The Stained Glass Museum in Krakow is not just display cases with beautiful panes — it is a workshop that has been operating since the beginning of the 20th century, where stained glass is still designed and produced. Visits take place in historic interiors created specifically for the stained-glass studio, and parts of the production process can be observed live. It’s an excellent place to see artisan skill and understand how the colorful compositions that decorate churches and tenement houses are made. The provenance of the workshop and the way tours are run make the visit feel more like a hands-on studio meeting than a traditional exhibition.
Visits are possible only with a guide and usually last about 45-60 minutes. It’s worth booking in advance, because there is a minimum number of participants for some tour times. The museum also has a small museum café — a great spot to rest after the tour.
Day 1: Old Town and your first encounter with stained glass — start at the Main Market Square: the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica and atmospheric cafés. In the afternoon take a tram toward al. Krasińskiego and plan a visit to the Stained Glass Museum (book a timed tour). After the visit, have dinner in Kazimierz — for example in one of the well-regarded restaurants serving Polish dishes.
Day 2: By tram across the city — plan a morning tram ride to see different neighborhoods from the tracks. If the public transport operator announces heritage tram runs (seasonally, on weekends), try to join one of those rides. Spend the afternoon strolling the Planty and visiting Wawel or the Jewish part of Kazimierz. In the evening choose a local restaurant with regional cuisine or an elegant bistro.
If you have limited time, the Stained Glass Museum rarely takes more than an hour, so it’s easy to include in a two-day program. Remember to leave room for spontaneous discoveries and coffee breaks.
Address and opening times: the workshop and museum are located at al. Zygmunta Krasińskiego 23. The museum runs scheduled entry times for individual visitors and tours are offered in set language slots. It’s best to check available time slots and buy a ticket online to guarantee entry at your chosen time.
Reservations and languages: guided tours are available in Polish and English; organized groups can arrange additional times by prior reservation. A minimum number of people may be required for individual tour times, so if you’re visiting alone check the booking rules.
Duration: a typical visit lasts about 45-60 minutes, but this depends on the number of questions and the group’s interest. After the tour you can sit in the museum café and look through catalogs or small displays that aren’t always fully covered during the walk.
Trams are a great way to move quickly between districts and see the city from a different perspective. Krakow’s tram network connects most key points: the centre, Kazimierz, Nowa Huta and parts of the northern and western districts. When planning rides, use official MPK timetables or a mobile app, since routes and diversions can change seasonally due to works.
Heritage trams and the Krakow Museum Line: in summer and during special events historic tram cars sometimes run — a lovely attraction for visitors who want a nostalgic ride. Heritage runs and special parades are announced seasonally by the operator, so check dates before your trip.
Tickets and inspections: Krakow uses time-based tickets — buy them at machines, via apps or at kiosks. Ticket inspections are regular, so it’s best to have a valid ticket from the start of your journey. If you plan heavy use of public transport, consider a 24- or 72-hour ticket.
The museum café is the natural spot for a short break — coffee and a pastry with the atmosphere of the workshop. For a longer meal, the Old Town and Kazimierz offer many highly rated restaurants.
Recommended places: Starka in Kazimierz — authentic Polish cuisine and homemade flavored vodkas; Zazie Bistro — French-style elegance on Józefa Street; MAZI in Podgórze — fresh dishes inspired by Mediterranean flavors; Café Noworolski or Jama Michalika — classic cafés with historic atmosphere at the Main Market Square. Book a table for the evening, especially on weekends.
Accommodation: it’s best to base yourself in the Old Town or Kazimierz — you’ll save time on transfers and enjoy evening walks. If you prefer quieter surroundings, consider places near the Planty or west of the centre.
The Stained Glass Museum is a working studio — you may see artists at work and tools that have been used for decades. These live scenes can surprise visitors who expect only static displays.
Stained glass appears in unexpected places across Krakow — not only in cathedrals but also in tenement houses and small chapels. Looking closely on tram strolls, you can spot colorful panes in alleys and private façades.
The seasonality of heritage trams and roadworks can change your travel plans at short notice. Have a backup plan and check MPK announcements before heading out.
Not booking a time for the Stained Glass Museum in advance — during the season it’s wise to secure your spot online, especially for afternoon tours. Visiting on a Monday — the museum and many smaller attractions can be closed; always check opening hours before you go. Ignoring MPK notices — track works and diversions affect timetables; the operator’s app or website is the primary source of updates. Overpacking your schedule — leave at least an hour for rest and unexpected discoveries; Krakow is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace.
Do I have to reserve a visit to the Stained Glass Museum? - Yes, visits take place in scheduled tours and often require booking or buying a ticket online to guarantee entry at your chosen time.
How long does the visit last? - About 45-60 minutes, depending on language and questions from participants.
Are there tours in English? - Yes, the museum offers tours in English at set times. Organized groups can arrange additional slots by prior agreement.
Do heritage trams run year-round? - Heritage trams and the Museum Line run seasonally and during special events; the schedule is announced by the operator. If this is important to you, check dates before traveling.
For a two-day stay in Krakow combine the classics with local gems: Old Town and Wawel in the morning, the Stained Glass Museum at midday, a tram ride and an evening in Kazimierz. Leave time for coffee in the museum café — it’s a simple way to feel the workshop’s atmosphere.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like to tour with a local guide, I invite you to use the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the guide’s page. Wishing you an inspiring stay in Krakow and many colorful discoveries in the light of stained-glass windows!
