The Museum of Photography in Kraków, known as MuFo, is a modern institution that since 2021 presents photography in a broad context — as technology, a tool of memory and an element of culture. The main seat, MuFo Rakowicka, is housed in former barracks and combines a permanent exhibition, temporary shows, a reading room and a museum shop. The main permanent exhibition is titled “What Does a Photograph Do?” and asks questions about the role of photography in the contemporary world.
MuFo also runs workshops, guided tours and neighborhood events, so it’s worth checking the program before your visit if you want to join a curator-led walk or activities for children. Note that MuFo operates a separate educational branch, MuFo Józefitów, where guided visits show museum backrooms and conservation studios — invaluable for visitors curious about “how the museum works.”
Main address: ul. Rakowicka 22A, 31-510 Kraków. MuFo Józefitów is at a different address: ul. Józefitów 16.
MuFo Rakowicka keeps regular opening hours: the museum is closed on Mondays; on Tuesdays it is usually open 11:00–19:00; Wednesday–Friday 10:00–18:00; and at weekends 11:00–19:00. The last admission to exhibitions is about 45 minutes before closing, so if you have limited time it’s better to come earlier.
Ticket prices may change, but the main exhibition normally has full-price and reduced tickets; on some days (for example Tuesdays) selected admissions may be free. If you want to reserve entry or check current prices, contact the information desk by phone or email.
Visits to MuFo Józefitów are available only as guided tours. Tour times are usually morning sessions on weekdays and afternoon visits on certain days; Saturday tours often require advance reservation.
MuFo Rakowicka sits close to some of Kraków’s representative streets and is well connected by public transport — trams and buses run near Rakowicka, and it’s a pleasant walk from the Main Railway Station (Dworzec Główny), taking a few minutes depending on your pace.
When planning your route, check for current roadworks or temporary changes to stops, because track repairs or route adjustments sometimes happen in season. If you come by car, remember that central parking can be limited; look for public parking nearby or consider public transport.
After your visit you can easily walk to nearby places: Rakowicki Cemetery, the Planty park, and from there a short stroll will take you to the Main Market Square.
MuFo pays attention to accessibility: the building has elevators, designated rest areas and benches in the lobby. The museum offers assistance moving around and the option to borrow a wheelchair for your visit (available at the information desk).
Toilets at MuFo Rakowicka are accessible and adapted for visitors with reduced mobility — such facilities are available on level +1 and level -1. If you need extra support during your visit, ask a museum staff member for help on arrival.
Families with children and visitors with disabilities are usually offered additional conveniences; priority in the ticket queue may be given to families with children, pregnant people and visitors with disabilities.
MuFo Józefitów shows the museum’s internal processes: conservation, digitization and studio work. Visits to this branch are only possible with a guide at specified times, most often morning sessions on weekdays and afternoon sessions on Thursdays and Fridays.
Groups are limited in size and Saturday tours frequently require booking several days in advance. If you’re interested in seeing conservation and digitization studios, reserve early — places fill up fast.
Educational workshops for children and themed events are held regularly, especially during school holidays and neighborhood days — a great option for a family afternoon at the museum.
There are several convenient cafés and restaurants near MuFo — from small coffee spots to well-rated central restaurants. Choose places with good recent reviews, especially if you want to try local cuisine.
If you plan a coffee break after the exhibition, look for places popular with locals that offer a pleasant atmosphere and prompt service — a nice rest after intensive sightseeing.
For those staying in the city centre, MuFo is a good starting point for an evening walk to the Main Market Square or to Kazimierz. Book a table in advance at weekends, as popular places can fill up.
Not checking the museum’s hours and special notices before leaving — temporary exhibitions, guided tours and reading room hours can change. Always check MuFo’s site or call before your visit.
Arriving just before closing and expecting to see everything — remember the rule of last admission 45 minutes before closing; if you want to enjoy the exhibition in peace, come earlier.
Failing to reserve MuFo Józefitów or workshops — if you want a specific time, book in advance, especially for Saturday sessions or special children’s activities.
The main exhibition “What Does a Photograph Do?” shows not only cameras and techniques but also explores photography’s role in shaping memory and the imagination of society — it’s a broad, thoughtful show, not only a historical overview.
MuFo’s main seat was created by adapting historic barracks, so the building itself mixes past and present — a good example of how Kraków revitalizes historic sites and gives them new functions.
The museum sometimes holds neighborhood days and special-price days when you can join a guided tour or family workshop for a symbolic fee.
Is MuFo suitable for children? - Yes, the museum runs workshops and educational programs for different age groups; many activities are designed with families in mind.
Can I take photos in the exhibition? - Photography rules vary by exhibition; on some displays photography is restricted. Ask at the information desk when you arrive.
Is MuFo wheelchair accessible? - Yes, the museum declares accessibility: elevators, adapted toilets and resting areas. If you need extra help, tell a museum staff member.
Check opening hours and any announcements on MuFo’s website.
Reserve tickets or a guided tour at MuFo Józefitów if you want to join a guided visit.
Arrive earlier than 45 minutes before closing if you want time to view exhibitions calmly and visit the museum shop.
If this article was helpful, share it with friends or tag it on social media — recommendations help others plan a better stay in Kraków. If you’d like a more personalized visit around Kraków, you are welcome to book a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and the offer are available on the guide’s site. Have a great trip and inspiring frames!
