Wawel is not only the cathedral and the royal chambers — it is also a place where history meets contemporary art. Autumn and winter 2025 brought several interesting temporary exhibitions to the hill: from shows of Polish post‑war painting, through sentimental postcard collections, to educational programmes for families. Below you will find descriptions of the most important exhibitions, practical advice and a few surprises to know before your visit. At the end there are FAQs and tips on how to avoid the most common mistakes while touring.
The spotlight is on the exhibition devoted to Polish painting after 1945, presented in the Royal Castle at Wawel. This rare selection of paintings raises questions about the presence of contemporary art in a royal residence. At the same time, on Wawel you can find a themed exhibition presenting historical postcards depicting the Wawel hill — small objects but full of information about changes in the space and the castle’s image over the decades. Also pay attention to family programmes and workshops accompanying the exhibitions, which often help understand the context of the displays.
One of the most interesting proposals of the season — an exhibition presenting a collection of Polish painting after 1945. You will see works by well‑known and respected Polish artists: paintings that represent various creative positions after World War II. In a curatorial approach, the organisers contrast the tradition of the royal residence with contemporary forms, offering a completely different perspective on Wawel as a museum space. The exhibition runs during the autumn–winter 2025 season and is a great opportunity to see how museum collections can dialogue with recent art.
In building number 7 there is an exhibition focused on postcards featuring Wawel. It is a proposal for those who enjoy socio‑cultural curiosities: postcards document architectural, landscape and aesthetic changes and show how Wawel was depicted and perceived by tourists in different eras. The curatorial presentation tries to extract from these small images information valuable not only sentimentally but also scientifically. The exhibition is also a good place to understand how the city was promoted and what role the hill played in the imagination of local and foreign audiences.
Besides temporary exhibitions, don’t forget to visit the permanent highlights: the royal chambers, the castle’s representative halls and the tapestries — these often form the background for temporary displays and help to understand the historical context. The Wawel Cathedral, the treasury and the royal crypt are places of great emotional and artistic value, which pair well with an exhibition visit. If you are interested in themed tours, check whether there are guided thematic tours or short lectures linked to current exhibitions — organisers frequently prepare interpretive sessions.
Wawel strives to be increasingly accessible: some exhibitions offer audio description and tactile graphics, as well as sensory stations that help visitors with different needs. Activities inside also support families with children, e.g. interactive elements or special educational trails. When planning your visit, remember that not all rooms have permanent wheelchair access — it is a good idea to check accessibility information for specific exhibitions and spaces in advance.
Buy tickets online if you want to avoid queues — especially on weekends and during the tourist season. Morning entries from Tuesday to Friday are usually less crowded than afternoons and Saturdays. Check opening hours of a given exhibition in advance — temporary displays may have different hours than the standard castle route. If you plan to visit several branches at once, consider a combined ticket if available; note that some popular temporary shows require time‑specific reservations.
Around Wawel you’ll find many places of different character: from historic restaurants to cosy cafés. A few tried and trusted spots within a short walk are the traditional Wierzynek restaurant, hearty portions at Pod Wawelem, and several intimate cafés and bistros on Kanonicza Street and around the Main Market Square. If you prefer something local and less touristy, take a stroll toward the smaller streets of Kazimierz or Stradom, where you’ll often find pleasant cafés and local bakeries.
Wawel is not only a repository of old relics — in 2025 the castle showed it can also host contemporary paintings and conversations about modern art. The less emphasised connection between Wawel and foreign museums means that historically exceptional objects sometimes arrive in Krakow and are shown here for only a short time. Also less obvious is that small items like postcards or souvenirs can tell the story of everyday relations between residents and the hill, often better than large paintings.
1. Not booking in advance — especially for temporary exhibitions; buy your ticket online. 2. Overpacking your schedule — Wawel and the exhibitions require time; allow at least 2–3 hours. 3. Not checking photography restrictions — not all exhibitions allow photos. 4. Skipping the context — if you view contemporary art, read the short curatorial note at the entrance or join a brief tour.
Do I need to buy a ticket in advance? - Recommended for temporary exhibitions and weekends. Are the exhibitions suitable for children? - Many displays include educational elements and family workshops, but check the description of each exhibition. Can I take photos? - Rules vary by exhibition; please respect the posted regulations. How long does a visit take? - Usually 1.5–3 hours, depending on how many sections you want to see.
A pleasant visit starts with good logistics: buy tickets online, arrive early if you want to avoid crowds, and leave room for calmly discovering rooms and details. If you’d like to get to know Wawel more deeply and in an intimate way, consider booking a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact and details are available on the guide’s website. If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media so others can plan a great visit to Wawel!
