Schindler's Factory is more than a museum — it is a place of remembrance that tells the story of the tragedy of World War II, the fate of Kraków's inhabitants and the complex figure of Oskar Schindler. Visiting together can be an opportunity for shared reflection, conversations about values, and experiencing strong emotions in a calm, supportive setting.
A well-planned visit lets you combine historical elements with an intimate walk through the Zabłocie and Kazimierz districts, so a day spent with your partner can be both educational and heartfelt. Remember that this is a place that calls for quiet and respect — observing appropriate etiquette is part of the right experience.
Location: the Factory is in the Zabłocie district — the museum's address is on Lipowa Street (check the exact number and the entrance before your visit).
Tickets: the museum limits the number of visitors per hour, so it’s worth buying tickets online in advance. Ticket prices are usually in the range of several dozen zlotys — check the museum’s official page for current rates and availability.
Opening hours and accessibility: hours can change seasonally or during special events. If one of you needs assistance (for example, mobility access), it’s best to confirm this in advance on the museum’s official site or by phone.
Visit length: plan about 1–1.5 hours for the permanent exhibition, plus an additional 30–60 minutes for walking the area and taking time to reflect. If you prefer a relaxed visit, allow more time.
The exhibition tells the story of Kraków during the Nazi occupation. The displays are narrative and immersive — you will see reconstructions of streets, apartments, Schindler’s office and everyday objects connected with life and persecution. Some sections use sound, lighting and short films to deepen the message.
Be prepared for emotional content: the exhibition presents traumatic events, deportations and life in the ghetto. This is not entertainment — it is a human story. Photography may be restricted in some rooms; respect museum rules and other visitors.
Additional offerings: alongside the historical exhibition there are sometimes film screenings or short projections in a small exhibition cinema. In the former Schindler premises you can see symbolic mementos and the so-called ark of the saved.
Make a shared agreement: silence and listening to the story. For some couples the visit may be deeply moving; it can help to agree beforehand to talk after the visit rather than during the viewing of exhibits.
Mind the pace: don’t rush and don’t pull your partner along. Take time to read selected texts and study chosen exhibits. If one of you wants to stay longer in a room, allow that moment for private reflection.
Photos: if you choose to take photos, do so discreetly and without flash. Avoid posing in ways that trivialize the subject matter.
MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art) is close to Schindler's Factory — it’s a good place for contrast and lighter reflection over coffee in the museum café.
Walk through Zabłocie and on to Kazimierz: nearby are preserved fragments of the ghetto wall and the Ghetto Heroes Square — places worth visiting to help put into words what you’ve seen.
Where to eat: for a cozy dinner in Kazimierz consider restaurants and cafés around Szeroka Street and Plac Nowy. Plac Nowy is also great for quick street food — the famous zapiekanki. If you prefer a calmer setting, choose one of the local restaurants serving traditional Polish cuisine.
Buying tickets from resellers at a much higher price — always first check the museum’s official ticket sales and buy there or at the ticket office. In recent years intermediaries have sometimes reserved large blocks of tickets.
Being unprepared for the emotions — don’t assume the visit will be “easy.” You may be surprised by the intensity of the exhibition; plan a quiet activity afterward to talk and unwind.
Lack of respect — loud conversations, jokes or dismissive posing for photos are inappropriate. Remember: this is a place of remembrance.
Oskar Schindler is a complex historical figure: he was an entrepreneur and a member of certain structures, but also a person who saved more than a thousand people by employing them in his factory. Historians continue to debate his motivations — they cannot be reduced to a simple picture.
The former factory functions as a branch of the city museum and the renewed exhibition focuses on the story of the whole city under occupation, not only Schindler’s biography. The exhibition therefore links individual fates with a broader historical context.
The museum uses immersive elements — realistic scenography and multimedia materials — to bring visitors closer to the atmosphere of those years.
How long does the visit take? Usually 1–1.5 hours for the exhibition; if you also want to visit MOCAK and relax in a café, reserve half a day.
Is the visit suitable for children? It depends on age and sensitivity — younger children may not understand the content and could be distressed. For teenagers and older children it’s worth explaining the context beforehand.
Do we need a guide? You can visit on your own, but a guide or a good audio guide can deepen understanding and add historical perspective. If you prefer a private guide, consider booking services with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — a licensed Kraków guide who specializes in routes connected to the ghetto and Schindler's Factory.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible? Public museums in Kraków strive for accessibility, but some exhibition spaces can be limited. Check accessibility details before you arrive.
Start at Schindler's Factory, then walk to MOCAK for coffee and lighter contemporary art. From there head toward the Ghetto Heroes Square and the preserved section of the ghetto wall — a natural route into Kazimierz.
In Kazimierz, stop for a relaxed dinner. If you prefer something less formal, try local snacks around Plac Nowy. An evening stroll through Kazimierz's atmospheric streets is a perfect end to the day.
If this article helped you, share it with friends or on social media. A day spent together at places of remembrance can be difficult but also deeply valuable — it’s a chance for a meaningful conversation and a shared experience of history.
If you’d like to visit with a private guide, consider Małgorzata Kasprowicz — a licensed Kraków guide who specializes in routes related to the ghetto and Schindler's Factory. Contact details and booking information are available on her professional page.
Wishing you a calm and respectful visit — remember to show respect, be attentive, and leave time to talk after you leave the museum.
