The Galicia Jewish Museum at Dajwór 18 is a place that speaks not only about tragedy but also about memory, culture and life in former Galicia. On weekdays there are far fewer visitors than at weekends, which gives you a unique chance to see the exhibitions in a calm atmosphere, focus on the details of photographs and curatorial stories, and — if you wish — surprise your group with a few small delights. The museum is open daily, most often 10:00–18:00, and on site you’ll find permanent and temporary exhibitions as well as educational programmes and events.
If you plan to visit Galicia with friends or family on a weekday, you have room to play with the visit format: mini-quizzes, photo challenges or short stops to tell the story behind one photograph work best then.
The museum was founded in 2004 on the initiative of photographer Chris Schwarz and has since developed exhibitions and educational programmes that show traces of the Jewish past of south-eastern Poland.
Buy your ticket in advance or check prices on the museum website — there are usually full-price and reduced tickets, family tickets are available, and the museum also offers guided tours and group programmes. Plan about 45–90 minutes for the permanent exhibition plus extra time for temporary shows and events.
Bring a small notebook or use your phone for notes — photographs at Galicia often need time to read: to notice the history of a place and contrasts between the image and the present. Also wear comfortable shoes — after the museum it’s easy to walk around Kazimierz and find locations visible in the photos.
If you’re visiting with children, check the museum’s educational offer — the museum runs activities and worksheets for younger visitors. The building is also accessible for people with disabilities and offers family-friendly facilities. Pets are accepted, but it’s always a good idea to confirm the rules at the entrance.
Mini-quiz “Find the detail” — at the start of the visit give everyone a simple task: find the same element in three different photographs (for example, a fragment of a gate, a remaining inscription, a characteristic door). After the visit compare answers and tell each other what caught your attention.
Photo challenge: before the visit ask the group to take one photo of the same street outside the museum. After the visit compare that photo with a photograph from the exhibition — it’s a great way to show how a place has changed or stayed similar.
Small props go a long way — an old postcard, a reproduction of a photograph or a map of Galicia add context and create a “wow” effect during a short introduction before entering.
Propose five minutes of silence before leaving a room — a short, shared pause and reading one fragment of curatorial text or a poem can remain in memory longer than a lively story.
Take advantage of museum events — if your visit coincides with a klezmer concert, a lecture or a curatorial tour, it will automatically elevate the visit and surprise companions who expected a standard walk-through.
Start with a short introduction outside: point out exactly where Dajwór 18 is and share one interesting fact about the building — this helps visitors to “enter” the exhibition context more easily.
Inside the museum choose one photograph from the “Traces of Memory” section and spend an extra 5–10 minutes on it: read the caption, look for details and try to imagine the scene that once took place there. After this interaction most people become more curious about the next photographs.
After leaving, suggest a short walk around the immediate area — a few steps toward Szeroka Street and Nowy Square lets you see elements of the district’s former life and complements the Galicia story. Finish with coffee in one of the recommended cafés and a brief thank-you for attention — it’s a pleasant ending people will remember.
The permanent exhibition “Traces of Memory” is based on vivid photographs documenting the remnants of Jewish presence in Lesser Poland; photographers who collaborated on the project include Chris Schwarz and other researchers. The exhibition is not a classic, purely documentary layout — it invites reflection on memory and traces.
The museum organises meetings with eyewitnesses, workshops, lectures and concerts; local educational programmes are an important part of its activity, and the events schedule is updated regularly on the museum’s website.
The building that houses the museum is a restored space in the heart of Kazimierz; the local and architectural context adds another layer to understanding the exhibition.
After visiting many people like to stop for a meal nearby. Well-known, highly rated places in the Kazimierz area include Ariel, Hamsa Hummus & Happiness, Dawno Temu na Kazimierzu and a number of popular cafés and bars along Szeroka Street and Nowy Square. These places offer the authentic atmosphere of the neighbourhood and positive visitor feedback.
If you want to surprise companions culinary-wise, plan a short stop at a place serving Jewish or Israeli-inspired dishes — hummus, Israeli starters and local desserts often make a good impression. Before choosing a venue it’s worth checking current reviews and opening hours.
For lovers of a quiet coffee we recommend a cosy café where after the visit you can compare notes and photos from the exhibition.
Assuming the exhibition is only about the Holocaust — the Galicia Museum shows a wide context: life before the war, material traces, ways of remembering and contemporary activity. Give the exhibition time and read the captions.
Arriving during the biggest weekend crowds without a reservation — weekdays are quieter and make it easier to look around calmly. If you plan to come with a group, book in advance.
Not asking staff for additional information — museum staff often give short pointers, inform about events and can advise where to start. It’s worth using their knowledge.
Where and when: Galicia Jewish Museum, Dajwór 18, Kazimierz; usually open daily around 10:00–18:00, but it’s a good idea to check current hours before your visit.
Tickets and guided tours: full-price, reduced and family tickets are available; the museum offers guided tours and educational programmes for groups. If you plan a special guided visit or event, reserve it in advance.
Accessibility and family facilities: the museum is adapted for visitors with limited mobility; there are often materials and activities for children. Staff can inform you about options to tailor the visit.
Time needed: plan roughly 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on your interest in temporary exhibitions and any events.
Contact: the museum has a reception phone and an email for reservations and organisational questions; it’s best to confirm details directly before your visit.
Surprising your companions doesn’t have to be an expensive trick — often a well-told story, a moment of silence and a small looking exercise are enough. Choose one photograph, immerse yourselves in it for a few minutes and share impressions — that leaves more than a quick run through the exhibition.
If you found this article useful, share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like a personalised and comfortable guided visit, consider booking a private guide — Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers tailored tours. Details and contact information can be found on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Good luck and enjoy discovering Galicia!
