MOCAK (The Museum of Contemporary Art in Kraków) is a place where modern architecture meets bold art from recent decades. It is located in the Zabłocie district (4 Lipowa Street), close to the famous Oskar Schindler's Factory, and since 2011 it has been steadily building its collection and temporary exhibition programme that often addresses social, historical and cultural themes. It's an ideal spot if you want to see current trends in Polish and international contemporary art — and, simply, to enjoy time with unusual forms of artistic expression.
The permanent MOCAK Collection is on level -1 — a good place to start because the collection shows a range of contemporary strategies: from conceptual works, through painting and photography, to installations and spatial objects. Pay attention to the sections labeled in the museum as: "Great Contemporaries" (a donation from Teresa and Andrzej Starmach), "Difficult Experiences — of Oneself and Others", "Concept-Forms" and the cycles presenting video works and installations.
MOCAK regularly organises temporary exhibitions — both monographic and theme-based. Check the programme before you come, because some galleries can be temporarily closed during exhibition changes. Temporary shows often present works by contemporary artists from Poland and abroad; some presentations can be intensely sensory (sound, light, moving elements) — keep that in mind if you plan to visit with children or people sensitive to strong stimuli.
Address: 4 Lipowa Street, Zabłocie district.
Opening hours: usually Tuesday–Sunday 11:00–19:00; the museum is closed on Mondays. The ticket office usually operates until about 18:30, and the last admission to exhibitions is typically half an hour before closing.
Tickets: prices may vary depending on the period (the museum offers full-price, reduced, family, group and special-event tickets). It's worth checking current rates and the option to buy online — sometimes there are combined or promotional tickets.
Getting there: MOCAK is a short walk from Kazimierz and other Kraków attractions, though it's not on the main market square. Plan a little time for the walk and for taking photos of the building's striking façade.
Inside the building you'll find MOCAK Cafe (Petite France) — a comfortable spot for coffee, a light lunch or dessert after visiting. The café has a garden and a menu inspired by French cuisine, a pleasant choice in the heart of Zabłocie. The museum bookshop offers carefully selected publications on contemporary art, exhibition catalogues, albums and small gifts related to the collection. It's a great place to buy an unusual souvenir or a book that will deepen your understanding of the works you saw.
MOCAK runs educational activities and provides materials friendly to a variety of visitors. On certain Wednesdays (usually in the late afternoon) the museum observes "Hush Time" — quiet hours when works that emit loud noise or strong lighting are turned down or switched off, making the space calmer for sensitive visitors. The museum also offers a mobile app with a guide to help with self-guided visits. If you need a guided tour, MOCAK provides paid tours — check available languages and reservation conditions before your visit.
Arriving on Monday — the museum is closed; check opening days and hours before you go. Not checking the exhibition programme — some galleries may be closed during installation changes, which can surprise visitors who came for a specific show. Not leaving time for contemplation — many installations and works benefit from a moment of attention, so plan at least 1–2 hours for a relaxed visit. Overloading your itinerary — MOCAK is best seen without rushing; combine your visit with a break in the café.
The MOCAK building was designed by Italian architect Claudio Nardi — its modern form stands out against the industrial backdrop of Zabłocie and is often photographed on its own. The museum focuses on art from the last twenty to thirty years, so the collection frequently includes works that address contemporary social and political issues. Occasionally the programme includes archival, photographic or thematic exhibitions that reveal less obvious sides of history and culture (for example, photography shows or documentary projects).
Arrive at opening or shortly after if you want to avoid crowds and have time to see installations calmly. Start on level -1 (the permanent collection), then move to the galleries with temporary exhibitions. After visiting, stop by MOCAK Cafe for coffee or the bookshop for an inspiring purchase. If you have a phone, download the museum's mobile app — it can serve as a handy guide.
Is photography allowed? - Many contemporary museums allow photography without tripods; if this matters to you, check at the entrance or consult the museum rules. How much time do I need? - For a quick look at the permanent collection and one temporary exhibition plan 1.5–2 hours; if you want to see everything more thoroughly, reserve half a day. Are there discounts or free days? - The museum offers reduced and family tickets; parts of the permanent collection may be free on selected days (check current regulations and promotions before visiting).
Give yourself time, put your phone away for a moment and allow yourself to be surprised — contemporary art often works through suggestive contexts and unexpected juxtapositions. If you found this guide useful, share it with friends or on social media — helpful tips are always welcome!
If you'd like to explore Kraków with a private guide, you're invited to use the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — you can find contact details on the guide's website.
