The Museum of Engineering and Technology (MIT) is housed in a historic former tram depot at ul. Św. Wawrzyńca 15 in the Kazimierz district. It’s a place where Kraków’s technical past meets hands-on science — the exhibitions and educational spaces delight both children and adults. MIT operates three branches: the Depot (Zajezdnia), the Stanisław Lem Experiment Park (Ogród Doświadczeń) and Hangar Czyżyny, so you can plan a short visit or a full day of experiments and workshops.
Worth knowing: the experiment park is an outdoor space perfect for a family afternoon, while the Depot presents the history of urban transport and old machinery in a tactile, interactive way. If you come with children, this is often one of the attractions that makes it onto the “favorites” list.
The Depot: the permanent exhibition displays trams, buses, vintage vehicles and printing workshops — a great place to discover the city’s technical profile and see machines “in action.”
Stanisław Lem Experiment Park (Ogród Doświadczeń): a several-hectare park with scientific installations where you can run experiments, explore laws of physics and take part in educational activities — excellent for families and young explorers.
Hangar Czyżyny: larger exhibits and themed displays, sometimes hosting special demonstrations and temporary exhibitions.
Educational zones: the Building Block Zone (Strefa Klocków), LAB Zone and “Do It Yourself” workshops offer hands-on activities — building, tinkering, logic games and workshops that engage both the hands and the mind.
Small curiosities: the collections include Polish microcars, radio and television sets, and materials related to the history of gasworks and power engineering. This is not just a museum to look at — many exhibits can be touched or operated under the supervision of an educator.
If you’re planning a short stay in Kraków, it’s worth pairing a visit to MIT with other city icons. Here are 10 attractions that often appear on “must-see” lists:
1. Wawel Royal Castle (Wawel)
2. Main Market Square and Cloth Hall (Rynek Główny and Sukiennice)
3. The Jewish district Kazimierz (right next to MIT)
4. Oskar Schindler’s Factory and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCAK)
5. Museum of Engineering and Technology (MIT) — great for family, hands-on activities
6. Planty Park — the green ring around the Old Town
7. Kościuszko Mound or Krakus Mound (for views and a walk)
8. Vistula Boulevards and the bridges crossing the river
9. Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden
10. River cruises on the Vistula or walks in Podgórze
MIT is an excellent complement to the city’s historical sites: after a day of strolling the Old Town, interactive exhibitions are a relaxing and stimulating way to recharge, especially with children.
Location and contact: the Depot (the main MIT site) is at ul. Świętego Wawrzyńca 15 in Kraków. The museum’s other branches are the Stanisław Lem Experiment Park (al. Pokoju) and Hangar Czyżyny.
Opening hours: the museum is usually open Tuesday–Saturday; exact hours and closed days (or special events) may vary by season, so check current information before you go.
Tickets and bookings: the museum offers regular, reduced and family tickets as well as workshops and guided tours for groups. If you plan to visit on a weekend or with a larger group, consider booking in advance.
Time needed: allow 1.5–2 hours for a basic visit; families or visitors taking part in workshops may want to reserve half a day or a full day (especially if combining the Depot with the Experiment Park).
Getting there and parking: MIT is in the center (Kazimierz) — it’s easiest to reach by public transport or on foot from many Old Town points. If coming by car, check paid parking zones in advance.
Workshops and play zones: the museum regularly runs activities for children (e.g., Building Block Zone, “Do It Yourself” workshops, family tours). Check the schedule ahead of time and reserve spots, as popular sessions fill quickly.
Activities and safety: many exhibits are interactive but supervised by staff — wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for moving around. With younger children, keep an eye on play areas and follow the educator’s guidance.
Where to rest after an active day: around Kazimierz you’ll find family-friendly cafés and restaurants — places with kids’ menus and baby-changing facilities. Short breaks help children digest the day’s experiences.
Neighborhoods: to be close to the Museum of Engineering and Technology, consider Kazimierz (intimate streets, cafés, nightlife), the Old Town (central, quick access to sights), Podgórze (a calmer area with an industrial vibe) or Grzegórzki (good public transport connections).
Types of accommodation: Kraków offers luxury hotels, boutique hotels, apartments and guesthouses. Choose according to budget and preferences — historic atmosphere, modern design or family-friendly amenities.
Examples of highly-rated places (for different budgets): PURO Kraków Stare Miasto, Hotel Stary, Sheraton Grand Kraków, boutique properties in Kazimierz and comfortable apartments near the Market Square. When choosing, pay attention to guest reviews, location and transport access.
Kazimierz and the surrounding area offer a wide choice of restaurants and cafés — from classic Polish dishes to international cuisine. For reliable choices, pick places with good reviews and steady local patronage.
Cafés and desserts: after the museum, coffee and a sweet treat are often perfect — you’ll find cozy cafés in the area ideal for a break. Look for places that use natural ingredients and homemade pastries.
Family-friendly restaurants: choose venues with kids’ menus, space for strollers and quick service — these are especially helpful after a full day of experiments and activities.
Thinking MIT is only “a children’s museum” — that’s a mistake. Many exhibitions and workshops are interesting for adults too, especially anyone curious about technology and the city’s history.
Not booking workshops in advance — popular sessions (especially on weekends) fill up fast. If you’re visiting with a group or family, reserve ahead.
Arriving at the last minute in high season — consider visiting off-peak (early morning or late afternoon) or buying tickets online if available.
Ignoring accessibility info — if you need accommodations (e.g., for limited mobility), check in advance which branches and exhibitions are accessible.
How much time do I need to visit? - For a quick overview allow 1.5–2 hours; for workshops and the experiment park plan half a day or more.
Is the museum suitable for young children? - Yes. MIT offers play zones and workshops for the youngest visitors, though it’s worth checking age recommendations for specific activities.
Can I buy tickets online? - The museum publishes information about tickets and reservations; check current offers and opening hours before your visit.
Is there a museum shop? - Many branches have a shop with souvenirs and educational materials — a good place to pick up a travel keepsake.
The Museum of Engineering and Technology is a fantastic stop during a stay in Kraków — especially if you travel with family or are interested in the history of technology. The mix of a historic depot, an outdoor experiment park and hands-on workshop spaces gives plenty of opportunities for learning through play.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media to help others plan their visit. If you’d like to explore Kraków with a personal guide, consider booking a private guide: Małgorzata Kasprowicz (the guide behind this page) offers personalized walking tours and can help tailor a visit to your interests. Good luck planning and enjoy discovering Kraków’s technical secrets!
