Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory on Lipowa Street is not only associated with the film Schindler's List — it is a museum that tells the story of everyday life in Krakow under occupation, presenting authentic objects, photographs and multimedia materials, and it is prepared for visits by people with disabilities. For many visitors, the visit is a powerful and moving experience, so it’s good to plan the day with attention and empathy.
If you’re coming to Krakow as a pair — with a friend — it’s worth combining a visit to Schindler’s Factory with a walk through Kazimierz and a short break in one of the recommended cafés or restaurants. That way the day will have contrasts: history and memory, then conversation over coffee and flavours that help you unwind.
In this text you’ll find practical information about how to get there, how long the visit takes, accessibility of toilets and changing tables, rules for free-admission days, and ideas for further walks and places to eat — all written to make your day in Krakow pleasant and stress-free.
Schindler’s Factory is located in the historic building of Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory at Lipowa 4, in the area of the former Jewish Kazimierz — from there it’s easy to continue exploring the neighbourhood’s streets.
Public transport is straightforward: trams and buses go near the area and signage to the exhibition is clear. If you arrive by car, check parking options in advance — the city centre and Kazimierz can be busy.
Before you buy tickets: on some days the museum offers free admission (often on Mondays), but the number of free tickets is limited and usually issued at the ticket office on the same day, so if you want to be sure of entry it’s best to reserve a ticket in advance.
The permanent exhibition presents Krakow during World War II — a narrative combining photographs, memorabilia, reconstructions and multimedia. The layout is designed to introduce visitors gradually and with respect for the events described.
How long you’ll spend depends on your pace and interest — generally plan about 60–90 minutes to see the main rooms and multimedia materials at a comfortable pace.
The museum offers multimedia aids and materials for visitors with different needs: audio descriptions and subtitles, as well as tactile/typhlo-graphic materials, making the exhibition more accessible than many similar sites.
There are toilets adapted for people with disabilities in the building, and selected branches of the museum also provide changing tables. Restrooms and facilities are often located by the entrance or near exhibition rooms — if you don’t see signs, ask staff.
Thanks to modernisation and accessibility programmes, many solutions at Schindler’s Factory are designed for people with limited mobility and sensory needs — there are lifts, audio materials, and selected films include subtitles or sign language interpretation.
Practical tip: if you plan a longer day outside the museum and have a small child, check changing-table availability in advance — not every nearby venue has comfortable baby-changing facilities.
Photography is usually allowed in the museum, but without flash — this is a standard request because flashes can damage sensitive exhibits and disturb other visitors.
The exhibition deals with difficult topics — approach it with respect, avoid shouting and using loud devices in the exhibition rooms. If you want to discuss what you’ve seen, it’s better to do so after you leave or in a quiet spot outside.
If one of you is sensitive to heavy historical content, plan short breaks during the visit or start with the less demanding parts of the route.
Schindler’s Factory is one of Krakow’s popular sites — to reduce time spent in lines, buy a timed ticket online. On free-admission days the number of tickets is limited and often only available at the ticket office on the day of the visit.
If you have a tight schedule and need to enter at a specific time, booking ahead gives peace of mind and certainty. Many visitors combine the visit with an afternoon in Kazimierz — so plan time for a walk and a meal after the museum.
Remember to be punctual — timed tickets have set entry windows and entrance is often possible only a few minutes before or after the time on the ticket.
After leaving the museum it’s easy to find atmospheric cafés and restaurants in Kazimierz. If you want something quick and local — Plac Nowy is famous for zapiekanki and street snacks. For a longer meal, look for well-rated places that offer comfortable conditions for conversation and rest after an intense visit.
Visitors often praise the quaint cafés and restaurants around the synagogues and main streets of Kazimierz — choose places with good reviews and menus that match your preferences (vegetarian options, traditional Polish, world cuisine).
If you prefer somewhere more intimate after the visit, look for small venues with local character where you can talk quietly and process your impressions.
The museum works not only with texts and photos — parts of the exhibition are audio recordings and installations that work better if you give them a moment of silence and focus. Don’t rush through audiovisual elements.
On free-admission days people arrive early to collect tickets at the box office — sometimes the ticket desks open only in the morning, so it’s worth coming early or planning your visit outside of Monday if you want to avoid risk.
A common mistake: treating this visit as a quick ‘tick on the list’ — the exhibition requires time and reflection, so reserve space for a calm experience of this part of your trip.
Can I enter with a stroller? - The museum is partially adapted for visitors with mobility limitations and has lifts; in practice it’s best to ask staff at the entrance for the most convenient route for strollers.
How long does the visit take? - Typically allow about 60–90 minutes for the main exhibition, though the pace varies with interest.
Are there age restrictions? - Due to serious themes, the exhibition is recommended for older youth; parents and guardians should judge whether the content is suitable for a child.
Where are the toilets? - The museum branch offers restrooms, including facilities for people with disabilities; when planning a longer walk, note other nearby places where you can use WC facilities.
After leaving Schindler’s Factory I suggest a short walk along Lipowa toward Kazimierz — there you’ll find atmospheric streets, synagogues to view from the outside and several nice spots for coffee or a late lunch.
If you want a longer route, common next stops include Plac Nowy, Szeroka Street and the area around the old synagogue, then a walk toward the Vistula Boulevards for fresh air and views of Wawel.
In the evening consider dinner at one of Kazimierz’s well-rated restaurants — booking in advance is a good idea, especially on weekends.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with your friend or on social media — it’s important that more people visit Krakow with awareness and respect for history.
If you want to explore Krakow with a local guide and have a route tailored to your interests, consider arranging a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — a well-planned route brings comfort, saves time and improves the experience of the city.
Enjoy your visit and remember — leave time for a conversation over coffee after every significant museum visit.
