The Archaeological Museum in Krakow has regular seasonal hours: it is usually closed on Mondays; Tuesday–Saturday the main exhibition is open roughly 9:00–17:00, and on Sundays the exhibition is typically available later, usually around 11:00–16:00. The last admission is half an hour before closing, so plan your visit accordingly.
During major modernization works the public entrance may be moved — currently the visitor entrance is handled from Senacka Street 3. The museum presents, among others, the permanent exhibition “Prehistory and the Middle Ages of Lesser Poland” in a refreshed form.
If you are planning a group visit, remember that group visits now generally require advance reservation. Contact details for group reservations are available from the museum; booking ahead helps avoid disappointment on the day.
City museums in Krakow often publish annual lists of closed days. In 2025 the Archaeological Museum listed closures on several major holiday dates. These commonly include: January 1 (New Year’s Day), January 6 (Epiphany), Easter days (movable), June 19 (Corpus Christi in 2025), August 15 (Assumption of Mary), November 1 (All Saints’ Day), November 11 (Independence Day) and traditionally December 24–26 (Christmas Eve and Christmas days).
Annual closure schedules may vary — when a holiday falls on a weekend additional changes sometimes occur. Anyone planning a visit during the holiday season should check the museum’s current announcements before leaving.
Note: Easter and other movable holidays change date every year, so don’t rely on last year’s calendar.
Check current opening hours on the museum’s official page or call the information desk before you go — this is the quickest way to avoid arriving at closed doors.
If you plan to visit in a group, make an advance reservation. Group bookings (including guided visits) are handled by email and phone — booking ahead secures entry and often better conditions for the tour.
Remember the last admission time — 30 minutes before official closing. If you want to see the permanent exhibition comfortably, aim to arrive at least 1.5–2 hours before closing. During the holiday–New Year period hours and last-admission times may be shortened.
On movable holidays — especially around Easter — the museum may be closed for longer or completely. Other cultural institutions in the city also adjust schedules then, so when planning a multi-day stay, avoid leaving all attractions for those exact dates.
Some branches or seasonal exhibitions have their own opening schedules; for example, displays outside the main building or in church crypts may be open only in specific months. Check whether the exhibition you want to see is currently on display.
If you arrive on a day when the museum is closed — use the time for a walk nearby: the Old Town and Wawel Castle are very close, and on colder days cafés and bakeries serve local treats that are a perfect complement to a museum afternoon.
Near the Old Town and the Castle you’ll find cafés and places popular with both locals and tourists. Two well-known options are Cafe Camelot on ul. Św. Tomasza and Charlotte at Plac Szczepański — both are praised for atmosphere and baked goods.
If you prefer a more formal meal, there are highly rated restaurants nearby serving Polish and international cuisine. During holidays call ahead to check opening times and whether reservations are required.
If you have dietary restrictions, choose places that clearly indicate vegan or gluten-free options and let the staff know when ordering.
Assuming the museum follows normal hours on every holiday. Many cultural institutions in Krakow shorten hours or close on key days — check in advance.
Trying to enter with a large group without a reservation. Group bookings may be mandatory and without one entry can be refused — reserve by email or phone.
Arriving at the last minute — remember last admission is 30 minutes before closing. Give yourself time for a relaxed visit instead of rushing through the exhibition.
Is the Archaeological Museum open on December 24? - Usually the museum is closed on Christmas Eve, and often also on December 25 and 26; confirm for the specific year.
Can I buy a ticket on site? - Yes, you can, but during busy periods it’s better to buy or reserve in advance, especially for groups.
Where is the museum entrance? - The main building’s visitor entrance is currently handled from Senacka Street 3 due to renovation and access changes.
Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities? - The museum provides accessibility information and resources; contact the museum in advance if you need assistance.
The Archaeological Museum operates within a historic complex and during renovation some rooms or gardens may be temporarily unavailable — nevertheless the museum often presents the most valuable exhibits in a refreshed form.
Major permanent displays focus on the prehistory and medieval period of Lesser Poland, so even a short visit gives a good overview of the region’s development across millennia.
Nearby cafés with local character and freshly baked goods make for an easy and satisfying way to round off a museum afternoon — a simple way to add Krakow flavors to your cultural outing.
If this overview helped you plan your trip to Krakow, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others arrange a smoother visit.
If you’d like to explore Krakow with a local guide who knows the city’s history and tells its stories with warmth, consider booking a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Details and booking information are available on her site — a guided visit can make the experience more comfortable and tailored to your interests.
Good luck planning your visit and enjoy sightseeing in Krakow!
