Andrzej Wajda used the cash prize he received in Japan to help Kraków get its own museum of Japanese art - that is how the collection we see today at Manggha was born. The museum building was designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki and the center officially opened in 1994.
The museum blends tradition with modernity: besides the permanent displays of ukiyo-e woodblock prints and other items from Feliks Jasieński’s collection, you will find temporary exhibitions, tea ceremony workshops, and exhibition spaces composed to work with the Vistula riverside landscape.
If you want your visit to Manggha to be more than a quick walk between rooms, a private tour lets you hear the historical background, see details that are easy to miss, and set the time and pace to match your expectations.
A private guided visit gives you flexibility: you can spend more time at particular objects, ask questions, and request historical and cultural context including links between Japan and Kraków.
The guide will tailor the route to your interests - historical art, woodblock print techniques, the tea ceremony, or Isozaki’s architecture - and will accommodate group needs (pace, accessibility, breaks).
For those who want to go off the beaten path, a private visit also offers the chance to experience the museum in a different context: short hands-on workshops, curator-style commentary, or a neighborhood walk with explanations of local curiosities.
The permanent collection features rich holdings related to Japan, including woodblock prints and applied arts from Feliks Jasieński’s collection. The museum regularly presents temporary exhibitions that show both traditional and contemporary art from the Far East.
A private program can include a demonstration or discussion of the tea ceremony, an introduction to woodblock-printing techniques, and stories about the building’s creation and its relationship with the city. Keep in mind that some attractions have limited access and special events take place during Museum Night or local festivals.
Practical note: the museum is usually open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00, with last admission to exhibitions about 30 minutes before closing. If you plan a guided visit, reserve the date in advance - in practice it’s wise to set a date at least 10 days before your visit.
Manggha sits on the Vistula bank near Rondo Grunwaldzkie, which makes it ideal for composing short riverside walks and exploring small, lesser-known streets that lead toward Wawel and Kazimierz.
I recommend short themed pairings: Manggha plus a riverside walk with stories about changes in the waterfront, or Manggha plus a more intimate route through hidden nooks between Rondo Grunwaldzkie and Kazimierz, where the guide can point out architectural curiosities, lesser-known details, and places not included on standard tourist paths.
For photography lovers, include a short stop on the footbridge linking the riverbanks - it’s a great spot for shots of Manggha framed by the river and Wawel. You can finish the walk at a well-reviewed cafe or small restaurant nearby.
00:00-00:15 - Welcome at the Manggha entrance, brief organizational information, goals of the visit and the plan.
00:15-01:30 - Guided tour of permanent and temporary exhibitions with commentary: ukiyo-e woodblock prints, the most interesting exhibits, techniques, and the history of Jasieński’s collection.
01:30-02:00 - Short break for tea or coffee in the museum cafe or a nearby spot; conversation about the tea ceremony and practical links to the exhibition.
02:00-03:00 - Riverside walk: stories about the museum’s architecture, the city’s relationship with the river, photo stops, a pause on the footbridge or the boulevards; finish at a convenient point (Kazimierz, Wawel, or a cafe).
Book the guide and check the museum’s availability. If you want to join workshops or extra activities, confirm those in advance.
If you arrive by tram or bus, the stops near Rondo Grunwaldzkie are convenient; from the city center you can also walk along the boulevards. For larger groups plan parking or collective transport.
Dress comfortably and check the weather - the riverside walk can be windy. If you have limited mobility, arrange the route and possible accommodations with the guide and museum staff ahead of time.
Not reserving a guide or workshops in advance often leads to disappointment - especially in high season and during special events.
Underestimating the time needed for breaks and moving between places can shorten the enjoyment of the visit. It’s better to plan a relaxed pace and a few pauses for conversation.
Avoid planning a visit during peak-event hours (for example Museum Night) without prior arrangements, unless you specifically want to experience the atmosphere of such an event.
The areas around Manggha and the riverside route offer many cafes and restaurants - ideal for a light lunch or a longer meal after your visit. For larger groups reserve a table in advance.
If you prefer classic, well-reviewed options in the center, consider cafes and restaurants in the Old Town and Kazimierz, which provide comfort and a wide choice of dishes for visitors. If you want, I can prepare a list of specific places tailored to your preferences (vegetarian, traditional Polish, quick lunch, etc.).
For short coffee breaks choose spots with good reviews and comfortable seating - this will increase the comfort of your visit and allow natural conversations about the exhibitions.
Do I need to book a guide? Yes - for a private tour it’s best to reserve the date in advance; museums and guides often need a few days to confirm a specific date.
How long does a guided visit last? Standard private visits usually last from 1 to 3 hours, but the program can be adjusted - from a short themed talk to full-day itineraries combined with other attractions.
Does Manggha offer tea ceremony workshops? The museum often organizes educational events and workshops related to Japanese culture; if you want to include one in your private visit, book it beforehand.
The garden at Manggha is inspired by Japanese design and was a gift from the city of Kyoto - a small, peaceful enclave by the river.
Both Japanese and Polish architects took part in the building’s design; Arata Isozaki’s original concept was given as a gift, which gives the place a special international character.
For fans of film history: the idea to build the exhibition space grew out of Andrzej Wajda’s personal fascination with Japanese art, showing how cinema and art can influence a city’s cultural landscape.
If you liked this idea for a private visit, share the article with friends or on social media - you'll help others discover a less obvious side of Kraków.
If you’d like to book a private visit to Manggha or a personalized route around Kraków with Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz), contact and the full offer are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website. We will gladly prepare a program matched to your interests and available time.
Thank you for your interest - see you in Kraków!
