The Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) is one of Krakow’s most recognizable places — not only a historic symbol of the Main Market Square but also home to the 19th-Century Polish Art Gallery of the National Museum. The good news for visitors with limited mobility is that after renovation and interior modernization the building has been adapted so that comfortable visiting is possible for wheelchair users and people with other needs. Before you set off for a walk, it’s worth planning your route and checking a few practical details described below.
A little preparation will reduce stress — the Sukiennice now has an elevator, adapted toilets and special solutions for cloakrooms, but some parts of the Market Square and nearby streets are paved with cobblestones, which can be uncomfortable for manual wheelchair users. Planning should therefore include choosing the best approach route (tram, parking), the time of your visit and possibly asking museum staff for help with entering the building.
If you need assistance or have doubts about availability of a specific service (for example bringing in an electric wheelchair or hiring a sign language interpreter), it’s best to contact the Museum before your visit.
As part of the “New Sukiennice” project modern solutions were introduced into the historic interior: there is a working elevator allowing access to the gallery and terraces, and elevator buttons have Braille markings. Entrances to exhibition rooms are free of thresholds and passages between rooms make moving around easier for wheelchair users.
The reception desk, museum shop counter and the guard’s station on the ground floor have lowered counters to facilitate contact for people using wheelchairs. Since the main cloakroom is accessible only by stairs, an additional cloakroom for visitors with mobility impairments has been created so it can be reached without steps.
Access to the terrace, which offers a panoramic view of the Market Square, is preceded by a gentle ramp; this spot is accessible to wheelchair users thanks to solutions implemented during modernization.
There is a toilet in the building adapted to the needs of people with mobility impairments — equipped with folding grab bars, a specially designed sink and a toilet set at an appropriate height. Mirrors and handles are mounted to be usable both by standing visitors and by people seated in wheelchairs.
Because stairs were unavoidable in one location, the museum keeps portable aluminium ramps that can be unfolded when needed. Ramps are not left in place permanently for safety reasons for partially sighted visitors, so museum staff will help set them up on request.
There is also a cafeteria and a museum shop on the Sukiennice premises with counters suitable for wheelchair users; you’ll also find places to rest after your visit.
The most convenient way to reach the Sukiennice is by public transport — many trams and buses stop close to the Main Market Square. Stops around Plac Wszystkich Świętych, Jagiellońska or the Market Square are close enough that the flat section of the walk (with only a small area of cobblestones) is manageable.
If you arrive by car, keep in mind that the city centre has paid parking rules; spaces reserved for holders of the disabled parking card ‘N’ (so-called envelopes) are available, but you must park only in designated spots and display the card visibly. The city publishes lists of parking spots for people with disabilities in Krakow, so it’s worth checking before your trip.
There are parking areas in the immediate vicinity (for example near Plac Wszystkich Świętych), but during the tourist season they can be full — consider parking a little further away and taking a short walk or using a taxi.
Ticket prices for the Gallery in the Sukiennice are modest — the museum offers full-price and reduced-price tickets, and Tuesdays are sometimes free for permanent exhibitions, which can increase visitor numbers. Consider buying a ticket online or visiting outside peak hours to avoid crowds.
The museum offers guided tours (in Polish and foreign languages) for a fee — a guide can make visiting easier for people with different needs, but if you require special assistance (for example a sign language interpreter or help bringing in a wheelchair) inform the staff in advance.
It’s also recommended to contact the Museum by phone in advance if you have greater mobility needs — the staff can prepare solutions such as laying out a ramp or reserving a cloakroom place for a person with limited mobility.
Cobblestones in the Market and nearby — even with a well-adapted interior, reaching the Sukiennice over stone paving can be difficult for manual wheelchair users or those with small wheels. Bring a helper or companion, or choose a route with fewer uneven surfaces.
Opening hours and free days — permanent exhibitions are sometimes free on Tuesdays and that attracts more visitors. If you prefer a quieter visit, choose early opening hours or late afternoon (check current hours on the museum website).
Spatial limitations — although many rooms and corridors are threshold-free, some historic parts of the city outside the Sukiennice will require stairs; when planning further sightseeing, check the accessibility of the next points on your route.
Is there an elevator for wheelchairs in the Sukiennice? Yes — the building has a modern elevator providing access to the gallery and terraces; buttons are marked in Braille.
Are there toilets for people with disabilities? Yes — there is an accessible toilet on the visitor route equipped with grab bars and appropriate sanitary fixtures.
Can I bring a wheelchair into the gallery? Yes — exhibition routes are threshold-free; if necessary museum staff will help set up ramps.
Is the entrance from the Market completely threshold-free? Some entrances and passages have been rebuilt to be threshold-free, but not all historic fragments around the Sukiennice allow complete removal of steps. If in doubt, ask staff to point to the most convenient entrance.
Can I buy a ticket online? Yes — the National Museum allows ticket purchases via its website, which helps avoid queues.
There are cafés on the Sukiennice terrace and in the immediate vicinity that are worth considering after your visit. The terrace café allows you to rest with a view of the Market, and at street level there are venues with easier access for wheelchair users.
When choosing a restaurant or café look for places noted for accessibility (step-free entrance, lower counters) and call ahead to confirm table availability for a person with mobility limitations. Prefer venues with good reviews and positive comments about service and accessibility.
If you plan a longer stay near the Market, check a hotel’s accessibility declaration when booking — many central accommodations publish information about lifts and adapted rooms and bathrooms.
Assuming 'the whole Market is barrier-free' — while the Sukiennice interior is well adapted, the surroundings (cobblestones, stairs to some venues, narrow sidewalks) can cause difficulties. Check your approach route and possible alternatives before you leave.
Not contacting the museum ahead of time — for special arrangements (for example ramp setup or help with entry) a phone call or email before your visit allows staff to prepare and shortens the entry time.
Forgetting the disabled parking card ‘N’ — if you plan to drive and are entitled to park in designated spaces, make sure the card is valid and displayed prominently to avoid fines.
The Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art in the Sukiennice won the “Krakow without barriers” award in the category of historic sites and spaces — proof that modernizing a historic interior can go hand in hand with considering the needs of people with disabilities.
In practice some solutions, such as portable ramps, are compromises between protecting the historic fabric and improving accessibility. That means museum staff assistance can be key — don’t hesitate to ask for support.
The elevator in the Sukiennice was designed to preserve the historic character of the interior while providing comfortable access to higher levels.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media — a simple note about accessibility can help others plan their Krakow visit.
If you prefer to visit with the help of a local guide, please contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz — more information and contact details are available on the guide’s page. Local guiding experience helps plan a route adapted to your needs and make the most of your time in Krakow.
Wishing you a pleasant visit to the Sukiennice — few places combine history, art and a view of the Market in such an accessible way. If you like, I can help prepare a personalized sightseeing route tailored to your needs.
