Polonia Wax Museum stands on one of Kraków’s most recognizable streets — Floriańska 32 — and for several years has drawn a mix of surprise, amusement and curiosity. In the holiday season, when the Main Market Square and the surrounding streets shine with decorations and Christmas trees, this place is often visited by families and tourists looking for “something different” beyond traditional attractions. This guide will help you decide whether to include a visit in your holiday plan, how to prepare for the visit and what else is worth seeing nearby.
I recommend reading this guide before buying a ticket — you’ll find practical tips, a few “surprises” to expect and a list of top cafés and restaurants in the area so you can make the most of your time in the heart of Kraków. A relaxed attitude and a sense of humor go a long way — the museum can be pure fun, and sometimes a starting point for family conversations.
Polonia Wax Museum is a commercial wax figure exhibition showcasing historical and political figures, athletes, actors and fictional characters. The exhibition has its own character and does not always aim for hyper-realistic likenesses — which is why it has often produced comments and memes that drew attention online. The interiors are arranged so visitors can take photos, move among the displays and spend anywhere from a few dozen minutes to about an hour there, depending on your pace and how many photos you take.
The visit is suitable for families with children, couples and people who enjoy experiential attractions—expect photo interactions, playful scenes and moments perfect for a light comment during a holiday walk around the Market Square. If you expect museum-grade, ultra-realistic wax figures like those in the world’s most famous galleries, be prepared for a good dose of irony and distance — that’s a common reaction among visitors.
The museum is located in Kraków’s city centre at Floriańska 32 — easy to reach on foot from the Main Market Square. Opening hours can be flexible (especially on weekends and during the holiday season), so it’s worth checking the current hours on the museum’s official site before your planned visit. Admission prices are commercial and vary by ticket type (standard, reduced, family, group) — if you’re visiting for the holidays, consider buying an online ticket to avoid waiting in line.
The holiday period brings higher tourist traffic — particularly in the afternoons and evenings when the Market Square is lively. It’s best to come in the morning or right after opening to avoid the biggest crowds. Consider planning the visit as part of a longer walk: after leaving the museum you have the Market, St. Mary’s Basilica, the Cloth Hall and many cafés just a few steps away.
Dress in layers — indoor temperatures are normal, but walking between attractions in the Old Town, especially in the evening, can be chilly. Bring a phone charger — you’ll take lots of photos and share stories. Suggested route: start at the museum, then enjoy a short stroll around the Market with coffee and continue toward the Planty or across the river to Podgórze depending on your mood.
If you travel with children, set small “tasks” (for example, find three sports figures or take a photo with a favourite character) to keep the visit engaging and smooth. For larger groups it’s a good idea to reserve tickets in advance — it saves time and stress at the entrance.
Don’t judge the exhibition only by the first internet impressions — some visitors admit the trip gives more fun and conversation than they expected. Treat the display as a lightly entertaining urban attraction, not necessarily comparable to major world-class wax galleries.
If you find a figure that makes you smile or raises an eyebrow, use it for creative photos but remain courteous toward the exhibits and other visitors. Not everyone visits with the same sense of irony; respect others’ space and feelings.
Floriańska Street and the Market area offer many well-regarded places perfect for a break after the museum. Jama Michalika is a historic café with strong artistic traditions, atmospheric interiors and good breakfasts — worth visiting for the atmosphere and a taste of Kraków. Noworolski Café in the Cloth Hall is a classic — coffee with a Market view and an elegant, traditional interior. Camelot on Św. Tomasza Street is a cozy spot with an artistic vibe, good for dessert or an evening meet-up. For bakery and wine options, Charlotte on Floriańska offers a French atmosphere and fresh pastries — great for a holiday breakfast or late brunch.
When choosing a restaurant, check current reviews and ratings — during the holiday season some places fill up fast, so booking a table for the evening can save your plans. If you want top Polish cuisine, look for highly-rated restaurants a little further from the Market — oftentimes food quality and value are better outside the busiest square.
Expecting every figure to be a perfect celebrity likeness — that’s the most frequent disappointment. A better approach is to come with a sense of humour and curiosity about how different characters were staged. Not checking holiday schedules — many attractions operate on altered hours during holidays; verify opening times and any closures before you go. Spending too long on the Market without a restaurant reservation — in top places during the holiday season you may not get a table without prior booking.
Also remember not to treat the museum solely as an “internet meme” — even if you’ve seen funny comparisons online, many people give it a chance and leave smiling.
Is it worth visiting at Christmas? Yes, if you enjoy short, entertaining attractions and want an idea for a family visit beyond the usual monuments. The museum fits well into a walking plan of the festive Market. How much time should I allow? Usually 30–90 minutes — depending on how many photos you take and how closely you look at the displays. Do I need to reserve a ticket? Not always, but during busy periods (weekends, holidays) buying online saves time. Is it suitable for children? Yes — many children react with curiosity and humour; keep in mind that some exhibits can be oddly realistic.
Is the museum ‘recommended’? That depends on expectations. If you come for academic historical detail you may be disappointed. If you’re after a light, photo-friendly attraction with an entertainment angle — it’s worth a try.
The museum gained international attention in the past thanks to viral social media content — this made it an interesting stop for foreign visitors as well. For that reason, interest during the holiday season can be higher than usual. If you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting during the first opening hours or on weekdays outside school holiday periods.
Bonus tip: pairing a short visit to the museum with a workshop or a small concert in a nearby café can give the day an artistic touch — Kraków hosts many small cultural events, especially during the holidays.
If this guide helped you plan a visit, share it with friends or on your social media — maybe someone in your circle is looking for ideas for Kraków at Christmas. If you prefer to explore Kraków at a more personal pace and discover local curiosities without stress, consider using the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact and offer are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. I wish you a pleasant, peaceful and delicious holiday in Kraków!
If you have a question about a specific holiday date (for example Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day), write to me — I’ll check current opening hours and suggest the best way to plan your day.
