Collegium Maius is the oldest preserved building of the Jagiellonian University — an institution whose roots go back to the 14th century. Professors of the Kraków Academy lived and lectured here, and among its famous students was Nicolaus Copernicus.
The courtyard framed by arcades and the decorative clock with its moving procession immediately catch the eye — it’s a perfect place to begin exploring Kraków’s Old Town through its academic history.
Collegium Maius is in the very heart of Kraków, at 15 Jagiellońska Street, close to the Main Market Square and the Planty. Its central location makes it easy to combine a visit with other attractions in the Old Town.
The building is best reached on foot from the Market Square (just a few minutes’ walk). If you use public transport, get off at one of the stops near the Market and walk the short distance to Jagiellońska Street.
The courtyard with arcades - the heart of the monument. Gothic and Renaissance details and a 16th–17th-century well create a unique atmosphere. This is where you can most easily sense what academic life looked like centuries ago.
The clock with a moving procession - a mechanical attraction that several times a day “performs” a small historical scene with figures related to the university. Check the show times and pick a moment to watch.
Stuba Communis (the Common Room) - a representative interior where professors used to meet; the preserved furnishings and architectural details bring past intellectual life closer.
Lecture Hall and Library - these spaces evoke the atmosphere of former lectures and studies. Current displays show both everyday academic life and exceptional objects from the university collections.
The Jagiellonian Globe and scientific instruments - among the most valuable pieces in the collection are historic globes, astrolabes and other astronomical and medical instruments that illustrate the development of science.
Historic portals and sculptures - among the exhibits you can find fragments from the old town hall, a statue of King Casimir the Great and other details moved here from different parts of the city.
Photograph and archival collection - a rich set of photographs, negatives and documents that show images of Kraków and university life during the 19th and 20th centuries.
The arcades hide small details - pay attention to the stonemasons’ decorations, coats of arms and subtle traces of restoration that tell the story of the building’s different phases.
The Jagiellonian Globe - more than a beautiful object, it’s a source of stories about how the world was perceived in the Renaissance and how continents were seen by the mapmakers of the day.
Porta Aurea and fragments of a portal from the dismantled Town Hall - take a close look at the stone’s texture and the sculptural mannerisms that reveal styles of different eras.
Everyday museum furnishings - benches, tables, books and smaller everyday objects used by scholars help illustrate what academic life looked like over the centuries.
Tickets and entry - the interiors of Collegium Maius are visited with museum tickets. Tickets are available at the ticket office and online; there are reduced and family options and the possibility to join guided visits.
Visit duration - plan 45-90 minutes for a relaxed look around the courtyard and the indoor displays; if you want to read labels, take photos and linger by the scientific instruments, allow a little more time.
Opening hours - hours can change seasonally or because of university events. It’s a good idea to check the museum’s current schedule or call the ticket office before your visit.
Accessibility - the historic character of the building brings spatial limitations (stairs, narrow passages). Visitors with reduced mobility should check which areas are accessible and ask about available accommodations.
Photography - photography without flash is allowed in most areas, but rules can vary for selected exhibits — please follow museum instructions.
Luggage restrictions - because of the historic interiors there may be rules about large bags or backpacks; it’s safer to leave large luggage at your hotel or in luggage storage.
Advance booking - for larger groups or guided visits it’s worth booking in advance, especially during the high tourist season.
Best time for photos and quiet - early weekday mornings usually mean fewer crowds. If you want to sit in the courtyard and soak up the atmosphere, come outside peak hours.
Combine with nearby sights - after leaving Collegium Maius you can easily walk to the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica, Collegium Novum and the university’s professor gardens — this is a comfortable segment of a walking route through the Old Town.
Visiting with children - the museum offers many stories about science and notable figures, but exhibits are historical and require quiet and attention. For younger children plan a shorter visit or check whether educational activities are available.
A few steps from Collegium Maius you’ll find many cafés and restaurants — ideal for a break after sightseeing. Recommended nearby spots include classic cafés at the Market Square such as Noworolski Café and Café Camelot, as well as small literary cafés where you can enjoy coffee and a light snack.
For traditional Polish dishes try one of the restaurants around the Main Market Square; for a calmer atmosphere look for small places on the side streets around the Planty.
Is entry to the courtyard free? - The courtyard can be seen from the street but access is usually included with a museum ticket; at times special events may change access rules.
Are there exhibits related to Copernicus in Collegium Maius? - The museum collections include memorabilia and materials connected to the university’s history and its notable students, including items related to Copernicus; exhibitions may change seasonally.
How long does a guided visit take? - A standard guided tour usually lasts from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the chosen package and the group’s pace.
Are temporary exhibitions available? - Yes, the museum organises temporary and special exhibitions — check the program before your visit if you are interested in a particular theme.
Can I take photographs? - Many parts of the exhibitions can be photographed without flash; however, some objects may be excluded from photography.
Short route (1-2 hours) - Collegium Maius → Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) → St. Mary’s Basilica → walk the Planty towards Wawel.
Half-day route - Collegium Maius + Collegium Novum (the university courtyard) → Museum by the Planty or the Small Market → coffee in one of the historic cafés.
For fans of history of science - after Collegium Maius visit the Pharmacy Museum on Floriańska Street and the university natural history collections for a rewarding educational set of stops.
This place combines history, architecture and the heritage of science. Visiting Collegium Maius you don’t just see historic interiors — you enter a space where ideas were formed and generations of students were taught.
For anyone who loves history, architecture or science, a visit here is a real pleasure — plan it as a must-see during your stay in Kraków.
