The Night of Museums is an annual evening cultural event when Krakow’s museums, galleries and cultural institutions open their doors for special programs, guided tours, workshops and concerts. It’s a great chance to visit places that are usually closed to the public, see exhibitions in a different atmosphere and feel the city in its nocturnal version.
For Erasmus students and university students this is an ideal way to discover Krakow’s variety in a single evening — from medieval interiors to contemporary galleries and unusual technical museums.
Keep in mind that the Night of Museums draws crowds — some editions have seen tens of thousands of visitors — so a good plan and a few simple tricks will help you see more and enjoy the night without stress. Participating institutions often offer free or symbolic-entry access, and some attractions happen only on that night.
Organization: the event is coordinated by the city together with participating museums; the program is published in advance, though some attractions may require reservations.
In practice: the Night of Museums mixes sightseeing, short events and a relaxed, student-friendly atmosphere — a perfect evening when you want to see interesting places, avoid big expenses and spend quality time with new friends.
Wawel — Castle and Cathedral: a classic you shouldn’t miss. Evening visits to the representative chambers and the treasury feel very different than daytime visits and make for great photos from the hill.
National Museum in Krakow: a large collection of Polish and European art. During the Night of Museums there are often curator-led tours and short concerts — an excellent option for those curious about art who enjoy expert commentary.
Collegium Maius (Jagiellonian University Museum): great if you’re interested in university history and old scientific instruments. The atmospheric courtyard is also a nice meeting spot for a group.
MOCAK and Oskar Schindler’s Factory: contemporary art set against 20th-century history. The Podgórze area around the Factory offers an interesting contrast to the Old Town — worth planning a stop there.
Museum of Municipal Engineering and the Museum of Technology: ideal if you like interactive exhibits and unusual objects. They often prepare demonstrations that work well for groups of friends.
Branches of the Museum of Krakow (Krzysztofory Palace, Rydlówka, Barbakan, Schindler-related sites): a collection of smaller, intriguing exhibitions, often with evening additions and city walks. Krzysztofory Palace sometimes hosts performances and workshops.
Jewish Museum Galicia and memorial sites in Kazimierz and Podgórze: important historical and cultural points that may offer guided tours and special programs during the Night of Museums.
Nowa Huta and Underground Nowa Huta: if you want to feel a different Krakow, night walks in Nowa Huta and visits to its shelters can be surprisingly interesting.
Niche museums: the Toy Museum, Comic Museum, Kościuszko Museum and the AGH University Museum often join the program and offer lighter, often interactive attractions — perfect for spontaneous visits.
Make a ‘map’ of places you really want to visit — pick 3–5 spots and arrange them in a logical order (ideally by clusters: Old Town + Wawel, Kazimierz + Podgórze, Nowa Huta separately). It’s better to see fewer places well than to rush through everything and remember nothing.
Check the program and opening times in advance — some shows start at specific times, others have limited entry. If something requires booking, reserve right away.
Allow time for walking and transport: trams and buses run, but moving between several locations can take time. If you plan to visit Podgórze, factor in crossing a bridge or a short ride.
Think about where to start: you can begin in one of the less crowded museums (for example a technical museum) and save Wawel or the National Museum for later when the square crowds peak. Alternatively, start with your must-see spot and move to smaller institutions afterward.
Plan breaks for food and coffee — a pause between museums lets you rest, grab a bite and recharge for more sightseeing. For students, choose places near main routes where you can get a cheap and quick meal.
Tickets and fees: many institutions open free or for a symbolic fee during the Night of Museums, but some still require regular tickets or registration. Bring your student ID — outside the Night of Museums many museums offer student discounts, and it’s useful to have your card on hand.
Reservations: if the program lists special guided tours, workshops or shows, sign up in advance — places can be limited. Check museum websites and the official program a few days before the event.
What to bring: a light jacket (evenings can be chilly), comfortable shoes, phone charger, water and a snack. A small backpack is much more practical than a shoulder bag when you’re moving between locations.
Wallet and documents: carry your ID or passport, student card and some small change for incidental fees.
Apps and info: save a map on your phone and have a public transport app or timetable handy so you can quickly check tram and bus routes. This saves time and stress.
Expect queues — the most popular sites (Wawel, National Museum, MOCAK, Schindler’s Factory) can have long lines. If you absolutely want to see a particular exhibition, arrive early or book ahead.
Use ‘Plan B’ options — if a main attraction’s line is huge, don’t waste time — go to a smaller museum or a nearby special event. Often the smaller venues are where the most interesting things happen during the Night of Museums.
Move in a group — it’s easier with friends to secure spots for shows, quickly check the program and make waiting in line more fun.
Agree on a clear meeting point — if you split up, set an easy-to-find spot and a meeting time (15–20 minutes). That way nobody gets lost in the crowd.
Be flexible — extra events and performances pop up sometimes. If something sounds interesting, allow a bit of improvisation and visit a new place.
The Vistula boulevards: an evening break on the riverbanks is a great way to rest. In summer there are often deckchairs and small cultural happenings — a pleasant alternative to crowded cafés.
Kazimierz — cafés and bars: after sightseeing you can grab something to eat in the atmospheric cafés of Kazimierz. The neighbourhood has a relaxed, student-friendly vibe and is a great place for a longer stop.
Small concerts and off-program events: many institutions organise mini-concerts, film showings or workshops — a good option for a cultural moment without queuing.
Picnic or quick street food: if the weather is good, bring a small blanket and enjoy a break outdoors. For a faster option, you’ll find food trucks and inexpensive bars along main routes.
Night photography: Krakow is very photogenic after dark — take photos at Wawel, along the Vistula and in the atmospheric corners of Kazimierz. It’s a lovely keepsake from your exchange.
Respect places of memory: the program often includes exhibitions connected to difficult historical topics. Keep quiet and show respect, especially at memorial sites.
Be mindful of personal belongings: large events can attract pickpockets — keep your wallet and phone secure and, in crowded places, carry your backpack on the front.
Museum etiquette: museums prohibit loud behaviour, running and touching exhibits. Night events don’t exempt you from standard rules.
Accessibility: some locations provide facilities for visitors with disabilities, but not all spaces are fully accessible. If this matters to you, check access information in advance.
Health: if you plan a long night, remember to stay hydrated and don’t overdo the alcohol — visiting while fully alert is simply more enjoyable.
Start 18:00 — Collegium Maius: a short visit and nice photos in the courtyard.
19:00 — National Museum: a quick walk through the most interesting rooms, join a mini-lecture or concert if available.
20:30 — Walk to Wawel: evening visit to the representative chambers and a stroll around the hill.
22:00 — Podgórze / MOCAK or Schindler’s Factory: a modern exhibition or a special guided tour.
23:30 — Kazimierz: dinner break, a café or a small concert.
00:30 — Vistula boulevards: rest, night photos and a recap of the evening with friends.
This plan is flexible — swap stops depending on location and queues. The main goal is to enjoy the evening rather than to race to ‘check off’ every place.
Think comfortable shoes and a light outer layer — evenings can be cool.
Have a plan but stay flexible — the best memories often come from improvisation.
Look after your group — set meeting points and appoint someone to coordinate the evening.
Use smaller museums — often that’s where the most interesting activity is and the lines are shorter.
Enjoy and get to know Krakow — the Night of Museums is not a race but an opportunity to discover the city together.
