Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory is not only a place associated with one of the most famous films about World War II — it is a branch of the Museum of Krakow that tells the story of the city and its inhabitants during the 1939–1945 occupation. The multimedia, well-arranged exhibition brings closer the fates of Poles and Jews, shows the mechanisms of occupation and the everyday life of the factory that became a place of rescue for many people.
The exhibition combines objects, photographs, testimonies and audio materials with a reconstruction of the factory space — this makes it easier to understand the historical context and human choices of that time. It is a place for reflection, so it's worth planning your visit with appropriate care and time.
Reserve around 90–120 minutes for the permanent exhibition alone. If you plan to visit additionally the “Route of Remembrance” (linking other sites related to the occupation) and nearby points in Kazimierz, add another 60–90 minutes.
Suggested visit flow: - arrive 10–15 minutes before the time printed on your ticket to collect your entry and pass through the ticket desk, - spend the first 20–30 minutes getting an overall picture of the exhibition and watching the introductory short films, - dedicate the next 45–60 minutes to a detailed look at the display cases and reading descriptions; stop by original artifacts and testimonies, - if you like, finish with a walk around the area: Lipowa Street and Kazimierz offer cafés and historic spots that nicely complement the story told in the exhibition.
The museum is located at ul. Lipowa 4. Opening hours typically include Monday 10:00–15:00 and Tuesday–Sunday 9:00–19:00; the first Tuesday of the month may be closed. The last admission to the exhibition is usually about 1.5 hours before closing.
Tickets are available online and at the ticket office. The museum runs online ticket sales for specific time slots (advance booking), and on some Mondays the permanent exhibition may be accessible free of charge — on those days tickets are only available at the ticket desk and are limited. Guided services for groups and visitors interested in a tour are available (advance booking recommended).
When planning your visit it's worth checking current hours, prices and ticketing rules — details can change seasonally and with temporary exhibitions.
The permanent exhibition "Kraków — the time of occupation 1939–1945" combines a city-wide narrative with the history of Schindler's factory. You will see original objects, documents, photographs and reconstructions of parts of the plant and workplaces. The display uses multimedia and audio materials that convey the atmosphere of those years.
Pay particular attention to sections devoted to the everyday life of workers, the organization of work and the stories of people whose lives became intertwined with the factory. Also look at the broader context — the exhibition tells about the city, its communities and the mechanisms of occupation.
If you want to explore the topic in more depth, ask at the ticket desk about available routes or temporary exhibitions and about the “Route of Remembrance” that links the Factory with other related sites in the city.
Buy your ticket in advance, especially in the tourist season — this is the most common way to avoid queues and disappointment. On busy days (weekends, holidays) tickets can sell out quickly.
When planning, don't ignore last-admission information — a ticket entitles you to entry at a specific time, and staff may refuse late arrivals. Arriving 10–15 minutes early gives you comfort and time to collect your ticket.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes — touring requires standing and walking through the halls. If you have large luggage, leave it at your hotel or in a left-luggage facility — the museum does not always have space for large suitcases. Check the rules regarding photography and flash use.
Schindler's Factory sits on the edge of Kazimierz — a great base for further sightseeing and culinary discoveries. In Kazimierz you'll find cafés, Jewish and Middle Eastern restaurants and small bars with local snacks.
Recommended nearby places (examples): Hamsa — Mediterranean-Jewish cuisine on ul. Szeroka; Plac Nowy — famous zapiekanki and a lively atmosphere; numerous cafés on ul. Józefa and ul. Meiselsa, ideal for a coffee after visiting.
If the weather is nice, it's worth walking toward the Vistula or taking a short stroll through the charming streets of Kazimierz — the atmosphere of the district will complete your experience after the museum visit.
Can I enter without a ticket? - On free days (for example certain Mondays for the permanent exhibition) admission is possible, but tickets are only available at the ticket desk on the day and their number is limited. On other days it's best to buy a ticket online.
How long does the visit take? - Typically 90–120 minutes for the permanent exhibition; additional routes and walks around the area will lengthen the visit.
Is the museum accessible for visitors with limited mobility? - The museum provides information about accessibility and materials such as audio description; it's worth checking the museum's information or contacting them by phone before your visit.
Can I take photos? - Photography without flash is usually allowed, but rules protecting exhibits and visitor hygiene apply. If you plan professional photography or using a tripod/lighting, contact museum staff in advance.
The Enamel Factory was not from the outset a “rescue factory” — its history is complex, and the saving of some of its staff and workers was the result of many human decisions and circumstances. Schindler's story is one layer of this history, alongside the fates of many other Krakow residents.
The museum combines the local narrative with a wider history — the exhibition does not focus solely on a single hero, but shows the mechanisms of occupation and the impact of the war on the city.
Schindler's Factory is a must for visitors to Krakow who want to understand the complex context of occupation and to learn the human stories behind the dry dates. Good planning — buying tickets in advance, reserving a convenient time slot and allowing enough time — will make your visit fuller and more comfortable.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media. If you are looking for a private, calm guided visit of Schindler's Factory and the surrounding area, consider the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website. Have a great trip around Krakow!
