, pick restaurants with good reviews, local cuisine and a flexible approach to young guests.
Not booking in advance — especially on weekends and during holiday periods many workshops and guided tours fill up quickly. A reservation gives you peace of mind and a guaranteed spot.
Expecting a conventional exhibition instead of a behind-the-scenes visit — MuFo Józefitów shows workshops and storage, so if someone wants a traditional display of photos, also plan a trip to MuFo Rakowicka.
Bringing too many things — short tours are easier with a lightly packed bag; bring only essentials.
Thinking children will listen the whole time — schedule breaks, small craft activities or questions that involve them in the visit.
Is MuFo suitable for 3–5 year olds? Yes — if you choose a shorter tour or a workshop aimed at younger children; tell the organizers the child’s age in advance.
Can you touch the exhibits? Generally no — many objects need protection, but the guide will show tools and techniques safely.
How long is a guided tour? Usually about an hour or less depending on the program; workshops can last longer — check the event description.
Is it worth combining a MuFo visit with other Easter attractions? Absolutely — Kraków’s traditions (Emaus, palms, pucheroki) nicely complement the museum experience and make a festive family day.
MuFo stores hundreds of thousands of photographic objects, from the 19th century to the present — it’s a perfect place to show a child how much cameras and photos have changed.
In some museum workshops children build simple optical mechanisms that work like an early “cinematograph” — a hands-on way to understand motion and images.
Around Zwierzyniec’s Emaus you can still find traditional toys and sweets similar to those that entertained children in the 19th and 20th centuries — it’s a moment when history can be smelled and heard like an old fair stall.
When planning an Easter stay in Kraków with a preschooler, pair a short museum discovery at MuFo with a colorful walk through Kraków’s traditions — it’s a recipe for a day full of experiences without rush or stress.
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If you’d like help refining an itinerary and organizing a visit tailored to your child’s age and time, you can contact private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz for reservations and details. We warmly recommend expert help when planning visits with children.
