Polonia Wax Museum is located in the very heart of Kraków at Floriańska Street 32, and for several years it has attracted families with an interesting mix of history, pop-culture figures and… a good dose of humour coming from some unconventional likenesses. It’s a place worth considering as a short stop during a walk around the Main Market Square — especially when you’re travelling with children and want an easy-to-see attraction that doesn’t take too long.
The museum is part of a larger project that also has a branch in Zakopane, and exhibits are sometimes rotated, so you may see different sets of figures on different visits.
At Polonia Wax Museum the exhibition is divided into several themed zones — in practice this means rooms and scenographies that tell short stories from Polish history, culture and sport. Among the figures you’ll find historical and religious personalities as well as athletes, artists and pop-culture heroes.
For children it’s an attractive way to “meet” characters they’ve seen in books, films or on TV. There are quite a few figures, the scenography can be impressive, and the visit is not exhausting — most families spend about 45 minutes to an hour there if they take a lot of photos and read the descriptions.
In the rooms you will see figures very recognizable in Poland: Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa, historical leaders such as Józef Piłsudski or Lech Wałęsa, as well as contemporary stars and sportspeople. Next to those are characters from literature and film — from The Witcher to pirate silhouettes known from movies.
It’s worth remembering that the style of some figures is not always hyperrealistic; some visitors treat this as part of the fun and a source of jokes, which is natural especially when visiting with children.
The museum works well as a quick, family-friendly attraction: children will enjoy being close to “famous people” and taking selfies, and adults will find an interesting — if not always solemn — lesson in contemporary Polish history presented through scenes and costumes.
If you have very young children, note that some scenography may surprise them — it’s best to tell little ones beforehand that these are wax figures, not real people. For preschoolers and younger schoolchildren the visit can be shorter and more playful; teenagers often appreciate the pop-culture elements and the more “meme-like” aspects of the exhibition.
Address: Floriańska Street 32, Kraków — a central location that’s easy to combine with a visit to the Main Market Square and a walk through the Old Town.
Opening hours can vary depending on the season and weekends; the museum is usually open several days a week from morning until late evening, but it’s a good idea to check current hours on the museum’s website or by phone before your visit.
Ticket prices differ for standard, reduced and group tickets, and the museum sometimes offers promotions at the ticket office. We always recommend checking the current price list shortly before you go — especially if you’re planning a visit with a larger family or group.
Talk briefly before entering — explain that the figures are made of wax and that you can take photos with them but should not touch. This prevents misunderstandings and lets children join the fun with their imagination.
Bring a small backpack with drinks and snacks in case the kids get hungry after a walk. The museum is a good short break between longer walks around the Old Town.
Encourage children to ask questions — for little history-lovers some scenes can be a starting point for simple stories about Poland.
Arriving “straight off the road” without planning the rest of the day may make children tired or bored — it’s best to include the visit as part of a wider daily plan, for example as an afternoon break after exploring the Cloth Hall and the Market.
Expecting the museum to be a copy of Madame Tussauds is a common mistake. Polonia Wax Museum has its own character, and it’s best to approach it with a sense of humour rather than with excessive comparisons.
Not checking current opening hours and ticket prices — always check in advance, especially when planning a weekend or holiday visit.
Floriańska Street and the area around the Main Market Square offer many family-friendly places. If you fancy a short coffee and cake, there are popular cafés and bakeries in the centre. For a family lunch, restaurants around the Market often have extensive menus and good reviews from guests.
Families looking for comfortable accommodation should consider hotels and apartments close to the Old Town — this makes moving around with children easier and reduces walking time between attractions. Choose places with high ratings and positive comments about family services.
The museum sometimes rotates its exhibits and organises themed arrangements, so on a repeat visit you might find something new.
Although some visitors focus on likeness, many tourists emphasise that the biggest fun comes from photos and shared jokes — visits can therefore become a memorable part of a family stay in Kraków.
Can you take photos? — Yes, photos with the figures are allowed and often encouraged; however, please follow the museum rules and do not touch the exhibits.
How long does the visit take? — On average 45–60 minutes; a thorough exploration and lots of photos can extend the visit to a few hours.
Is the place suitable for small children? — Yes, although some scenography may surprise them. A short preparation before entering and splitting the route into shorter parts helps keep their interest.
If you’re planning a family weekend in Kraków, Polonia Wax Museum can be a pleasant and easy-to-fit stop between the city’s main sights. Bring a good mood, a camera and a short story for the children about the characters you’ll meet.
If you found this guide useful, share it with friends or on social media — it will help other families plan their stay in Kraków. If you’d like to explore Kraków with a private guide, I recommend Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact information is available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com and she will gladly help plan a family-friendly route around the city.
