Have you ever watched a group walk through an exhibition and then hear: “That was nice, but nothing surprised me”? MICET at the National Old Theatre is designed to change that. It’s an interactive museum and theatre education centre, tucked inside the historic Old Theatre building (Jagiellońska 1), where theatre history meets modern apps and hands-on workshop tasks. If you want your group to leave smiling and with memories — start with a simple idea: instead of just looking, play the role of the creators of the event.
MICET is a network of small studios and themed stations with props, pieces of set design and theatre apps. In practice this means you don’t need to stand with your hands in your pockets — get involved, assign roles and treat the visit like a short theatre workshop.
MICET (Interactive Museum / Centre for Theatre Education) is part of the National Old Theatre and brings together archives, scenography, props and modern apps. The exhibition arranges materials around themes such as freedom, emotions or the body; each station includes workshop tasks and multimedia applications that engage visitors. A typical visit takes about 1.5 hours.
The venue is at Jagiellońska 1; the entrance is on Jagiellońska street through the glass doors marked MICET, a few metres from the theatre’s main entrance. When planning a visit, keep in mind the museum often runs temporary exhibitions and special educational events.
Opening hours are generally stable: MICET usually welcomes visitors Tuesday to Sunday from 11:30 to 19:30 (last entry around 18:00). Tickets: full price around 15 PLN, reduced/discount around 10 PLN, children under 7 enter free. The suggested time for a visit is about 1.5 hours.
The museum offers workshops and theatre lessons for groups and schools — it’s best to reserve in advance. General contact: info@micet.pl, tel. +48 12 422 0638. Reservations for lessons and workshops are handled by staff listed on site. Getting there: trams 2, 4, 8, 13, 14, 18, 24; buses 124, 152, 304, 424, 502; the nearest tram stop is Teatr Bagatela. There is no dedicated parking at the building, so it’s better to come by public transport or park in the city centre.
The surprise starts before you enter. Instead of “let’s go look around,” hand out short role cards and task sheets to give the tour a theatrical twist. For example: divide the group into directors, set designers and composers. At some stations ask groups to invent a short scene or a sound sequence in three minutes — then have them show the result to the others.
Use the multimedia elements: many stations at MICET include theatre apps. Suggest quick challenges like “design a scene in 60 seconds” or “create a sound effect for a character’s entrance.” Short, timed tasks build excitement and help even shy people take part spontaneously.
A theatre-style scavenger hunt works great. Prepare a list of objects, quotes or small set elements to find. You can also add creative tasks: “find an object that could symbolize freedom and take a group photo with it.” Photos and short phone videos make great keepsakes and are easy to share with friends later.
Bring a power bank, a small phone tripod and one small prop (for example a scarf, mask or hat) that can be used in several tasks. Good phone lighting and a short clip at the end of the visit are an easy way to create a striking memento.
Set a simple rhythm: task time (2–3 minutes), photo time, move to the next station. Clear, short rules help keep momentum and prevent chaos with larger groups. If you plan to record, ask museum staff about photography rules at specific stations.
Not booking ahead for larger groups is a frequent mistake. MICET accepts workshop and educational groups — reservations let them prepare staff and materials. Arriving with a big group without booking may run into entry limits and queues.
Not planning your time. MICET is interactive — if you want to do extra tasks and recordings, plan on at least 90–120 minutes. A shorter visit cuts out the chance for creative work.
Treating MICET like a passive museum. It’s not an exhibition only to look at – visitors who come just to “walk through and take photos” often go away disappointed. Engage the group beforehand, briefly explain the concept and suggest one activity right at the start.
The Old Town around Jagiellońska offers many great cafés and restaurants. If you want classic, well‑reviewed places to recommend, consider spots with established reputations — perfect for a break after an intense interactive visit.
A few well-known and highly rated options (check current reviews before you go): Cafe Camelot, Massolit Books & Cafe, Wierzynek, Pod Aniołami. For groups it’s wise to reserve a table in advance, especially on weekends.
Is MICET suitable for children? Yes. The museum has educational offers for both younger and older children; many stations are interactive and engaging, but it’s worth checking the workshop program for the specific age group.
Can I take photos and record videos? Many stations allow photography, but rules can vary with temporary exhibitions. Before recording, ask staff — especially if you plan to use museum props in a film.
Do I need to book a group? For larger groups and school visits it’s strongly recommended to book in advance. This allows the museum to prepare educational materials and staff.
Is the museum accessible for people with disabilities? The Old Theatre building provides accessibility: the MICET entrance is at sidewalk level and staff can assist visitors to reach stations. Contact the museum ahead of time if you need extra support.
The Old Theatre dates back to the late 18th century and for centuries has been a place of important artistic debate and major productions. MICET links this long history with modern educational tools, creating a unique blend of archive and creative workshop.
The museum stages temporary exhibitions and art projects; in 2025 one example was an exhibition dedicated to the composer Stanisław Radwan. Check current programmes, as themed events and promotions often appear.
Before you enter: a 5-minute briefing. Assign roles and hand out task cards. In the museum: 1. Spend 10 minutes on an introduction by a MICET staff member; 2. Do three short tasks at three different stations (2–4 minutes each); 3. Take a group photo or a 30‑second clip. After leaving: a quick debrief and a small reward (for example a little souvenir or a shared espresso).
This simple plan keeps the pace and gives everyone a sense of co‑creating the experience. That’s what makes the group go home with stories, not just photos.
If you like this idea for interactive visiting, share the article with friends or send it to a group planning a trip to Kraków. It’s a great way for others to discover new ways to explore the city.
If you want the visit to have a professional touch and to be tailored to your group, you can book services with the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz). Contact details and booking information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Good luck creating memorable experiences at MICET and enjoy exploring Kraków!
