New Year's Eve is a day when many cultural institutions operate for shorter hours or are closed — the National Museum in Kraków is no exception. Selected branches of the museum open with reduced hours that day, while others remain closed. When planning a visit with a small group (2–6 people), it's worth checking in advance which branches will be open and what time the last entry is.
In practice this means less time for touring and the need to adapt your schedule: if you care about a particular collection (for example the Main Building, the Sukiennice Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art, or the Princes Czartoryski Museum), plan to arrive at the start of opening hours — that way you’ll have time to calmly see the most important rooms.
If you plan to visit only one exhibition or make a quick run through the collections, a small group is an advantage: you move faster and can see more in a short time than a larger party.
In recent notices the museum has made a few main branches available on December 31 with shortened hours — this typically includes the Main Building, the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art in the Sukiennice, the Princes Czartoryski Museum and the Szołayski Tenement. Other branches most often remain closed.
Opening hours on that day are often shortened (for example closing around midday) — you may see announcements like "open until 2:00 PM" or "last entry 40 minutes before closing." That's why it's always a good idea to confirm exact times in the museum's current notice.
If you plan to visit a particular branch, check that branch's information page before you leave or call the museum reservation hotline.
For school groups the museum often offers earlier entry times and separate bookings; for adult groups of 2–6 people a formal reservation is not always required, but on days with limited access (like New Year's Eve) it's wise to contact the information and reservation center to confirm availability and avoid disappointment.
Practical contact details for information and reservations are available on the National Museum’s website — a phone number and reservation email will let you check whether a given exhibition is open and whether there are any special entry restrictions that day.
If you plan to have a guided tour or want to book a dedicated route for 2–6 people, request this in advance — staffing can be limited during holiday periods.
Because hours are shortened, plan shorter visits: 45–60 minutes may be enough for a quick look at an exhibition, while a relaxed visit to the largest branches is better planned for 1.5–2 hours.
Keep in mind that last entry is often allowed 30–45 minutes before closing — even if a museum officially closes at 2:00 PM, entry may end earlier. Planning your route from the entrance to the last room will help you make the most of the available time.
A small group has the upper hand — you move between rooms faster and can focus on the displays that matter most to you.
Holiday announcements from museums often include information about ticket office hours and whether tickets are sold online — buying in advance saves time and guarantees entry, especially if a branch has limited capacity.
Some branches offer reduced tickets and family tickets; students and children usually have discounted prices. If you plan a short New Year's Eve visit, consider buying tickets online if that option is available.
If you have questions about group tickets or special entries — contact the ticket office of the specific branch directly.
Arrive at opening time: on days with limited hours you’ll get the most time by entering first — crowds and limits around midday can shorten your visit.
Check the news or contact the museum — holiday hours are usually published in advance but sometimes change.
Keep in mind that not all branches have the same facilities: some rooms may be closed for conservation reasons, and some branches only operate on certain days of the week — plan your route so you don’t waste time trying to visit every location at once.
Assuming that "all museums in the city are open" — a mistake that costs time and leads to disappointment. Always check the schedule for the specific branch.
Not confirming the last entry — the museum may admit final visitors well before the official closing time.
Failing to book when you plan a guided tour or a visit to a popular branch — on New Year's Eve staffing and availability may be limited.
If you finish near the Sukiennice or the Main Market Square, consider classic Kraków spots that usually get good reviews: Wierzynek (traditional Polish cuisine), or cafés like Camelot and Charlotte — great for coffee and something sweet after a museum visit.
On Kazimierz we recommend well-rated places such as Massolit Books & Café (good for coffee and a book) or Starka (solid regional cuisine) — convenient stops at the end of a day of sightseeing. Remember to reserve a table on New Year’s Eve if you plan a longer dinner.
If you’re looking for a quick pleasant spot near the museums, choose places with many positive reviews — that’s the best way to avoid disappointment on a busy day.
The National Museum in Kraków is a network of many branches across the city — so "the National Museum" is not just a single building, and the branch you choose determines which collections you will see.
Some branches open only on selected days of the week for conservation reasons — this makes planning museum visits on holidays especially important.
It's worth asking about the possibility of booking an individual time slot for visitors with special needs — the museum aims to provide accessibility if you request arrangements in advance.
Do small groups (2–6 people) need to book on New Year's Eve? - Usually a formal booking is not required for such small groups, but due to shortened hours and possible capacity limits it is recommended to confirm availability beforehand.
How do I check current hours for a specific branch? - The most reliable source is the branch’s official webpage or a phone call to the museum’s reservation hotline.
What if I want a private guide on New Year's Eve? - Contact the reservation center and request a guided tour; a private guide should also confirm they can lead a tour that day.
To make the most of the limited time on December 31 — write a short plan (which paintings/rooms are your priority), check the hours of the branch you chose and arrive for the first entry. A small group is a big advantage when it comes to pace and flexibility.
If you would like a professionally guided, calm visit on New Year's Eve or another day, I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — contact and details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. If this article was helpful, please share it with friends or on social media so others can better plan their stay in Kraków!
