MuFo Józefitów is an unusual place: it’s not a typical gallery with large exhibitions but a museum workshop that reveals the secrets of conservation, cataloguing and digitization of photographic collections. If you’re curious how a museum cares for old photographs, what a storage room or conservation studio looks like and how exhibits are prepared — here you’ll see it behind the scenes. It’s a great option if you want to diversify a walk through the Old Town or are looking for an intimate, educational experience in Krakow.
In addition, MuFo operates several locations across the city — including MuFo Rakowicka (a larger exhibition space in former barracks) and MuFo Strzelnica — but Józefitów is focused on collection work and education.
A small curiosity: the Museum of Photography in Krakow is one of the few institutions in Poland entirely dedicated to photography, so for lovers of photographic history a visit can be a rich source of inspiration.
Address: ul. Józefitów 16, Kraków. The main MuFo branch, MuFo Rakowicka, is located at ul. Rakowicka 22A. Both locations are within a short walk of the Old Town and Wawel.
Opening hours for MuFo Józefitów (information valid at the time this text was prepared): Monday–Wednesday: 9:00–13:00; Thursday–Friday: 15:00–19:00. MuFo Rakowicka: Tuesday 11:00–19:00; Wednesday–Friday 10:00–18:00; Saturday–Sunday 11:00–19:00.
Visits to MuFo Józefitów are available only with a guide at scheduled times. Typical guided-tour slots are: Mon–Wed: 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00; Thu–Fri: 16:00, 17:00 and 18:00; Saturdays — tours may be available but usually only by prior reservation (often at 11:00). Group size is limited.
Tickets, reservations and contact: many events and guided tours require advance booking through the ticketing system; when planning your visit it’s worth checking availability by phone or email. Contact details are publicly available on the museum website and in the reservation system.
Check the current schedule on the museum’s website just before your trip — tour times and availability can change because of special events.
Reserve a spot: if you want to come on a Saturday or to a specific tour, book in advance — some slots fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during the tourist season.
Arrive 10–15 minutes early: tours start on time and groups are usually small — being late may mean you can’t join the group.
Keep in mind that MuFo Józefitów shows the museum’s backstage — that means studios, storage and conservation stations. This is not a traditional photo exhibition in gallery format, so come ready for a story about techniques, storage and the history of the collection.
The guide will show the path a photograph follows from the moment it enters the collection, through documentation, conservation, digitization and finally preparation for exhibition. You’ll see conservation studios and storage areas — places usually closed to the public.
Programs often include short demonstrations of conservation techniques, explanations of proper storage conditions and stories about selected objects from the collection. If you’re interested in practical advice, you’ll learn how to care for a home photo archive.
Duration and price vary with the program — there are short tours of a few dozen minutes for a symbolic fee as well as longer educational workshops.
Bring a notebook or a smartphone — the guide may suggest specific conservation solutions worth noting down.
If you have family photo collections, prepare one question about storage or conservation — often during the tour you can get practical advice for preserving photos at home.
Combine a visit to MuFo Józefitów with an exhibition at MuFo Rakowicka — the first shows the museum behind the scenes, the other presents photographs in exhibition form. That makes a nice half-day or full-morning program.
Check availability of educational events and workshops — MuFo regularly runs family activities and themed meetings that nicely complement a standard guided tour.
After your visit, stop for coffee or a meal around the Old Town and Kazimierz — both areas are full of well-rated cafes and restaurants. Popular nearby options include Café Camelot and Charlotte for coffee and pastries, Pod Aniołami or Miód Malina for traditional Polish cuisine, and Forum Przestrzenie or Plac Nowy in Kazimierz for a livelier atmosphere.
If you plan to stay overnight, the Old Town and Kazimierz offer a wide range of options: boutique hotels, rental apartments and cozy guesthouses. Book accommodation early for weekends and festival periods.
If you want specific recommendations or a tailored plan for meals and lodging, I can suggest options that match your budget and preferences.
Showing up without a reservation — for some guided tours, especially on Saturdays, entry is possible only with prior booking. Always check availability and reserve your spot.
Assuming MuFo Józefitów is a standard gallery — this location focuses on collection work and education rather than large public exhibitions. If you’re looking for a traditional photographic exhibition, check MuFo Rakowicka’s program.
Not checking current opening hours — municipal museums sometimes change hours due to events, conservation work or holidays. It’s best to confirm hours on the museum website before you leave.
Can I visit MuFo without a guide? - MuFo Józefitów opens its interiors to visitors in the form of guided tours led by museum staff; independent exploration of the backstage is not possible.
Are the tours in Polish? - Tours are usually conducted in Polish; depending on the event the museum may offer some sessions or materials in other languages. If you need a tour in another language, contact the museum before your visit to ask about availability.
How long is a tour? - Duration varies: shorter educational tours usually last several dozen minutes; longer workshops and practical classes take more time. Check the event description when booking.
At MuFo Józefitów you’ll see places usually inaccessible to the public — true backstage spaces: storage rooms, digitization and conservation studios, and photographic equipment from different eras.
The museum’s main branch is housed in a restored building of former Austrian barracks — a successful adaptation of historic architecture for the needs of a modern cultural institution.
MuFo runs an extensive education program — from children’s workshops to meetings with conservators and lectures, so a visit can be the start of a longer photographic adventure.
If you enjoyed this text — share it with friends or on social media. Maybe someone you know will be interested in this unusual museum experience in Krakow.
If you prefer to tour with a private guide: I encourage you to use the services of guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. It’s a good option if you want to tailor the route and pace of the visit to your interests.
Have a great visit to MuFo — may it be an inspiring meeting with the history of photography and the ways museums protect our visual heritage.
Photography policy: check on arrival whether photography is allowed in the areas you visit — conservation studios or storage rooms may have restrictions.
Accessibility: if you have mobility needs, contact the museum in advance to confirm accessibility details and any required assistance.
Tickets and payment: bring a card and some cash just in case; some small purchases at events or in the museum bookshop may be card-only or cash-only depending on the setup.
Morning - Start with a guided tour at MuFo Józefitów to see the conservation and digitization workshops.
Late morning - Walk to MuFo Rakowicka and visit a current exhibition there.
Lunch - Enjoy a nearby restaurant in the Old Town or head to Kazimierz for a more relaxed atmosphere.
Afternoon - Explore Kazimierz or visit Wawel Castle if you haven’t already.
Always check the museum’s official website or contact the museum directly to confirm tour times and reservation procedures before your visit.
