The National Museum in Kraków is not just large paintings and display cases — during the Christmas season it often buzzes with life: special workshops, family tours and themed educational programmes. For children, holiday activities at the museum are an opportunity to learn about traditions through play, to see familiar figures (like Saint Nicholas in old paintings) and to create their own artworks instead of spending the day indoors. It’s also a great way to spend the holiday actively, when some other attractions may be closed.
The Museum has a variety of rooms and branches — the Main Building, Ciołek Palace, the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and others — so even a shorter visit can be varied and adapted to the children’s ages. For fans of grand paintings, a visit is a chance to see ‘iconic’ works such as monumental canvases by national masters or famous pictures whose scale and stories can capture younger viewers’ imagination.
If you’re planning a visit on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Boxing Day, check opening hours and the holiday programme — museums in Kraków sometimes prepare special or promotional programmes or shorter workshops for this period.
Jan Matejko’s Battle of Grunwald — a monumental canvas that attracts attention with its size and a scene full of figures. Children are often fascinated by details, armours and galloping horses.
Władysław Podkowiński’s Frenzy of Exaltation (Szał uniesień) — a painting that arouses curiosity because of its history and drama; it’s worth telling its context briefly in an age-appropriate way.
Collections of Japanese art and the applied arts — exotic and decorative elements (fans, kimonos, textiles) are colourful and inspiring for children and spark storytelling.
Exhibits with Nativity scenes and images of Saint Nicholas — these naturally invite questions and play during the Christmas season; museums sometimes pair them with short animations or activities for the youngest visitors.
In the pre-Christmas period the National Museum often organises themed family workshops: stories about old customs, art workshops related to holiday decorations and interactive tours for children. Programmes are often tailored to age groups and take the form of activities rather than lectures.
Typical activities include: spotting characters in paintings, trying on replica costumes, a short story of Saint Nicholas in paintings, playful movement tasks and making simple decorations children can take home. There is often the opportunity to see parts of historic costumes or props under the supervision of museum educators.
If you plan to attend with a group or an extended family, booking in advance is recommended — places in workshops and guided family tours can be limited, especially on weekends and during the holidays.
1. Start at the main entrance: quickly check the map and choose 2–3 most interesting rooms instead of trying to see the whole museum at once.
2. Begin with a large-scale exhibition (e.g. the Battle of Grunwald) — let the children study the details, ask questions and compare elements of the painting.
3. A short workshop or family activity (if available that day) — a moment to rest and to engage the children creatively.
4. A light break at the museum café or a short walk outside if the weather allows — it’s important not to overdo it with young children.
5. Finish in a smaller, thematic room (e.g. applied arts or the Japanese collection) — a calmer space will help children focus and end the visit on a positive note.
Always check current opening hours and ticket availability online, especially during the holiday season. Many branches offer online tickets — this saves time and secures a place for limited events.
The museum usually has a cloakroom or luggage storage — it’s best to leave large bags and umbrellas there, especially on cold or rainy days. On-site information or the museum’s website will clarify whether strollers are allowed into exhibition rooms or whether a carrier or sling is recommended in some spaces.
For families with small children, bring snacks and a spare set of clothes — short breaks for food help prevent fatigue. If you plan to visit several branches (for example the Cloth Hall and the Main Building), allow time for moving between them and possible queues at ticket offices.
After the visit it’s a good idea to find a child-friendly place for a warm drink and something to eat. Around the Market Square and the Main Railway Station there are many well-rated cafés and patisseries — choose one that offers quick meals and space to rest. Chocolate lounges, including long-established places known for traditional brands, are often a big attraction for children.
If you prefer places with family facilities, shopping centres like Galeria Krakowska by the Main Station have benches, toilets and various food outlets, which makes logistics easier with children. For a cozier atmosphere, popular cafés near the Old Town that are well-reviewed for fresh pastries and sweets are good choices.
Remember that the best places can be busy during the holiday season, so booking a table in advance or choosing a less popular time (for example earlier in the afternoon) will make the visit easier.
For families it’s convenient to stay near the Old Town or Kazimierz — shorter walks between the hotel and museums, restaurants and attractions are a big plus when you have small children. Hotels that offer family rooms and services (cribs, the option of early check-in) simplify the daily plan.
If you plan to use public transport, check schedules for holiday days — some lines run less frequently. Alternatively, a taxi or a ride-booking app can be more convenient when travelling with children and luggage.
During the holidays keep in mind that some attractions operate on different schedules (for example limited access on December 25) — it’s good to have a backup plan for a walk around Kraków or a short trip to a nearby park.
Trying to “see everything” in one visit — it’s better to choose a few key highlights and leave the rest for another occasion. Children get tired faster and too many exhibits can be discouraging.
Not booking workshops or family tours — if the museum publishes holiday activities, it’s usually worth reserving a spot in advance, especially on weekends.
Failing to check changed opening hours during the holidays — before travelling, verify current information about openings and closures, because many institutions are closed or operate with reduced hours on Christmas Day (25 December).
Is the National Museum open on Christmas Day? - Holiday hours vary; to avoid disappointment, check the official museum information or call before you go.
Do children pay for tickets? - Museums usually offer reduced tickets for children and youth; family workshops may have separate pricing, so read the event description before buying tickets.
Can I take a stroller into the exhibition rooms? - Rules differ between branches; cloakrooms and storage spaces are often available; if you’re concerned about comfort, consider a baby carrier or sling for the youngest children.
The National Museum’s collections include very different objects — from huge battle scenes on canvases to small, intricately decorated everyday items that were once extremely valuable. Telling children that art can speak about everyday life in the past often surprises them.
Some works in the museum once caused scandal or were considered “too modern” — this is a good moment to talk with a child about how tastes change and what can provoke controversy in art.
Show children that a museum is not only about “old things” but also a place where new exhibitions and events are created — educators often design special family projects and invite participation.
The National Museum in Kraków can offer families unique experiences during the Christmas season: a combination of great art with workshops, holiday stories and activities for the youngest visitors. When planning your visit, pick a few highlights, book workshop places, schedule breaks for rest and enjoy discovering the museum together with your children.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like to explore Kraków with a private guide, I recommend using the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — you can find her contact on the website of the service, where she offers personalised routes and support during family visits.
