Pałac Czapskich (Piłsudskiego 12) is a place where Polish history meets a fascination with coins, old maps and rare prints. The numismatic collection gathered by Count Emeryk Hutten‑Czapski is one of the most important in Poland, and the original donation from his family to the city included thousands of objects - starting your visit with this curiosity is an easy way to spark the whole group's interest.
If you want to quickly check availability of family tours or workshops, Pałac Czapskich is a branch of the National Museum in Kraków and it's a good idea to call or check the museum's site in advance. Contact for the branch: central desk +48 12 433 58 40, ticket office +48 12 433 58 43.
Numismatics - this is the heart of Pałac Czapskich. Tell a short story about a single coin: who the ruler on the reverse was, where it came from and what it was used for. A small tale can turn a “gray disc” into an adventurous hero.
Old maps and prints - compare a map from hundreds of years ago with a modern map of Kraków. Children enjoy finding familiar places in the old street layout.
The Józef Czapski Pavilion - dedicated to the collector's grandson, an artistic and intellectual figure associated with Parisian 'Kultura'. It's a perfect opportunity to tell children that collections and family stories live on across generations.
The garden and lapidarium - a short walk through the palace garden is a pleasant break between exhibition rooms. Old architectural fragments and sculptures can be mysterious to the youngest visitors and are great inspiration for a detail‑hunting game.
Scavenger hunt - prepare 6–8 simple tasks: 'find a coin with a king's portrait', 'locate a map showing a river', 'point out the most ornate medal'. Children love checklists, and parents will appreciate that the visit gains structure.
A story about one coin - each participant draws a 'role' (king, merchant, traveler) and invents a short story with the coin as the main object. You can write the stories down and later reward the most imaginative one.
Mini‑workshop: comparing - bring a magnifying glass and show children how to look at details of battle scenes, coats of arms and inscriptions. This turns passive viewing into active investigation and often amazes other visitors.
Challenge for older kids: 'how many languages can you read on this map?' - a simple exercise that develops observation skills and geographic knowledge.
Plan short visiting blocks - children have limited attention spans. It's better to visit 2–3 rooms intensively than to try to walk through the whole museum at once.
Check photography rules - some rooms may prohibit photos. Let the children know in advance so they won't be disappointed.
Bring something for drawing or note‑taking - a sheet of paper and a pencil can save the trip; kids enjoy sketching details or noting observations.
If you plan to join a family tour, reserve places in advance. Workshops and guided tours are often limited in numbers.
The National Museum in Kraków offers family tours and educational programs tailored to different age groups. Family programs are often multi‑sensory and may include working with educational props.
Prices and workshop schedules vary by season. Standard family tours are usually listed in the museum's educational offer - it's worth checking current dates on the branch's page before your visit.
Pałac Czapskich address: Piłsudskiego 12. Branch contact: central desk +48 12 433 58 40, ticket office +48 12 433 58 43. Check opening hours and any program changes before you arrive.
Assuming children 'won't be interested in coins' - one engaging story, a little imagination or a comparison between 'old' and 'today's' money can win attention. Prepare a short, emotional anecdote.
Overpacking the plan - remove 'everything at once' from the list. Children (and adults) remember short, intense experiences better than a marathon through every room.
Not scheduling breaks - plan a pause in the palace garden or the museum cafe. A short rest improves mood and helps consolidate new information.
Ignoring the rules - always check in advance whether an exhibit allows touching, drawing or photography. This saves disappointment.
At Pałac Czapskich it's nice to use the garden - a perfect place for a small snack and a conversation about what everyone liked best.
The museum cafe is a convenient option for families who want a warm drink and to discuss highlights. Around the Old Town there are many family‑friendly places popular with visitors - check current reviews before you go.
On the pavilion added by Hutten‑Czapski there is a Latin inscription 'Monumentis Patriae naufragio ereptis' - a phrase that helps tell the story of the collector and his motivation to save national relics.
The museum's beginnings date back to the late 19th century: the palace was acquired by Emeryk Hutten‑Czapski in the 1890s and part of the collection was initially available mainly to researchers. Today that story is a nice example of how a private collection became a public treasure.
The pavilion devoted to Józef Czapski combines art and literature - a good excuse to tell children that museum collections carry many different kinds of stories.
Is the museum child‑friendly? Yes - MNK runs educational and family tours; many activities are adapted to school‑age children and younger kids too.
Can you touch the exhibits? Most originals are not for touching; the museum provides educational props and replicas that can be handled. Ask the educator on site.
Are there cloakrooms and changing tables? City and national museums usually offer basic family facilities; check visitor information on the branch page before your visit.
If this text helped you invent a fun plan for family sightseeing, share it with friends or post it on social media. Recommending ideas is the best way to help more families enjoy art.
If you prefer a guided tour tailored especially to your family, you are welcome to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz - contact details and booking information are available on the guide's page.
