The National Museum in Krakow is not a single building but a network of a dozen-plus branches spread across the city - from the Main Building at al. 3 Maja, through the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) on the Main Market, to biographical museums (Matejko, Mehoffer, Wyspiański) and the Czartoryski Museum. That means popular temporary exhibitions and the most famous rooms can attract large crowds. Buying a ticket online in advance removes the need to queue at the ticket office, saves time and lets you plan your route according to each branch’s opening hours.
An electronic ticket usually entitles you to enter within a chosen time slot - this is the best option on busy days. You can also buy season passes and tickets for limited temporary exhibitions online.
Keep in mind convenient add-ons available when buying online - renting an audio guide, booking a guided tour for groups, or purchasing a multi-branch pass.
In the city centre start with the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) - the historic seat of the museum on the Main Market, with a 19th-century art collection and a terrace (the terrace is included with the Sukiennice ticket). The Main Building (al. 3 Maja) houses extensive collections of Polish art from decorative arts to contemporary presentations.
Fans of biographies and creators of Polish culture will appreciate branches such as the Jan Matejko House (ul. Floriańska), the Mehoffer House (ul. Krupnicza) and the Wyspiański branch. The Czartoryski Museum is a collection of particular historical and artistic importance. If you want to see specific objects, check which branch displays them before you buy a ticket.
Each branch has its own entry rules, prices and occasional free-entry days - this matters when planning visits.
Ticket prices vary between branches. In many smaller branches (for example Matejko, Mehoffer, Wyspiański) a standard full-price ticket is often lower (about 18 PLN), while tickets at Sukiennice for main exhibitions can be higher.
The museum honours discounts - reduced tickets, family rates and special fares for youth and students. Many branches offer symbolic fees (for example 1 PLN) for young people aged 7 to 26 - check conditions when buying. Also remember that Tuesdays often feature free admission to permanent exhibitions, while some branches are closed on Mondays.
When buying online you can usually add an audio guide - rental fees are typically a few zlotys (in some branches around 7 PLN). If you plan multiple visits, consider a season pass (for example 6 or 12 months), which can be cost-effective for intensive visiting.
Choose the branch and exhibition - make sure the display is open on the day you want to visit. Also check opening hours - some branches admit the last visitors 20 minutes before closing.
In the ticket system pick the date and, if available, a time slot. Pay online by card or another accepted method. After purchase you will receive an e-ticket - usually showing it on your phone at the entrance is enough, or you can print it.
If you plan to rent an audio guide, add it during checkout. For groups or guided visits it’s worth contacting the Information and Reservations Centre in advance, because some forms of visiting require separate reservation or confirmation of date.
On busy days (weekends, incoming tourist groups, free-admission days) arriving at the start of opening hours with an e-ticket almost guarantees fast entry without queuing at the traditional ticket desk.
At the Cloth Hall make sure to go up to the terrace - the view of the Main Market is lovely and included with the ticket for that branch. In the Main Building you’ll find large galleries, so plan what you want to see to avoid wasting time wandering.
If you need information or group reservations, call the Information and Reservations Centre - staff can help with group fees, visiting hours and audio-guide availability. Also remember photography rules - amateur photography may be allowed in some permanent displays, while temporary exhibitions often have restrictions.
Many branches offer facilities for visitors with limited mobility - if you need special arrangements, contact the museum before your visit to agree the best time and form of access.
There’s a café at the Cloth Hall - a convenient spot for coffee after your visit. Around the Market and the Planty you’ll find many well-reviewed restaurants - if you want regional cuisine in a pleasant atmosphere consider trusted local places. For sweet treats try popular cafés and patisseries nearby.
Some local favourites include classic Polish restaurants as well as cosy bistros and cafés by the Planty and in Kazimierz - a nice complement to a museum day. Museum buildings also host shops where you can buy catalogues and exhibition-related souvenirs.
To relax after a busy day choose a walk through the Planty or a short stop at one of the friendly cafés on Grodzka Street or in Kazimierz.
Assuming one visit is enough - the National Museum is many branches with different collections; it’s better to plan themed visits than try to see everything at once.
Not checking opening hours and closed days - some branches are closed on Mondays, and free-entry Tuesdays can draw larger crowds.
Skipping online tickets and audio guides - no booking can mean long queues and limited time to view exhibits. Booking online lets you choose a convenient time slot and often bypass the ticket desk.
Can I enter with an online ticket without queuing? Yes - an e-ticket usually allows entry via a dedicated entrance without standing at the ticket desk. Make sure the chosen branch has a dedicated e-ticket entrance.
Is entry free on Tuesdays? Many branches offer free admission to permanent exhibitions on Tuesdays, however temporary exhibitions may be paid and have separate rules - check before you visit.
Do I need an audio guide? An audio guide is a great complement if you want context for works and history without a guided tour. Rental usually costs a few zlotys and is available in several languages.
The National Museum in Krakow operates as a network of branches - the country’s most notable 'hits' can be spread across several locations, so planning your route is key.
In some branches amateur photography in permanent displays is allowed without extra fees, but temporary exhibitions may have restrictions - always ask at the entrance or check the branch rules.
The museum also runs educational programmes and workshops for children and young people - if you travel with family, check the schedule of activities available on the day.
When planning your visit: buy a ticket online, choose a convenient time slot, arrive on time and - if you can - split your visit into several shorter trips to better appreciate the collections. This helps you avoid queues, reduce fatigue and get more from each museum experience.
If you’d like to explore with someone who can show the most important and lesser-known delights of Krakow, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details are available on the guide’s website. If this article helped you, share it on social media or send it to friends planning a trip to Krakow. Enjoy your visit!
