Many people, looking at the neo‑Gothic façade of Collegium Novum on Gołębia Street, think “this must be a very old building.” That’s a natural association, but it’s worth knowing that the current building was created in the second half of the 19th century — designed in a style referencing Gothic architecture and ceremonially opened in 1887.
Because of that historic style the building blends beautifully into Kraków’s Old Town, yet its function was and remains modern: lecture halls, ceremonial rooms, university authorities and important academic events.
The address is Gołębia 24, practically a stone’s throw from the Main Market Square and the Planty park. Inside you’ll find an auditorium decorated with a gallery of professors’ portraits and representative rooms used by the university authorities.
In the auditorium you’ll see paintings and portraits of people important to the university — a great starting point for telling the story of the Jagiellonian University.
Collegium Novum is an active academic and cultural space: lectures, seminars and sometimes concerts or open events take place here. In summer it’s worth checking the university’s events calendar — you might be able to time your visit to coincide with an interesting lecture or recital.
Instead of beginning with exterior details, wind a little story about why neo‑Gothic appeared here in the 19th century and how the building’s designer referenced older collegiate traditions. The contrast between an “old look” and modern academic life intrigues listeners.
Point to a single item in the auditorium and ask the group to guess who might have sat there. The rector’s dais and the senate chairs make perfect props for a short staged moment — people remember a funny scene far better than a dry date.
Share a short, lesser‑known anecdote: university histories are full of surprises — for example, a young Karol Wojtyła (later Pope John Paul II) once appeared in school plays; such human details always make an impression and connect the space to living people.
The auditorium with its portraits and the rector’s ornate chair — briefly tell the story of a few famous figures and point out a fragment of a painting or a sculpture that has an interesting backstory.
Draw attention to architectural details: traceried balustrades, inner courtyards and decorative vaulting. Invite participants to step closer and find the university coat of arms or a tiny ornament — these “mini‑challenges” engage the group.
If a lecture or event is happening inside, use it as an extra highlight: a short mention of the topic shows the place is still alive and not just a “museum.”
Best hours for a calm visit are early morning or late afternoon — in summer you’ll often catch fewer tourists and nicer light for photos.
Remember Collegium Novum is an active university building: not all rooms are permanently open to outsiders. If you want to enter the auditorium or representative interiors, check the UJ events calendar in advance or arrange the visit through a guide.
Photography is usually allowed, but avoid flash near exhibits or during events. Respect students’ concentration and the flow of classes.
Just steps from Collegium Novum are classic cafés and restaurants worth recommending: Camelot (ul. Św. Tomasza) is known for its atmospheric interior and home‑baked pastries — ideal for coffee after the tour.
On Plac Szczepański you’ll find Charlotte — a French bakery and bistro with a broad breakfast and pastry offer, a great option for a late breakfast or light lunch.
For a more formal meal with historic flair, consider Restaurant Wierzynek on the Main Market Square — a place with a long tradition, classic cuisine and impressive interiors.
Confusing Collegium Novum with Collegium Maius — both belong to UJ and are close to each other, but they have different histories and functions. Start with a clear introduction so the group knows what they’re seeing.
Talking too long in one place — the auditorium and courtyards deserve attention, but tourists also appreciate a short break and a walk to a nearby café to digest impressions.
Ignoring the university’s current program — in summer many events are open; missing this information is a lost opportunity to enrich the tour with a lecture or concert.
Photo quiz: split the group into teams and give a list of small items to find in the auditorium and courtyards (e.g., the coat of arms, a particular face in a portrait, a fragment of ornament). The team that finds the most wins a small prize.
Mini‑scene: nominate one person to briefly “play” the rector or a student from the past — a short improvisation will amuse the group and help facts stick.
Musical interlude: if you plan to bring a small instrument (e.g., a pocket music box or a smartphone with a short recording), playing or replaying a period piece adds atmosphere and makes an impression.
Is there an admission fee for Collegium Novum? Most spaces are academic rooms — access depends on events and the university schedule. It’s best to check the events calendar or arrange entry with a guide.
Can I visit with children or people with disabilities? Part of the building is accessible, but there are stairs and sections that may be difficult to reach. If accessibility is important, contact the university administration ahead of time.
Are there permanent museum exhibitions here? Collegium Novum is primarily a lecture and representative space; the Jagiellonian University’s museum collections are located in other places (for example, Collegium Maius).
Although the façade looks like it dates from the Middle Ages, the building is a product of 19th‑century representational needs and the historicist trend.
Portraits and paintings in the auditorium and tucked away corners hold stories — a short tale connected to one of them (for example, a locally significant figure) can linger in visitors’ memories for a long time.
If you liked this guide to Collegium Novum, share it with friends or post a photo with a short anecdote from your tour — those stories inspire others to see the city differently.
If you’d like help preparing a custom tour tailored to your group’s interests, feel free to contact the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — she offers tours adapted to different groups and themes.
