Pomorska Street 2 is not a typical museum full of decorative displays — it is a place of memory. In the building that served as the Gestapo headquarters during World War II, prison cells and detention rooms have been preserved. The permanent exhibition tells the stories of Kraków’s residents facing Nazi terror and the later period of communist repression (years 1939–1945 and 1945–1956). A visit helps you understand the scale of these tragic local experiences through documents, photographs and eyewitness accounts.
This site is part of the city’s Memory Route, together with Oskar Schindler’s Factory and the Pharmacy Under the Eagle, so it makes sense to plan your visit as part of a wider thematic walk that follows the traces of occupation and postwar repression in Kraków.
The main part of the exhibition are the preserved cells and basement areas of the former detention center, along with a reconstruction of an interrogation room. The permanent exhibition is titled “Kraków Residents Facing Terror 1939–1945–1956” and uses personal stories to show how both totalitarian regimes operated and affected everyday life in the city.
Display cases and panels contain documents, photographs, letters, family keepsakes and recorded witness testimonies. The exhibition highlights similarities between Nazi occupation and postwar repressions — an experience that many visitors find deeply moving.
Address: ul. Pomorska 2, 30-039 Kraków.
Opening hours: the museum is generally open from Wednesday to Sunday, usually 10:00–17:00; the last admission is about 30 minutes before closing. The museum may be closed on certain public holidays and is typically closed on Mondays and Tuesdays — always check current dates before you go.
Admission: under the Museum of Kraków’s policy some days (for example Wednesdays) may offer free entry; some visits or tickets should be reserved online. If you plan a specific time or a guided group, book in advance.
Reservation and information contact: tel. +48 12 633 14 14; e-mail: pomorska@muzeumkrakowa.pl.
Plan about 45–90 minutes for a calm visit that includes seeing the cells and listening to witness recordings. If you combine Pomorska Street with other stops on the Memory Route (the Pharmacy Under the Eagle, Schindler’s Factory), allow a half-day or full-day for a relaxed itinerary.
There are nearby larger exhibitions and musical or cultural stops — consider a walking route or a short tram/taxi ride between points so you can see the site in the wider urban context.
Pomorska Street is a national place of remembrance and, emotionally, a sacred space — quiet and respectful behavior is requested. Photography may be restricted in some rooms — ask at the ticket desk before taking pictures.
Please be aware that the exhibition deals with difficult subjects: torture, interrogation and repression. This is not an entertainment exhibit — visitors should expect a serious, reflective experience.
The exhibition is valuable for anyone interested in history, social memory and the story of World War II and Poland’s postwar years. Parents considering bringing children should weigh their child’s age and maturity — the displays include stark testimonies and photographs.
Visitors with mobility limitations: the building has some constraints because of its historic layout; call ahead to ask about accessibility and available accommodations. The museum has a cloakroom.
Arriving on days when the museum is closed — check opening days and hours (the museum is usually closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and on some holidays).
Speaking loudly or making unsolicited commentary in areas of remembrance — keep your voice low and save discussions for after your visit.
Not reserving for larger groups — if you come with a group or need a guided tour in a specific language, arrange this in advance.
Expecting a light experience — this is a documentary exhibition with strong subject matter; prepare yourself and your companions for emotional content.
Pomorska Street is part of the city’s Memory Route. Nearby you will find Oskar Schindler’s Factory and the Pharmacy Under the Eagle (Apteka pod Orłem). It’s worth combining visits with a short walk to other memorial sites, or spending time afterward in nearby neighborhoods to reflect on what you’ve seen.
During the season the Museum of Kraków also organizes thematic events, commemorations and Days of Remembrance for Gestapo victims, which usually take place in September; check the museum calendar if you’re interested in memorial events.
After an intense visit, find a quiet place for coffee or a meal. The area around Zabłocie and the city center has many cafés and restaurants — look for cozy, calm places ideal for conversation and reflection.
A few practical tips: choose venues with a relaxed atmosphere, avoid very noisy bars immediately after your visit, and check reviews if you want a peaceful setting. If you prefer traditional Polish dishes or a light café stop, the neighborhood offers small bistros as well as more established restaurants.
How long does a visit take? Usually 45–90 minutes, depending on pace and how much time you spend with witness testimonies.
Are guides available in English? The museum primarily serves Polish-speaking visitors — if you need a tour in another language, contact the museum in advance to check availability.
Is photography allowed? Rules vary by room; ask at the ticket desk. Please respect the space of memory.
Is the exhibition suitable for children? The content is heavy — parents should decide whether to bring a child.
How do I buy tickets? Tickets can usually be purchased online via the Museum of Kraków’s ticketing service or at the ticket desk (subject to availability). Some Wednesdays may offer free entry — check current information online.
The real prison cells of the former detention center have been preserved at Pomorska Street, and the presentation focuses on the lives of individual people — it is an account about people and their fates rather than a collection of general artifacts.
Be prepared that the exhibition connects stories from two different periods of repression — it intentionally compares Nazi and communist methods of social control, which often prompts reflection on historical memory.
If you plan to visit several Memory Route sites in one day, start early to avoid crowds and to allow time for a calm visit to each place.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends — it’s a good way to encourage others to visit places of memory and remember the city’s history.
If you want deeper historical context or a personalized guided visit to Pomorska Street and the surrounding Memory Route, consider a private tour with guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and offerings are available on her website. This is a great option if you want more local stories and a tailored experience.
You are warmly invited — visiting Pomorska Street is not only a history lesson but also an opportunity to pay tribute to the victims and to understand Kraków’s social context in the twentieth century.
