Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory is more than a single film story location — it is a branch of the Museum of Krakow that uses modern, often moving exhibition techniques to tell the story of the city during 1939–1945. The permanent display combines documents, eyewitness testimony and reconstructions to bring to life the experiences of Krakow’s residents under German occupation.
A visit here is both a history lesson and an invitation to reflection: the exhibition shows not only the tragedy and persecution, but also individual choices, everyday life and the mechanisms of the occupying power. It is an important place of memory best visited with time, calm and an open mind.
For many visitors the Factory is one of the most important stops in Krakow — it draws large crowds, so it’s a good idea to plan your visit in advance.
The main permanent exhibition, “Krakow — time of occupation 1939–1945,” is arranged across many thematic spaces. You will find reconstructed streets and interiors, parts of Schindler’s office and a wealth of documentary material — photographs, artifacts and survivors’ accounts.
The rooms are designed to immerse you in the reality of an occupied city: soundscapes, scenography and original objects build a narrative about daily life, repression and survival. Take time to read the panels and watch the multimedia pieces — many important details are revealed in the captions and short recordings.
The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programmes connected with memory, local history and the Holocaust — check current information before your visit.
Address: Lipowa 4, Zabłocie district — a short walk from Kazimierz and easy to reach by tram.
Opening hours and rules: the branch usually operates with morning opening on Mondays and longer hours from Tuesday to Sunday; last admission is about 90 minutes before closing. The museum is closed on one regular weekday each month, and special hours or closures may apply on public holidays — plan ahead.
Tickets: because of high demand, it’s recommended to secure tickets in advance. On certain days there are limited free-entry hours with tickets issued only at the box office. Concessions and family fares are available; school groups have separate reservation rules. For up-to-date ticketing rules and contact details, check the Museum of Krakow’s official visitor information.
Allow at least 90–120 minutes for a calm visit; if you want to read carefully and watch all multimedia, plan around two hours. Many visitors find they appreciate extra time afterwards to reflect.
The exhibition deals with heavy and emotional subjects — if you are visiting with children, consider their emotional maturity; the museum advises caution with younger visitors.
Accessibility: the branch provides facilities for visitors with reduced mobility, including lifts. Photography is generally allowed without flash, but pay attention to signs near special exhibits.
Buy tickets in advance through official channels and avoid third-party resellers who may charge inflated prices. Official ticket sales are handled by the museum’s system.
If you want to avoid the largest crowds, arrive at opening time or near the last admission slot. Schindler's Factory pairs well with a walk through Kazimierz, a visit to the historic Pharmacy Under the Eagle (Apteka pod Orłem) and the memorial route through Płaszów.
Keep a respectful silence and attitude: this is a memorial and educational space, not an entertainment attraction.
The Zabłocie and Kazimierz neighbourhoods offer many well-rated cafés and restaurants perfect for a break after the museum. If you prefer a riverside atmosphere, venues along the Vistula boulevards are a pleasant option.
Nearby choices range from traditional Polish places to international bistros; you’ll also find cafés serving good coffee and cakes around Plac Nowy and in the streets of Kazimierz. Check current opening times and reviews before you go.
Buying tickets from unknown resellers — this often leads to overpaying or entry problems. Use the museum’s official ticketing channels.
Underestimating the time needed to see the exhibition: many visitors rush and miss important details. Reserve at least 90 minutes.
Expecting the exhibition to repeat the film — Spielberg’s Schindler’s List inspired public interest, but the museum presents a multi-layered, documentary account of city life and people; approach it with the understanding that cinema and museum narratives differ.
The factory buildings at Lipowa 4 originally belonged to Jewish entrepreneurs before later coming into Schindler’s possession. Oskar Schindler himself was formally a member of the Nazi party — his rescue efforts involved using influence, favours and bribes, which shows that historical actions are complex and often hard to classify in simple categories.
Approximately one thousand people are estimated to have been saved through efforts associated with Schindler; the individual fates and stories of survivors are part of the exhibition’s narrative.
The museum branch at this site has operated in its current form since 2010 and is part of the Museum of Krakow, linking local history with Holocaust education and collective memory.
How long does a visit take? Usually 90–120 minutes, depending on how closely you read the displays and watch multimedia material.
Can I enter without a reservation? It’s best to buy a ticket in advance for weekdays and weekends; on certain days there may be limited free entry available at the box office, but availability is restricted.
Is the exhibition suitable for children? The subject matter can be difficult; the museum recommends caution and suggests visiting with older children who can emotionally understand the content.
If Schindler’s Factory moved you, share the experience with friends or on social media to help others plan their visit to Krakow.
If you’d like a deeper, personalised exploration of the history and context, you can arrange a private guided visit with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and contact information are available on the guide’s page. We wish you a calm, reflective and meaningful visit to Krakow.
