The MNK — Czartoryski Museum is one of those Krakow places that can take your breath away — not only because it houses Leonardo da Vinci’s "Lady with an Ermine," but also because of its intimate gallery layout and the fascinating story behind the collection. A private tour gives you time, calm and the chance to ask questions, while allowing the pace and route to be adapted for visitors using wheelchairs or with limited mobility. If you prefer to experience the museum without rushing or crowds, a private tour is a sensible investment.
Keep in mind that some museum rules are fixed: tickets for the Czartoryski branch are sold for a specific date and time, and there is a set closing time for the exhibition (last entry is usually around 17:00). Factor this into your day plan.
If comfort is your priority — book in advance, arrive a little earlier than your time slot and make sure everyone in your group knows the rules about large bags and flash photography.
Tickets for the Czartoryski branch are sold for a specific date and hour. When planning your visit, always check current opening hours and ticketing rules. One ticket for this branch covers the whole Czartoryski display: the Palace, the Former Convent (Klasztorek) and the Gallery of Ancient Art, which makes it easier to see everything without buying multiple admissions.
Remember cloakroom limits: the museum does not accept large suitcases; usually only small backpacks are allowed. If you arrive to the city with big luggage, leave larger bags at your hotel or in left-luggage facilities.
Last-minute note: when interest is high, daily entries are limited, so it’s best to buy tickets online before arrival. That way you avoid queues and secure entry at your chosen time.
The National Museum in Krakow is actively improving accessibility across its branches. Many locations have lifts, audio-described labels, audiodescriptions and tactile or adapted reproductions prepared for visitors who are blind or partially sighted. Contact the museum in advance to arrange the most convenient entrance and any required accommodations.
For visitors with limited mobility this usually means: lifts available in parts of the MNK buildings, no thresholds between certain rooms, and toilets adapted for people with disabilities. On arrival you can request assistance from museum staff — they are usually ready to help.
If you plan a walking route from the Main Market Square to the Czartoryski Museum, remember the city centre has cobbles and narrow passages. Even on a technically step-free route, the comfort of moving a wheelchair or a pushchair depends on surface quality. Choose shorter sections of stable pavement and be aware that some paths go through historic courtyards with small steps.
In 26 rooms of the Palace of the Czartoryski Princes you’ll find painting, sculpture, applied arts and militaria. A private guide lets you linger at the most important objects, explain the historical and artistic context of each work and point out details that are easily missed on a quick visit.
For many guests the main attraction is Leonardo da Vinci’s "Lady with an Ermine," but the collection also includes works by Rembrandt and many other exceptional items. During a private visit the guide can tailor the narrative to your interests — ancient art, Renaissance masters, or the history of the Czartoryski family collection. You can ask the guide to focus on specific themes.
If multimedia accessibility interests you, the museum offers virtual routes and tools such as audiodescriptions and sign language versions for selected paths — useful both as a complement to an in-person visit and to prepare for it.
After leaving the museum it’s nice to rest in well-reviewed places close to the centre. A few safe recommendations: Massolit Books & Cafe (for book lovers and great coffee), Cafe Camelot (a classic near the Market with intimate atmosphere), Charlotte Chleb i Wino (for breakfast and pastries), and Pod Nosem (if you prefer elegant Polish cuisine).
When choosing where to eat, check recent reviews and current ratings — popular spots can be busy during high season, so reserving a table is a good idea. If accessibility matters, ask whether there is step-free access and an adapted restroom.
For ice cream or desserts look for artisan gelaterias and specialty cafes around the Market. A short coffee break after the exhibition is a great way to process impressions and talk about your favourite pieces.
Not everyone knows the Czartoryski Museum offers virtual tours of selected rooms — an excellent supplement to the real visit, especially if you want to prepare family members or someone with mobility limits for what they will see. Virtual paths are sometimes available with audiodescription and sign language.
The collection is part of cultural accessibility programs: the museum runs projects creating tactile graphics and workshops dedicated to visitors with varied needs. These initiatives make visits more engaging for people with sensory or intellectual disabilities.
In practice you can ask staff for extra accommodations — the museum often provides special entrances, help crossing thresholds or advice on the easiest route through the rooms. Don’t hesitate to ask — the staff are prepared to assist.
Poor time planning: many visitors overlook timed-ticket rules and arrive too late. Fix: buy tickets online and arrive at least 15–20 minutes before your slot, especially if you move slowly.
Bringing large luggage: trying to enter with big suitcases often ends in refusal at the cloakroom. Fix: leave large bags at your hotel or in luggage storage and take only what you need.
Not preparing for surfaces: cobbled streets can make pushing a wheelchair or pram difficult. Fix: choose shorter, more stable pavement stretches and ask for help at curbs; plan your route ahead.
How do I buy tickets? The easiest way is online via the museum ticketing system — this guarantees entry at the chosen time and saves time on the day of your visit.
Is the 'Lady with an Ermine' always there? This is one of the collection’s most precious works, but like other masterpieces it can be temporarily loaned for exhibitions. If seeing this painting is a priority, check in advance by phone or online that the work is on display.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible? Many MNK branches have lifts, step-free routes and adapted toilets. Still, it’s worth informing the museum ahead of your visit to arrange the best entry and any needed staff assistance.
Can I take photos? Photo rules vary — often photography without flash is allowed, but check the branch rules just before entering.
Private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz will tailor the route and pace to your needs — whether you’re visiting with older relatives, a family with young children or a person in a wheelchair. That flexibility is the main advantage of a private tour over a fast visit with a larger public group.
During the meeting Małgorzata will help plan the best visiting times, suggest a step-free route and recommend trusted places for coffee and meals after the tour. If you wish, the tour can include local stories, anecdotes and tailored curiosities you won’t find in standard guidebooks.
To book a private tour with Małgorzata, check the contact information on her guide page and describe your needs — group size, accessibility requirements and thematic preferences. This ensures a comfortable, well-prepared visit.
When planning a private visit to the Czartoryski Museum think about comfort: buy tickets online, allow flexible time, plan short distances between attractions and schedule a coffee break at a trusted spot. It’s a simple recipe for a successful day in Krakow without unnecessary rushing.
If this article helped you plan, share it with friends or on social media. And if you want your visit to be truly comfortable and tailored to your needs — consider a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Have a great visit and enjoy discovering Krakow at the pace that suits you!
