Krakow’s musical and artistic soul lives not only in churches and on the Main Market Square but also in museum halls. The National Museum in Krakow (MNK) brings together outstanding collections of applied arts, Polish painting of the 19th and 20th centuries, and rich holdings from many eras. For anyone wanting to understand Polish art history and see the most famous works, the MNK is a natural starting point.
If you want an overview of the most important exhibits — from works by Jan Matejko to 19th-century paintings displayed in the Sukiennice — allow at least an hour, ideally an hour and a half, for a chosen gallery. That context will make visiting smaller, specialist museums in the city much more rewarding.
Depending on your interests, pay attention to several permanent highlights: the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art (located in the Sukiennice and the Main Building) with masterpieces of Polish painting, the applied arts displays, the graphic arts collections, and the rotating temporary exhibitions that often present large curatorial projects.
It’s also worth visiting MNK’s branches — Jan Matejko’s House, Józef Mehoffer’s House, the Emeryk Hutten-Czapski Museum, or the Stanisław Wyspiański Museum — each offers a different, more personal context for history and creativity. For many visitors, the Czartoryski collection is a major draw, housing iconic objects of Polish heritage.
If you enjoy small surprises, look closely at the fine examples of craftsmanship and decoration that are often overlooked during a quick visit — these little details best convey everyday life in past eras.
Ticket prices for MNK permanent displays are generally affordable, but they vary by branch and exhibition. Some branches and special exhibitions have higher rates. For example, the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art in the Sukiennice charges a higher standard fee for regular exhibitions.
The best way to avoid queues and disappointment is to buy tickets online — the MNK sells tickets through its official ticketing system. Before your visit, check which exhibitions are open that day and whether a temporary exhibition requires a separate ticket.
If you plan to visit multiple times during the year, consider a time-limited unlimited pass (when available) — it can be cost-effective for museum lovers.
MNK is a network of branches scattered across the centre and nearby areas: the Main Building (al. 3 Maja), the Sukiennice on the Main Market Square, the Czartoryski Museum, and smaller house-museums and galleries located in the historic centre. Because of their distribution you can plan a walking route — many branches are within a short stroll of the Market Square.
Getting there by public transport is straightforward: trams and buses run from the Main Railway Station and the Old Town area, and there are rail connections from the airport to the station, followed by a short walk or tram ride. Keep in mind that in high season the centre can be busy and moving between branches may take longer — allow extra time.
If you travel by car, central areas have paid parking zones; it’s often easier to use public transport or walk.
If you’re short on time: visit the Sukiennice in the morning (Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art) — then take a short walk around the Market Square and stop for coffee. Spend the afternoon in the Main Building or at Jan Matejko’s House.
If you have a full day: start at the Main Building, then visit Jan Matejko’s House and Mehoffer’s House, take a lunch break at a nearby restaurant, and in the evening see the Czartoryski collection and stroll along the Vistula boulevards.
For lovers of thematic collections: plan a route focused on one stream — e.g., 19th-century art (Sukiennice → Main Building) or the work of a single artist (Matejko’s House → relevant MNK branch).
Beyond the MNK, Krakow has many institutions worth visiting depending on your interests: museums of contemporary art, sites dedicated to Jewish history, the aviation museum, and specialist house-museums. The Kazimierz district and its surroundings offer interesting smaller galleries that frequently show local artists.
If you’re interested in military, scientific, or music-and-literature collections, check specific branches and temporary exhibitions before your trip — many of these shows are limited-time displays.
Is it worth buying tickets online? Yes — buying through the official system lets you skip the ticket queue and check availability for specific exhibitions.
Can I take photos? Photography rules vary by exhibition — some displays prohibit photos or require special permission. Always check the rules and avoid using flash without permission.
Are there cloakrooms or luggage storage? Many branches offer cloakrooms or baggage storage — check the information for the specific branch, especially if you arrive with large luggage or a backpack.
Accessibility for visitors with disabilities: MNK publishes information about facilities; if you need specific assistance it’s best to contact the museum before your visit.
Are there discounts? Reduced-price eligibility requires presenting appropriate documents (student, senior, etc.). Young people in specified age ranges often pay symbolic fees.
Buying tickets from dubious resellers — this can mean higher prices or problems at entry. Use the official ticket system or the museum ticket office.
Confusing branches — important exhibitions may be in a different building than the main seat; check where a specific display is presented before you go out.
Skipping breaks — art is best seen with pauses; plan a coffee or a light meal between longer routes so you don’t miss important details because of fatigue.
On a long museum day plan a break in a well-rated café or restaurant: places in the centre and in Kazimierz offer good food and atmospheric interiors perfect for resting between exhibitions. Look for cafes with good coffee and comfortable tables for a quick reset and restaurants that offer traditional cuisine and vegetarian options.
If you need overnight accommodation, choose a location near the Old Town or Kazimierz: you’ll save time on travel and can easily combine evening walks with morning visits to museums. Always pick properties with good reviews and guest recommendations.
Museum collections hide small objects that tell stories about everyday life in past eras — from ornaments to tiny household items; for many visitors these details are the most fascinating.
Not every “famous” object is on display all the time — items sometimes go to conservation or out on loan, so if you’re coming specifically for one work, check its availability in advance.
If you want your visit to feel like a story rather than just a list of paintings, consider a private guided tour — walking with an expert helps you understand historical and artistic context and notice things that are easy to miss.
We recommend splitting visits into smaller blocks, leaving time for reflection, and walking between branches. If you found this guide helpful — share it with friends or on your social profiles.
If you’d like to explore with a guide: Małgorzata Kasprowicz (the guide behind ZwiedzanieKrakowa) offers private tours and bespoke museum visits — contact details and booking information are available on her site.
Opening days: many museums are closed on Mondays; some galleries have specific opening hours, so check before you go.
Free admission days: some MNK branches offer free entry to permanent exhibitions on selected days — check current schedules in advance.
Tip: arrive 20–30 minutes before closing if you want a calm last look; ticket desks and cloakrooms often close at the official closing time.
Respect exhibition rules: don’t touch the artworks, follow barriers and staff instructions.
Keep volumes low: many galleries are quiet spaces — please speak softly and switch phones to silent.
Photography: if photos are allowed, avoid tripods and large equipment unless you have prior permission.
Look for family or reduced-price options and short thematic trails that keep children engaged.
Many museums offer family-friendly materials or themed tours — check availability when booking.
