The Jan Matejko House is not only a biographical museum of one of Poland’s most important 19th-century painters, but also a great starting point for a short, experience-rich walk through Krakow’s historic centre. The building stands on one of the city’s key streets, close to the Royal Route, so in about two hours you can combine a museum visit with a short walk to the Main Market Square and a tram ride that saves time and shows you more of the city than walking alone.
The Jan Matejko House is a branch of the National Museum in Krakow (Muzeum Narodowe w Krakowie). Usually the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday (longer hours on Tuesday), closed on Mondays, and Tuesdays are often the day of free admission to permanent exhibitions — it’s worth checking the calendar before you go.
Standard tickets are available for permanent exhibitions (full and reduced); the museum also offers passes and family discounts. If you’re interested in guided tours — the museum runs tours and thematic cycles (these often require reservations). The MNK Information and Reservation Center handles reservations and information (email rezerwacja@mnk.pl or by phone).
Getting there by tram is very convenient — stops near Floriańska Street and Matejko Square are served by several lines (including tram 2), so even if you don’t want to walk much, you can easily fit a short tram segment into your route.
Here’s a quick plan that combines a visit to the Jan Matejko House with a short walk around the Market Square and a tram ride that saves steps and shows a bit of daily city life:
1. Jan Matejko House — spend 40–60 minutes on the permanent exhibition: the artist’s studio, sketches, family portraits and personal mementos.
2. Short walk along Floriańska Street toward the Main Market Square — 10–15 minutes; it’s worth a glance at the Florian Gate and the Barbican along the way.
3. Main Market Square — a brief stop of 20–30 minutes: the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), an external view of St. Mary’s Basilica and the lively atmosphere of the square.
4. Tram segment — hop on a tram near Matejko Square (for example tram line 2 or other nearby lines) and take a short ride to see other parts of the city from the tram window or to reach a café or your next stop quickly.
This plan is flexible — if you want more time in the museum, shorten the Market Square stop; if you prefer coffee and cake, plan a 20–30 minute break instead of the tram ride.
A visit to the Jan Matejko House focuses on the preserved interiors of the apartment and studio, which retain the atmosphere of the 19th-century artist’s home. Pay attention to the furniture, personal keepsakes, drawings and preparatory sketches for larger works.
The permanent display usually includes smaller historical compositions and documentary materials illustrating family life and Matejko’s artistic circle. For many visitors the main attraction is seeing the studio — the place where sketches and concepts for famous historical paintings were created.
If you’re interested in the historical context and Matejko’s working methods, take time to study the sketches and notes carefully — they often tell a story about the creative process you won’t get from reproductions of the large canvases.
In Krakow the tram is a fast and picturesque way to move around the centre. Even if you plan to walk a lot, a short ride will save time between sections and let you observe parts of the city “from the window.”
Buy public-transport tickets from ticket machines at stops, via mobile apps, or from the driver where allowed. Make sure to validate a paper ticket if you use one. Trams can be crowded at peak times — if you travel on a weekend afternoon or during rush hours (roughly 8:00–10:00 and 15:00–18:00), allow extra minutes for transfers.
For short trips choose a time-based ticket (for example 20–40 minutes depending on the offer) — then you don’t have to worry about the exact route or transfers.
Around the Jan Matejko House and the Royal Route you’ll find many great cafés and restaurants — a few visitor favourites: Cafe Camelot (a well-known atmospheric café near the Market), Massolit Books & Cafe (for book lovers and a good coffee), Charlotte (bakery and café at the square) — these places have a good reputation and are convenient stops after sightseeing.
If you want something more filling, within a short walk from the Market you’ll find local restaurants offering Polish and international cuisine; choose places with good reviews and book ahead in high season.
If you have a sweet tooth, look for local patisseries with traditional pastries — a quick way to rest and recharge before more sightseeing.
On Tuesdays MNK museums often offer free admission to permanent exhibitions — a great opportunity, but be aware the museum may be busier and queues longer that day.
The Jan Matejko House is relatively small — if you plan to visit with a larger group, consider reserving a guided tour or coming outside peak hours. The museum organises special guided tours and themed events — check the institution’s calendar before your visit.
Photography in the exhibition is usually allowed without tripods or additional lighting, but museum rules apply — pay attention to signs near exhibits.
Assuming everything will fit into 60 minutes — the Jan Matejko House and a Market Square walk can be done quickly, but if you want to look at exhibits carefully, plan at least 45–60 minutes for the museum and separate breaks for coffee or photos.
Not checking opening hours — the museum may have closed days or shorter hours in certain seasons. Check current information before you go to avoid disappointment.
Giving in to the crowds on the Market Square — for a more authentic atmosphere, step into one of the side streets or choose a café on a quieter square instead of sitting in the central Market during the busiest times.
How much time to allow for the Jan Matejko House? 45–60 minutes is a sensible amount of time to see the permanent exhibition at a relaxed pace.
Is it worth taking the tram? Yes, if you want to save time or move quickly between points; the tram also adds local character to your city experience.
Is a reservation needed? For ordinary entry usually not, but reservations are recommended for guided tours and groups (book through the MNK Information and Reservation Center).
Where to buy museum tickets? Tickets can be bought at the ticket office or online — in high season it’s better to buy in advance.
If you found this short plan useful, share it with friends or on social media — it helps others plan a great visit to Krakow.
If you’d like to explore Krakow more comfortably and with a richer historical commentary, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — this is a great way to personalise your route and see the city at a pace that suits you.
