Thesaurus Cracoviensis is an unusual branch of the Museum of Krakow — a central collection storage opened to visitors. Located at ul. Księcia Józefa 337, since December 6, 2017 it has allowed direct contact with tens of thousands of artifacts and shows conservation studios — the museum 'workshop' usually hidden from the public. During the holiday season the place often runs themed workshops and events, for example making Christmas decorations inspired by museum toys or family lessons about old holiday customs.
Thanks to its open formula and partially glazed storage furniture, visitors can discover collections on their own and create personal stories about the objects — a perfect backdrop for planning small festive surprises for your group. There are also specially named 'storerooms' with atmospheric names (for example Skarbiec, Arsenał, Grandmother's Wardrobe), which provide great inspiration for themed games during the visit.
Instead of the usual “let’s go and visit,” start with a short, mysterious introduction: prepare a single brief story or anecdote connected to Krakow (it can be a curiosity about old Christmas gifts or a reference to Saint Nicholas in the collections) and ask everyone to guess which object the story belongs to.
Hand out simple map-challenges: 5 things to find in the storerooms (for example the smallest object, an item connected to theatre, the strangest item of clothing, an object with a coin catalog number). Small competitions bond the group and create a ‘wow’ moment.
Prepare a set of task cards: “tell this object’s story in 30 seconds,” “make a Christmas face next to the display,” “find something that could be a 19th-century present.” These tasks loosen the atmosphere and involve everyone without breaking collection protection rules.
Museum-inspired workshops - contact the staff before your visit and ask about the possibility of short, approved activities: for example Christmas tree ornaments modeled on museum toys or short family storytelling sessions about gifts and holiday customs. The branch has previously run such workshops, so it is worth asking about current offers.
A sensory story without touching - invite participants to invent sounds, smells and associations related to the object on display (without touching the exhibits). This is a safe way to add emotion and shared laughter.
Arrange a “living story” - choose one object and ask a volunteer to tell, for 2–3 minutes, a first-person story from that object's perspective: who it was, where it travelled, whom it served. It is a great acting and bonding exercise.
Plan a themed route - instead of showing everything, pick 6–8 stops that form a coherent story (for example “Gifts and toys through the ages,” “Holiday crafts and decorations,” “Everyday life in Krakow”). A shorter, consistent narrative works better than an attempt to cover everything.
Remember the limits - Thesaurus is a storage with conservators and delicate objects; do not encourage touching. Use questions, associations and close viewing through glazed cases instead.
Arrange special elements in advance - if you want a conservator or curator to speak to your group, plan and confirm this ahead of time and agree on photography rules and meeting time.
In past years Thesaurus organised themed holiday days with Christmas ornament workshops, family educational activities and short events where a ‘Santa’ figure was part of the narrative. These are good opportunities to combine tradition with museum artifacts and to offer hands-on creative experiences.
If you plan to visit in December, check the branch calendar on the Museum of Krakow website or email the museum to ask about seasonal events and whether reservation is required.
Address and contact: ul. Księcia Józefa 337. Information about bookings and guided visits is usually available via the Museum of Krakow visitor service; write before you arrive if you have a larger group or plan special activities.
Opening hours and tickets can change, especially on holidays - check the current hours and rules published by the Museum of Krakow before your visit.
Photography: many storage areas allow photos without flash, but confirm this on arrival.
Accessibility: the Thesaurus adapts visits to the constraints of storage spaces; if someone in your group has mobility needs or requires translation, tell the museum in advance so they can help plan the route. Nearest public transport stop is Bielany Szkoła and visits often require prior reservation for groups.
After a visit, warm up with local flavors: barszcz, żurek, pierogi and sweet pastries. In the Old Town and Kazimierz you will find many well-regarded places. For traditional Polish cuisine try Pod Aniołami or Kuchnia u Babci, and for modern takes look for restaurants around Kazimierz with solid reviews.
For overnight stays, Krakow city centre and the Kazimierz district offer many hotels and guesthouses for different budgets - book early for the holiday season when the city is busier.
If you want, I can suggest a few specific restaurants and accommodation options tailored to your preferences (atmosphere, budget, cuisine).
Thinking Thesaurus is an ordinary museum - it is a study storage with a different exhibition character; prepare your group for fewer formal panels and more discovery than a standard tour.
Not contacting the museum for larger groups - if you plan workshops or want staff involvement, arrange it beforehand.
Making the route too long - the storeroom format works better in shorter thematic blocks; plan 45–60 minutes, then time for coffee and conversation.
Can you touch the exhibits? No - most objects are fragile; encourage observation and storytelling rather than touch.
Do I need to book? Small visits often do not require booking, but for workshops, larger groups and meetings with a curator it is best to email in advance.
How long does a visit last? 45–90 minutes depending on whether workshops are included; shorter themed routes usually work best.
How to prepare children? Prepare simple search tasks and short challenges; children get much more involved that way.
Thesaurus acts like a “treasury,” but not all items were gifts for kings - many collections were created thanks to donations from ordinary city residents.
The branch displays not only artistic monuments but also everyday objects, militaria, Krakow nativity scenes and numismatic collections - a great field for holiday comparisons between past and present everyday life.
Conservation studios operate in the attic - if you manage to arrange a short meeting with a conservator, the group can see technical aspects of saving artifacts, which is often a real highlight.
If you want your visit to be truly special, plan short interactive elements, tasks for participants and - if possible - an official segment with a museum staff member. The holidays are an excellent time to combine tradition with local history and to leave participants with more than just “another tour”.
If you found this article useful - share it with friends or on social media. If you are looking for a tailored guided visit, consider booking a private guide, Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Reservation details can be found on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Wishing you an inspiring holiday season and great discoveries at the Thesaurus!
