On 4 July 1915, on a bridge spanning the Vistula, the president of Kraków and the mayor of Podgórze shook hands — a symbolic moment that became one of the starting points for a temporary exhibition at the Podgórze Museum. This place doesn’t just tell stories about famous people and architecture; above all it shows everyday life in Podgórze across the centuries. If you enjoy stories told by objects, the museum will leave an impression.
The Podgórze Museum is located at ul. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 1 and combines a permanent exhibition with changing temporary shows that regularly refresh perspectives and exhibits. A clear narrative and carefully chosen objects make even a short visit full of discoveries.
The permanent exhibition fills several rooms and tells the story of Podgórze from its beginnings up to the 20th century. The layout is designed to show different aspects of urban life: from the geographical setting “between the Vistula and Saint Benedict’s Hill,” through the period when Podgórze functioned as a royal free town, to later social and economic transformations.
Among the exhibits you’ll find paintings as well as small everyday objects, documents and industrial items that may at first seem insignificant — a button, a brick or a nail. This combination lets you view history from the perspective of the people who lived here, not only through monuments.
The exhibition rooms are arranged by theme, which makes the visit easier and lets you focus on chosen threads. I recommend starting in the room about Podgórze’s relationship with Kraków, then moving to sections about daily life and industrial history.
The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions prepared by the branch’s curatorial team. One recent anniversary show presented 110 stories connected to the union of Podgórze and Kraków — each story was represented by a single object.
Temporary displays have included works by artists such as Aleksander Kotsis, Aleksander Gierymski, Artur Markowicz and Wojciech Weiss. Beyond paintings, pay attention to unique objects: a monstrance designed by Jan Sas Zubrzycki, a cup bearing images of Anna and Leopold Stuhr, and even a door from St. Michael’s Prison. These small details often stay with visitors long after their visit.
Temporary exhibitions mix fine art with family memorabilia and industrial artifacts in a way that highlights the intersection of cultures and the lives of Podgórze residents.
Address: ul. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 1, 30-553 Kraków. Last admission is half an hour before closing.
Typical opening hours: Wednesday 11:00–19:00; Thursday–Sunday 10:00–17:00. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and on selected public holidays — check current closure days before your visit.
Admission to the permanent exhibition is free on selected days (for example, Thursdays may offer free entry to the permanent exhibition). The museum applies discounts: reduced and family tickets and special prices for holders of City Cards. If you want a guided tour or a group reservation, contact the museum by phone or e‑mail — the branch offers curator-led tours and prices for guided visits are listed by the museum.
Phone: the branch publishes contact numbers for the box office and information line — it’s best to call to confirm opening hours and any guided visits. E-mail addresses for reservations and information: podgorze@muzeumkrakowa.pl (or info@muzeumkrakowa.pl).
If you’re planning for a larger group, it’s recommended to register in advance. The museum also runs events and curator-led tours that frequently appear on the branch calendar.
If you prefer a guided walk around Podgórze, consider booking a tour with the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and contact information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Timing: allow about 1–1.5 hours for the permanent exhibition; if you plan to see a temporary exhibition and join a guided tour, schedule around 2 hours.
Best time to visit: early morning at opening or late afternoon on Wednesday when the museum is open until 19:00 — these times are usually less crowded. Avoid Mondays and Tuesdays because the branch is closed.
Tickets and accessibility: buy tickets online if you want to guarantee entry at a specific time. The museum publishes information about accessibility and “quiet hours” for visitors who prefer a calmer visit.
Podgórze is a neighbourhood that nicely blends history with pleasant walking. After the museum, stroll along the Vistula, visit the nearby Krakus Mound (Kopiec Krakusa) or walk toward Kazimierz and Wawel — distances are short and make for a pleasant walking route.
There are several nice cafés and restaurants in the area — if you fancy local food, look for places with good reviews and reserve a table at weekends. Ask museum staff for local recommendations — they often know highly rated spots nearby.
If you’re interested in industrial and urban themes, it’s easy to add a visit to Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory or other branches of the Museum of Kraków that are close by.
Arriving without checking opening hours — museums change schedules on holidays and off-season. Verify current information on the museum’s site or by phone before you go.
Not allowing enough time — a very short visit can mean missing interesting details; plan at least an hour.
Overlooking object labels — the Podgórze Museum displays many small items whose stories are revealing; read the captions to uncover surprising links and personal histories of local residents.
How long does a visit take? On average 60–90 minutes for the permanent exhibition; with temporary exhibitions and a guided tour plan for about 2 hours.
Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities? The museum publishes accessibility information on its site — check the “Museum accessible” section before your visit if you need specific facilities.
Can you take photos? Photography rules vary by exhibition — look for signs near exhibits or ask museum staff.
Temporary exhibitions sometimes include items from private collections that have never been publicly displayed before. It’s a great chance to see personal mementos from Podgórze residents.
Exhibitions mix top-tier works of art with everyday objects — a combination that helps you understand the town not only through the elite’s perspective but also through the lives of ordinary people.
Some seemingly mundane objects (for example a cup or a button) carry their own stories and names of people connected to them — this narrative approach gives the displays an intimate character.
If you enjoy the Podgórze Museum, please share this article with friends or on your social media — you’ll help other visitors plan a better trip to Kraków.
If you’d like to explore Podgórze with a guide, consider arranging a tour with the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — more details and contact information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Have an inspiring visit and many fascinating discoveries in Podgórze!
