The Sukiennice are not only a symbol of Kraków and a beautiful backdrop for group photos — they are a place with history, art and a space that naturally lends itself to gatherings. The Royal Main Market Square gives a sense of occasion, and the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art (a branch of the National Museum in Kraków) houses engaging collections that are easy to use as a starting point for conversations, short team games or themed guided tours.
Visits to the Sukiennice spark the imagination: architecture, legends, the famous Noworolski café and the close proximity of other attractions (Wawel, the Rynek Underground, cafés and restaurants) make it easy to plan a full corporate-day program. For companies that want to begin with something cultural and elegant, the Sukiennice offer a balance between formality and relaxation.
The Sukiennice is a trading hall with roots going back to the 13th century, rebuilt and adapted many times. Since the late 19th century the first-floor spaces became one of the earliest seats of the National Museum in Kraków. Today the Sukiennice houses the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art with important works and rooms that can be visited with a guide.
For corporate groups the most important elements are: the representative rooms on the first floor, the permanent exhibition of 19th-century painting and the ground-floor historic market area and Noworolski café — a place with character, ideal for a short coffee stop or a mini-reception. The Sukiennice terraces are sometimes opened seasonally and can offer an attractive viewpoint.
Example plan for a 2–3 hour morning or afternoon start to an integration day: 1) Meeting on the Market and a short team warm-up (15–20 min) — a quick Kraków-themed quiz or a mini photo-olympiad. 2) Guided tour of the Sukiennice Gallery led by an official museum guide (45–60 min) — a thematic tour tailored to the group. 3) Coffee break at Noworolski Café or on the terraces (30–45 min). 4) Lunch or dinner at one of the top restaurants by the Market or a short walk to nearby venues (60–90 min).
If you have more time, consider extending the program with a short visit to the Rynek Underground or a walk to Wawel; combining these elements gives the impression of a well-organized day in which culture naturally flows into conversation over a meal.
Special conditions apply for organized groups at the National Museum in Kraków: group privileges usually apply from a minimum of around 15 people — check the exact threshold when booking. Group visits should be arranged in advance through the Museum’s Information and Reservations Center; that is where you book guided tours and set up entry details.
Opening hours at the Sukiennice can be regular, but check them before your trip: the National Museum publishes information about closed days and any changes (for example, Mondays are often closed, and Tuesdays are frequently free-admission days for permanent exhibitions). When booking, remember there may be restricted access to some rooms or seasonal closures of certain displays.
It is best to make contact and reservations directly with museum staff — a phone call or email to the Museum’s Information Center will help you clarify: group entry times, the possibility of using reception rooms (if available) and the availability of museum guides.
In the Sukiennice you can use guided tours led by National Museum staff or officially employed museum guides. This is a big advantage: a museum guide knows the collection, how to tell a good story and the rules for displaying works. When booking, ask for a thematic tour adapted to your expectations (a brief introduction to history, thematic highlights related to teamwork, or “behind the scenes” stories about the artists).
Before entering, remind the group of basic museum etiquette: silence or low-volume phone use, no large backpacks or bags, keeping a respectful distance from exhibits and information about any photography restrictions inside.
Noworolski Café, located on the ground floor of the Sukiennice, is a historic spot for coffee and a quick cake tasting — ideal for an elegant break. For groups that prefer to sit longer and dine together, consider well-regarded restaurants close to the Market: Szara (known for quality and aesthetic, located in the heart of the Market), Wierzynek (a venue with a long tradition, very representative) and more casual options like Pod Nosem by Wawel or selected places in Kazimierz for a relaxed atmosphere.
If you plan a corporate lunch, reserve a table in advance — Market-area restaurants can be busy, especially in high season. For larger groups it’s worth agreeing on a group menu or tasting menu beforehand, which speeds up service and makes budgeting easier.
Noworolski Café has been present in the Sukiennice since the early 20th century and used to be a meeting place for Kraków’s artistic elite — a nice anecdote that participants of an integration event often enjoy.
The Sukiennice have served many functions: from cloth trading, to Renaissance balls, to a museum seat — this variety illustrates the evolution of urban space and can be a springboard for conversations about change and team adaptation in organizations.
It’s also worth mentioning that the National Museum occasionally hosts special exhibitions and events (for example, Museum Night) — when planning your integration date, check the events calendar so you might catch an extra attraction.
Mistake: no advance reservation. Solution: call or write to the Museum’s Information and Reservations Center well ahead of time — especially during tourist season and on weekends.
Mistake: poorly timed visit (e.g. just before closing). Solution: plan entry for the start of the day or earlier in the afternoon so you have comfortable time for the tour and a coffee break.
Mistake: unplanned logistics for a large group (transport, street crossings, restrooms). Solution: appoint a person responsible for logistics on the company side, send participants a short pre-trip briefing (meeting point, landmark, reminder about comfortable shoes) and allow short breaks.
Do I have to book a guided tour? - Yes. If you want a museum-led tour or to enter as an organized group under preferential conditions, booking through the National Museum’s Information Center is recommended.
How many people constitute an organized group? - In practice the threshold for group tickets is usually around 15 people, but confirm details when booking.
Which days have free admission? - The National Museum in Kraków announces days with free admission (for example, Tuesdays are often free for permanent exhibitions) — always check current information before your visit.
Can I arrange catering in the Sukiennice? - Noworolski Café and the terraces (in season) allow coffee breaks; larger receptions and formal banquets are better organized in restaurants booked in advance.
How do I contact the museum? - Reservations and questions should be directed to the National Museum in Kraków’s Information and Reservations Center; contact details are available on the Sukiennice branch page.
Short picture-quiz during the tour: the guide shows details of several paintings and teams guess titles or stories — quick, fun and engaging.
Mini-workshop: inspired by motifs from the Sukiennice collection, led by an artist or museum educator — a short sketching session, image interpretation exercise or group work on a shared narrative. This type of activity links art with creative team thinking.
Themed walk: for the rest of the day choose a route that connects the Sukiennice, Wawel and selected corners of the Old Town with light field tasks — a great way to build cooperation while discovering the city.
If participants come from different countries, arrange a tour version in the appropriate language (an English-speaking guide or a short bilingual presentation). Also make sure everyone knows the meeting point and wears comfortable shoes for the cobbled streets.
Inform international participants about museum customs in Poland (e.g. quiet in exhibition rooms, photography rules) and that some restaurants may have limited menus in late afternoon hours.
The Sukiennice are an elegant and safe choice for a cultural start to a corporate integration day in Kraków. With rich history, representative interiors and the proximity of excellent cafés and restaurants, a visit here can be the launching point for a program that blends art with team-building.
If you’d like help tailoring a program to your company’s needs, splitting the visit into modules (tour, workshop, lunch) or booking a guided tour with a special scenario — use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Her contact is available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — she will gladly help organize and refine details so your day at the Sukiennice is enjoyable and stress-free.
If this article was helpful, share it on social media or send it to fellow organizers — let more groups discover the cultural possibilities Kraków and the Sukiennice offer!
