Kraków in winter has its own special charm: historic streets smell of mulled wine, and museums are warm places to escape the cold and dive into stories from thousands of years ago — from fossils to exotic plants. The city is home to several institutions that together create a unique “nature map”: large zoological and geological collections, paleobotany exhibits and a botanical garden with impressive greenhouses. If you come to Kraków for the holidays, plan your visits so you see the most unique displays and — at the same time — rest in the cozy interior of a museum.
Museum of Nature of the Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals (ISEZ PAN) - a Kraków institution with large scientific collections and exhibitions about Pleistocene fauna and local excavation results. This museum displays finds from the Spadzista site, one of Europe’s most important concentrations of mammoth remains.
Jagiellonian University museums and units - the university’s natural collections date back to the 18th century; on the UJ campus you can visit the Jagiellonian University Museum, the Centre for Nature Education and the Botanical Garden, where you’ll find rich collections of minerals and fossils as well as winter greenhouse displays.
Specialized museums - paleobotany and geology - Kraków also has units devoted to the history of plants and rocks; their exhibitions show landscape changes over millions of years and rare fossil specimens.
City museums with a natural-history angle - some municipal and historical exhibitions highlight the role of animals in Kraków’s past; these can be combined into a pleasant walking route through the city centre.
The ISEZ exhibitions present results of long-term excavations: the Spadzista site uncovered a large concentration of mammoth bones, and digs begun in the late 1960s provided material for fascinating reconstructions and stories of the Ice Age. The museum’s collections total hundreds of thousands of items and cover a wide range of zoological, paleontological and archaeozoological specimens.
For visitors interested in ‘big’ exhibits — reconstructions, skeleton displays and narratives about how discoveries reshape our view of the past — the museum is a major attraction. Exhibitions are often updated with material from recent research and excavations.
Check the institution’s address, opening hours and details about temporary exhibitions before you go — during the holiday season many places change their schedules.
The UJ natural collections have a long history: geological, paleontological and zoological holdings formed the basis of museum displays from the 18th century onward. This means an abundance of minerals, fossils and traces of life from Polish lands over time.
The Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden is a great winter option - its greenhouses and palm house create a tropical microclimate that offers a lovely contrast to the city greyness. In recent years greenhouse arrangements have been enhanced, so winter visits are especially recommended for families and anyone wanting a green break.
The Centre for Nature Education at UJ focuses on hands-on learning — workshops for children and school programs — so if you travel with younger visitors, check their events calendar.
Holidays are a time when many institutions change opening hours — it’s common for museums to be closed on December 25 and to have reduced hours on December 24 and 31. So the first rule is: always check current opening times on the museum’s website or call before you set out.
Buy tickets in advance - if an exhibition requires booking or space is limited, reserve ahead. Many institutions offer online ticketing, which saves time and secures entry within a chosen time slot.
Combine plans - a winter route can pair one larger museum with a short walk to the botanical garden greenhouses or a nearby café. Have a backup plan in case a venue is closed.
Don’t assume all museums are open on holidays - this is the most common mistake. Have an alternative (a café, a central exhibition) for December 25.
Dress in layers - museums are heated, but moving between a botanical garden’s outdoor areas and indoor exhibitions may require brief walks outside.
If you’re visiting with children, check whether the museum runs workshops or holiday activities — these are often a better experience than simply viewing the displays.
Respect photography rules - in some rooms photography may be restricted because of the exhibits or copyright rules for exhibition design.
Kraków’s collections combine active scientific research with public displays — these are not just “old cabinets” but living research sites and excavation bases.
Some exhibits come from excavations carried out regularly since the second half of the 20th century — discoveries are still being studied and sometimes appear on display as ‘new’ finds even decades after excavation.
The botanical garden contains species and greenhouse arrangements that recreate a truly tropical atmosphere in winter — a fantastic attraction when it’s freezing outside.
Are museums open on Christmas Day? - Most institutions are closed on December 25; check the museum’s website before you travel.
Do I need to reserve tickets? - For special exhibitions and school groups booking is often required; for permanent exhibitions it’s worth buying tickets online if that option exists.
How much time should I allow for the Museum of Nature? - Plan 1.5–2 hours for a relaxed visit to the main exhibition; add extra time if you want to see temporary exhibitions.
Are museums good for children? - Yes, many units have exhibitions and educational programs for younger visitors, and the botanical garden is a great spot for a short, engaging break.
If you visit Kraków during the holidays, plan one longer visit to a natural-history museum and one shorter stop at the Botanical Garden greenhouses. Check opening hours on institution websites, book tickets when possible and leave time for coffee or cake at a well-rated nearby café - it’s a good strategy for a winter day in the city.
If you enjoyed this guide, share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like to explore Kraków with a local guide, consider booking a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz - details can be found on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website. Have a good trip and a warm, discovery-filled holiday in Kraków!
