Museum of Engineering and Technology in Kraków — how to plan your visit (tickets, groups, step-free route)

Museum of Engineering and Technology in Kraków — how to plan your visit (tickets, groups, step-free route)
Private Tour Guide in Krakow - Margaret Kasprowicz

Margaret Kasprowicz

Can you visit the Museum of Engineering and Technology without using stairs?

Yes — the Museum of Engineering and Technology (MIT) actively works on accessibility and prepares concrete solutions for visitors with reduced mobility. On the museum website you can find the “Accessible Museum” section and a so-called “Pre‑guide” (a set of PDFs and short videos) showing possible aids and obstacles across the Zajezdnia site and the Experience Garden branch. If you need a route without stairs, it’s a good idea to contact the accessibility coordinator in advance — the museum can recommend the most convenient path and arrange assistance on site.

In practice: at the Zajezdnia (ul. św. Wawrzyńca 15) and at the Experience Garden you’ll find information about entrances, accessible toilets and available assistive equipment (for example, the possibility to borrow a wheelchair). The Experience Garden’s “Pre‑guide” PDF includes maps, descriptions of approaches, details about alarm‑equipped toilets and tips for the activity stations and help points.

If you’re visiting as a group or with a wheelchair user — write or call the reservations office or contact the accessibility coordinator directly (email and phone are published on the museum website). This allows the museum to prepare the optimal route and give practical instructions before your arrival.

Key practical information — address, opening hours, tickets

The main Zajezdnia branch of MIT is in Kazimierz at ul. Świętego Wawrzyńca 15. The Experience Garden (Ogród Doświadczeń) is at al. Pokoju 68 — a seasonal outdoor venue that spans several hectares and offers more than 100 educational stations.

Typical opening hours: the Zajezdnia is usually open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00, with the last admission to the exhibitions at 17:00. The Experience Garden operates seasonally — check current opening dates and hours on the museum website or by phone before you go.

Ticket prices (approximate, according to the museum price list): adult ticket around 35 PLN, reduced ticket around 28 PLN, family ticket around 95 PLN, small child (3–6 years) at a lower, symbolic fee. Tickets are sold at the Zajezdnia ticket office; the museum also notes the possibility of buying online, but the online system can sometimes be unavailable — check in advance or call the Reservations Office.

Practical note: on some days (for example Tuesdays) the museum may sell tickets only at the ticket office — therefore I recommend that groups and visitors with mobility needs contact Reservations ahead of time.

Group reservations — what you need to know

The museum offers reservations and educational activities for organized groups — bookings are made by email or phone (Reservations Office). Group pricing is usually as shown on the website; for school groups one adult supervisor per 10 children may be admitted free (check exact conditions when booking).

How to book: email rezerwacja@mit.krakow.pl or call the reservations line (the phone number and extension are listed on the museum site). Provide the number of people, approximate visit time, accessibility needs (wheelchair, mobility limitations) and whether you want a guided visit or a workshop.

Tip: if you are a group with mobility needs or a large school group, try to book a date one month in advance during the tourist season — this helps secure your slot and any educational workshops.

What you’ll see at the Zajezdnia and the Experience Garden

The Zajezdnia houses the permanent exhibition “The City. Technosensitivity” as well as collections of machines, historic trams, motorcycles and radio equipment — a place where the history of technology meets interactive exhibits. Many displays attract both kids and adults, especially if you enjoy vintage vehicles and urban solutions from past decades.

The Experience Garden (a branch of MIT) is an educational park with over 100 stations that let you try simple experiments in optics, acoustics, mechanics and hydrostatics. Highlights include a six‑metre rocket, a bicycle on a cable and a large gyroscope. The Garden is ideal for families and school groups — plan at least one hour, preferably two, to try several stations at a relaxed pace.

If you enjoy photography — the historic tram carriages and large mechanical exhibits make great photo subjects. Remember the exhibit rules: some installations are interactive, others are museum pieces and must not be touched without staff permission.

On‑site accessibility — what the museum provides

The museum publishes helpful materials: Pre‑guides in PDF form and short videos that show approaches, entrances, toilets, the ticket desk and potentially difficult sections of the route. These documents help plan your visit, especially if you need a route without steps.

At the Experience Garden you can sometimes borrow assistive equipment (for example, a wheelchair) and there is an accessible toilet with a call system. The ticket office occasionally offers aids such as magnifying sheets for labels, noise‑reducing headphones or seat‑chairs on wheels.

If you plan to visit with a wheelchair user, write in advance to the accessibility address (dostepnosc@mit.krakow.pl) or call the accessibility coordinator — the museum has a contact person who helps arrange the best route and provides detailed information.

How much time do you need and how to plan your visit

Minimum time is about 1.5–2 hours, but if you want to see everything carefully and try the interactive stations in the Garden, allow 2–3 hours. In summer the Garden can take most of the day, especially with children.

Good daily plan: start at the Zajezdnia (indoor exhibitions), and in warmer months save late morning or afternoon for the Experience Garden. If you prefer a quieter visit, avoid weekend afternoons — those are the busiest times.

Weather and season: the Experience Garden is seasonal, so check opening dates and hours before you travel. On rainy days the indoor Zajezdnia exhibitions are a better choice.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Assuming you can buy everything on the spot — although most tickets are available at the ticket office, the online system can be temporarily unavailable and the ticket desk may have short breaks (for example around 14:10–14:30). For groups it’s better to confirm reservations before arrival.

Not informing the museum about accessibility needs — if you visit with a wheelchair user or a large group, notify the Reservations Office and the accessibility coordinator. This allows the museum to prepare a step‑free route, arrange help or provide equipment.

Arriving without time planning — remember the opening hours and last admission (usually 17:00). Coming too late means you won’t see the whole exhibition.

Good places to eat after your visit

Around Kazimierz and central Kraków you’ll find many well‑rated places. A few tried‑and‑tested names often recommended by visitors: Mleczarnia (a cozy Kazimierz café), Massolit Books & Cafe (a bookstore café with good cakes), Zazie Bistro (known for refined, French‑style dishes).

If you prefer simple local food — the area near Plac Nowy and ul. Józefa has many pizzerias, pierogi places and small restaurants with regional flavors. Choose venues with strong local reviews and a longer presence on the scene — this is often a good sign of quality and service.

Tip: after a visit with children a café with a play area or a family‑friendly restaurant is useful. On weekends many popular places are busy — consider reserving a table in advance.

Useful contacts and short FAQ

Helpful data for planning: Zajezdnia address — ul. Św. Wawrzyńca 15; Reservations Office contact is published on the museum website, rezerwacja@mit.krakow.pl; accessibility coordinator: dostepnosc@mit.krakow.pl, phone for the accessibility coordinator is listed on the museum website.

- Can you borrow a wheelchair at the museum? Yes — the Experience Garden Pre‑guide mentions the possibility of borrowing a wheelchair (confirm before your visit).

- Are tickets valid only on the day of purchase? Usually purchased tickets are valid for 30 days from the date indicated on the ticket (there are exceptions for some types of entry — check terms when buying).

- Are there workshops for school groups? Yes — the museum organizes educational activities and workshops; availability and topics depend on the season and group size, so reserve in advance.

Finally — a few surprising facts and an invitation

A surprising find: the MIT collection includes the first bicycle on a cable in Poland and one of the largest rocket models displayed publicly — those exhibits often capture children's imagination.

If you found this article useful, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others plan a better visit to MIT. If you prefer to explore with a local guide who knows Kraków and can tailor the route to your group’s needs, consider booking a tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Good luck with your planning and enjoy your visit!