The Eagle Pharmacy is more than a museum — it is an authentic place of remembrance. In the former pharmacy of Tadeusz Pankiewicz you will find the story of everyday life and the tragedies of residents of the Kraków Ghetto, and of the people who tried to help. Visiting here gives a different, more personal perspective on World War II than a typical historical exhibition.
If you value silence, context and conversation in a small group, a private guided visit lets you focus on the exhibition’s details, ask questions and see places that are easy to miss during busy public tours. It’s an excellent choice for a calm, reflective start to a weekend in Kraków.
Opening hours at the Eagle Pharmacy are fixed — the branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków makes the exhibition available on specified days and times; the last admission is 30 minutes before closing, so plan your visit with time to spare. Check the museum’s site for current hours and days when it is closed.
Visits can be individual (usually up to 9 people) or in larger groups. The museum also offers guided walks and educational tours across the former ghetto area — it’s wise to book these in advance, especially for a weekend visit. According to the rules, bookings for guided tours should be made at least a few days ahead.
If you’re hoping for free admission, check the museum’s announcements for open days — from time to time the museum offers days or hours with free or special-access entry.
1. Choose the day and time — pick a morning slot if you want to avoid crowds and have a quiet moment to reflect at the exhibition.
2. Ask about guide availability and reserve the guiding service early — a private guide can tailor the pace and content to your interests.
3. Combine the pharmacy visit with a short walk around Podgórze: Ghetto Heroes Square (Plac Bohaterów Getta) is a good starting point for exploring the former ghetto, continuing across the Vistula toward Kazimierz or toward Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory.
4. Check practical access information — some museum locations have steps or restrictions that affect people using crutches or wheelchairs, so notify staff in advance if anyone in your party needs special assistance.
Eagle Pharmacy (Ghetto Heroes Square) — start with the exhibition, read witnesses’ accounts and pause in the dispensing room, where objects and documents speak powerfully.
Then continue through Podgórze: short walks along the streets of this former district let you see a less touristy part of Kraków, its tenement houses and the memory of the place. On the way you can visit Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory — a natural extension of the occupation-era narrative and the city’s history.
If you wish, cross the bridge toward Kazimierz and finish the day with dinner in one of Kazimierz’s recommended restaurants — a comfortable, pleasant way to close the day that combines reflection with the pleasure of good food.
The Historical Museum of Kraków offers different ticket options — from single-entry tickets to combined tickets covering branches in Podgórze. If you plan to visit several branches over a few days, a combined ticket may save you money. Check the museum’s site for current prices and ticket validity conditions.
School groups and organised groups often have special rates and educational programmes — ask about the museum’s educational offer and themed walks prepared for young people and adults.
The Eagle Pharmacy is located on the ground floor, but the street-level entrance can include a few steps; ticket offices and some administrative areas have aids, and staff can help arrange wheelchair access if you report your needs in advance.
There are no large parking lots directly next to the pharmacy, so it’s usually best to arrive by public transport or walk from the city centre. On weekends and during special events the area can be busier, so allow extra time for getting there.
After visiting you might stop for coffee or lunch near the Old Town or Kazimierz — it’s a pleasant walk across the bridge. If you’re looking for classic Kraków cuisine, consider well-known places like Restauracja Wierzynek on the Main Market Square, or local Kazimierz favourites such as Hamsa (Middle Eastern) or cosy cafés like Mleczarnia.
Other good options include bistros and restaurants on Szeroka Street and the area around Plac Nowy in Kazimierz. Choose places with strong reviews to increase the chance of a satisfying meal. If you’d like, for a private tour I can suggest specific venues matched to your tastes (vegetarian, family-friendly, or for a special evening).
Remember that in the tourist season it’s wise to reserve the best restaurants in advance, especially for weekend evenings.
The pharmacy really was a place of shelter and meetings — preserved objects and witness accounts give the exhibition a very personal dimension.
The museum organises special events, such as Museum Night, when the exhibition may be open late and additional guided talks or lectures are held. That’s a chance to see the place in a different way.
Ask about educational walks around the former ghetto organised by the branch — these give valuable spatial and historical context, and a private visit can be complemented with such a walk.
Trying to arrive at the very last minute before closing — remember the rule: last admission is 30 minutes before closing. It’s better to arrive earlier than to rush through the exhibition.
Not planning transport and walking time — the area can be crowded and parking is limited; book a taxi or choose public transport and leave more time for arrival.
Failing to reserve a guide in season — if you want a private guided visit, book ahead to secure the date and a personalised programme.
Do I have to reserve a private visit? - Not always, but if you want a private, personalised tour or you are a larger group, booking is recommended.
What are the opening hours? - The branch has regular days and hours, and last admission is 30 minutes before closing; check the museum’s current hours before your visit.
Can I combine the pharmacy with other attractions? - Yes, the closest sites that naturally fit the route are Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory and a walk through the former ghetto and then Kazimierz across the river. Combined tickets for Podgórze branches are sometimes available and can be worthwhile if you plan multiple visits.
Is the site suitable for families with children? - The exhibition deals with difficult topics, so adapt the route and narrative to the children’s ages. The museum offers educational programmes that can help prepare the visit for younger participants.
If you’d like to visit the Eagle Pharmacy in a calm, private group and gain fuller context for the history of the place, I invite you to use the private guiding services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz). Contact details and offer information are available on the guide’s page.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others plan a thoughtful, respectful stay in Kraków. Thank you and we wish you an emotional, safe and well-planned weekend.
