The Princes Czartoryski Museum brings together several worlds: Renaissance masterpieces, historical mementos, collections from distant cultures and collector’s curiosities. For many visitors the obligatory highlight is Leonardo da Vinci’s Lady with an Ermine — one of the few portraits by the master on public display in Europe. But the "Lady" is only the beginning; across 21 rooms of the palace you will also find works by Rembrandt, a collection of military items, arts and crafts, and many objects with long, surprising histories. The visit is therefore both artistic and narrative — it tells the story of the Czartoryski family and the history of Poland within a broader European context.
The museum is part of the National Museum in Kraków, which means ticketing, visiting rules and exhibition offers are coordinated with other branches. That’s convenient: a single ticket and schedule planning can help you visit several exhibition spaces within the institution. If you want to see the "must-sees," it’s wise to plan your time and buy a timed ticket in advance — this saves you from queues and helps you organize the rest of your day in Kraków more smoothly.
Lady with an Ermine (Leonardo da Vinci) — unquestionably the crown jewel of the collection. The portrait of Cecilia Gallerani is small but unforgettable. Take a quiet moment, study the details and feel the contrast between the intimacy of the small portrait and the weight of its history.
Rembrandt and other great paintings — the collection includes works by major European painters; each room often highlights a different era or theme, so it’s worth following a thematic route rather than jumping from picture to picture.
The Monastery rooms and collector’s curiosities — this part of the display is devoted to rare, sometimes amusing mementos and objects that gave the Czartoryski collection its unique character. Expect to see personal trinkets, reliquaries and historical oddities from earlier collections.
Gallery of Ancient Art and decorative arts — the visit is also an opportunity to see artifacts from ancient cultures, militaria and applied arts that complement the narrative about European art and the collecting family.
The collection’s origins date to the late 18th century and the initiative of Izabela Czartoryska — her aim to gather “national mementos” turned the collection into an element of cultural identity, not just a private assembly of objects.
Many items in the collection have eventful histories — thefts, transfers, restitutions and long journeys between Warsaw, Puławy, Paris and Kraków. Those stories add narrative depth to the exhibits that you won’t always notice at first glance.
Walking through the palace rooms is also a stroll through the history of museum display: presentation style, scenography and layout show how attitudes to exhibiting valuable works have changed over time.
Opening hours: the museum is generally open Tuesday to Sunday, usually around 10:00–18:00; closed on Mondays. Check availability in advance, especially on weekends and during the high season.
Tickets: timed-ticket entry is required. One ticket covers the Czartoryski Museum’s main areas — the Palace, the Monastery rooms and the Gallery of Ancient Art. Look for reduced fares for youth and family ticket options.
Getting there: the museum is in the heart of Kraków, close to the Main Market Square, so it’s easiest to reach on foot from the Old Town. Public transport is also convenient — many trams and buses stop near the center. If you come by car, look for nearby parking but be aware of central zone restrictions.
Buy a timed ticket in advance — this helps avoid queues and the disappointment of sold-out slots.
Arrive early or right after opening — mornings are usually quieter than afternoons and weekends. If you plan to visit on Tuesday (the day with free entry for permanent exhibitions), expect larger crowds.
Don’t bring large luggage — some cloakrooms don’t accept big suitcases; small backpacks or bags are fine. Leave unnecessary items at your hotel or use nearby storage if you arrive with large luggage.
Audio guides and apps — the museum provides explanatory materials; using an audio guide or the museum app can deepen your experience and help you understand the context of the works.
After the museum you’ll find many restaurants and cafés within a short walk. If you want well-regarded places nearby: Wierzynek (historic restaurant on the Market Square), Szara Główna (modern Polish cuisine), Cafe Camelot (cozy café in the Old Town), Massolit Books & Cafe (bookshop café for literature lovers).
For comfortable stays close to the center consider hotels with high ratings: Hotel Stary (central, elegant), Hotel Copernicus (historic atmosphere), Balthazar Design Hotel (modern design). When booking, check the location — a short walk to the Old Town and museums saves time and helps you soak in Kraków’s atmosphere.
If you plan a long day of sightseeing, look for places offering seasonal Polish dishes and quick lunch options — it makes resting between exhibitions easier.
Arriving without a ticket — in high season you may not get a ticket on the spot; avoid disappointment by booking ahead.
Allowing too little time — many visitors are satisfied with a quick look only at the Lady with an Ermine. Give yourself 1.5–2 hours to see the other rooms and absorb the exhibition’s atmosphere.
Overlooking practical rules — not checking rules about photography, flash or tripod bans and baggage restrictions can spoil the visit. Confirm current rules at the ticket desk or on the museum’s information page before you go.
Is there an admission fee? — Yes, most entries require a ticket; there are sometimes days with free admission to permanent exhibitions — check the current rules before your visit.
Can I take photos? — Photography of permanent exhibitions is usually allowed without flash and without tripods, but confirm at the entrance as rules can vary by display.
How much time is needed to visit? — Plan at least 1.5 hours, preferably 2 hours if you want to read labels and linger at the major works.
Plan your visit for comfort: wear comfortable shoes, travel light and bring a charged phone for photos and any museum apps. If you prefer a quieter experience, choose an early morning time or a weekday outside the main tourist season.
If you found this guide useful, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others plan a better visit to Kraków. If you’d like to explore the museum with a local guide, you can find contact information for Małgorzata Kasprowicz on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — she can tailor a route to your interests. Have a great visit and unforgettable impressions at the Czartoryski Museum!
