The Cloth Hall is more than market stalls and a postcard view of the Main Square — on the first floor you’ll find the Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art, full of large paintings bursting with colour, movement and stories. It’s a perfect place to show children that a museum can be like a picture book: there are battles, horses, flames, mysterious figures and scenes that spark the imagination. With special guided tours and family programmes, a visit can become a short, enjoyable lesson in history and art.
If you plan a short walk around the Square with little ones, also stop at the terrace cafe (Cafe Szał) — it’s a nice moment for a break after visiting and the view of the market square is often a hit with children.
Below you’ll find five paintings that are easy to turn into games and activities for kids, ideas for simple tasks you can do together, and practical tips for before and during your visit.
Why children like it: it’s a huge, action‑packed battle scene with a lot going on — you can count characters, look for the scythe‑armed peasants and imagine the sounds of battle. Matejko’s large compositions work like a historical film and grab attention.
How to make it a game: ask your child to pick three characters, give them names and invent a short story about one of them. You can also count animals and pieces of equipment or draw what stuck in your memory the most.
Short explanation to tell them: this painting is about a victory and about how ordinary people (the scythemen) can matter. Instead of long explanations, use a simple anecdote about scythes as a surprising kind of weapon.
Why children like it: the scene is full of light (torches), drama and exotic costumes — it looks like scenes from old adventure films. Large figures and fire make a strong impression and the painting has a cinematic feel.
How to talk with your child: ask what emotions the scene evokes — is it scary, fascinating, brave or sad? Ask your child to point to the element they like most (for example the colour of the robes, the flame, or a facial expression).
Extra activity: do a mini project — draw your own torchlit scene but without violence: focus on light, colours and costume details.
Why children like it: horses are almost a guaranteed way to catch younger viewers’ attention. Chełmoński knew how to show animals in motion and bring a scene to life — children can almost "hear" the hooves or imagine a gallop.
On‑the‑spot game: ask your child to draw one of the horses on a separate sheet and give it a name. You can also invent the sounds the horse makes and imitate them together.
Note for parents: paintings with horses are great for training observation — point out saddles, harnesses and the background so children see that even an "ordinary" picture can be a small encyclopedia.
Why children like it: this is not just a picture of a horse — it’s a portrait that shows the animal’s character, as if the horse has its own personality. For kids it’s a great starting point to discuss how paintings can show emotions.
Suggested game: ask your child to imagine what the horse in the painting might be thinking. It’s a wonderful exercise in empathy and imagination.
How to expand the activity: create a short worksheet: “3 things I see”, “2 colours I notice”, “1 question I would ask this horse”.
Why children like it: the painting shows a magical bard who seems to foretell something extraordinary — it has a fairytale‑like, mysterious quality that strongly appeals to children.
How to turn the painting into a story: ask children to invent an ending for a short story. Who is Wernyhora? Where is he going? What is he carrying? You can turn it into a short play.
Extra task: make a simple storyboard together — three panels showing what happened before, during and after the scene in the painting.
Short scavenger hunt: prepare a simple sheet with tasks — count horses, find someone wearing a hat, point to the largest area of fire, locate a figure in red clothing. The prize can be a sticker or a small drawing.
Family tasks: each family member picks one artwork and talks about it for 60 seconds — no judging, just personal associations. It’s a great exercise in speaking and listening.
Drawing after the visit: many children enjoy drawing what they remember. Bring paper and crayons — 15–20 minutes after the visit helps solidify impressions.
Opening hours: the museum has regular opening days; typically the Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art in the Cloth Hall is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00–18:00; the branch is closed on Mondays. Tuesdays are usually free entry days for permanent exhibitions.
Ticket prices (information current at the time the article was prepared): there are standard, reduced and family tickets. The museum also offers discounts for youth and school tickets; audio guides are available in several languages and guided tours (including family programmes) are offered. It’s worth checking the current price list and buying tickets online before your visit.
Guided tours and family activities: the National Museum regularly organises tours and educational programmes for families and children — these often require reservations; there are also shorter Sunday tours and special workshops during school holidays. Check the Cloth Hall’s branch information for the latest schedule and booking details.
Cafe Szał — the terrace at the Cloth Hall: the café on the upper floor offers a beautiful view of the Main Square; it’s a convenient place for a break after the visit, though it can get busy at peak times. Recommended for families because of the view and light snacks.
Recommended nearby places: Wierzynek (a historic restaurant with tradition) and other establishments around the Square serving Polish and international dishes; it’s best to choose places with good reviews and a child‑friendly menu.
Practical tip: in the summer season and at weekends the area around the Square is crowded — to eat more quietly choose lunch times outside the busiest hours (12:30–14:00 or after 15:00).
Arriving at midday without reservations for a larger group — in high season it’s better to buy tickets online or call the ticket desk.
Assuming a museum is only “looking” — children need activities; prepare short games or tasks.
Skipping the Cloth Hall terrace — children and parents often enjoy the view; it changes the perspective of the whole Square.
Forgetting about a restroom break and a small snack before entering — for little ones this can make or break the visit.
Do children get discounts? Yes — the National Museum offers discounts and special conditions for youth and families; in some age categories the fee is symbolic.
Can you bring a stroller? Yes, but it’s worth asking about cloakroom storage or checking the route through the exhibition for parents’ convenience.
Is photography allowed? Amateur photography in permanent exhibitions is generally permitted without additional lighting or tripods, but it’s best to check the current rules at the ticket desk.
The Cloth Hall wasn’t always a museum — for centuries it was a market where silk, spices and salt were traded. Children can easily picture merchants coming from far away selling exotic goods.
The painting "Nero’s Torches" was one of the first donations that helped start the National Museum’s collections — you can describe it as a gift to all Poles from the artist.
Some rooms in the Cloth Hall are named after great painters (for example the Siemiradzki Room, the Chełmoński Room) — this is a good way for children to remember names by linking them to paintings.
After returning home encourage your child to make one art piece inspired by what they saw: it can be a drawing of a horse, a poster for a film about Wernyhora, or a painting with torches. Framing the work together and hanging it at home will reinforce the memory and be a nice reward for the shared visit.
If you liked the guided tour format, consider the educational programmes offered by the National Museum — family workshops and school activities are often available. Audio guides can also interest older children.
If you think this guide would help others, share it on social media or send it to friends. If you’d like a more personal visit of Kraków with tailored support, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the ZwiedzanieKrakowa website.
