Did you know that the statue of St. Christopher — the figure after which Krzysztofory Palace is named — returned to the building's façade after more than 200 years? This symbolic comeback is one of the elements that makes a visit to Krzysztofory connect the site's long history with its contemporary role as a city museum. The palace stands at Rynek Główny 35 and has been part of Old Town life for centuries.
The palace has medieval roots (first mentions date back to the 13th–14th centuries), but its present appearance and many of its most valuable details are owed mainly to Baroque renovations from the 17th–18th centuries, including a beautiful arcaded loggia in the courtyard and stucco-decorated ceilings. The Museum of Krakow runs both permanent and temporary exhibitions here, so the place is lively and changing throughout the year.
The permanent exhibition tells a multi-threaded story of Krakow: from civic symbols through legends and crafts to the daily life of past townspeople and the city's contemporary fate. It's a great place to quickly get to know the key motifs of Krakow's identity.
Characteristic exhibits include, among others, the Lajkonik costume designed by Stanisław Wyspiański, traditional Krakow nativity scenes (szopki), grotesque mascarons, historic street-name plaques, and mementos connected with local guilds and rituals. You will also see historic civic insignia, craft objects and artworks documenting city life across the centuries.
The exhibition is arranged to interest both first-time visitors to Krakow and those who want to rediscover lesser-known stories of the city. The display often features new accents and artistic projects connected with the city's memory.
Krzyzstofory Palace regularly hosts temporary exhibitions — from photography to thematic presentations related to Krakow. Check the museum's calendar before your visit, because during a short trip you may come across an interesting temporary display.
The building also hosts recurring city events, for example post-competition displays of Krakow nativity scenes or events tied to local traditions (such as the name-day celebrations of St. Christopher). These complement the permanent exhibition and are a good chance to feel the local atmosphere.
Address: Rynek Główny 35 (entrance also possible from ul. Szczepańska). This is the city centre — perfect to combine with a walk around the Market Square, the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and St. Mary's Basilica.
Opening hours: usually Tuesday to Sunday; typically 10:00–18:00 (last admission around 17:00). The palace may be closed on some holidays and on days set by the museum, so check up-to-date information before your visit.
Tickets: the museum offers tickets for exhibitions — it's worth buying online if you plan to visit at the weekend or with a larger group. Many days also include free entry to the permanent exhibition (for example selected times on Tuesdays) — check the museum's rules in advance.
Practical contact: the Museum of Krakow (Krzyzstofory Palace) has dedicated contact details and an information desk where you can get specifics about accessibility, reservations and events. If you need help planning your visit, call or email the branch ahead of time.
To go through the permanent exhibition calmly, plan 60–90 minutes; if you also want to see a temporary exhibition and linger over details, reserve about 2 hours. The palace is on the Main Market Square, so it's easy to combine the visit with a short walk around the area.
If you prefer a quieter experience, come early in the morning right after opening or late-afternoon on weekdays. Weekends and midday in the high season can be crowded. Buying a ticket online and checking the events calendar in advance makes planning easier.
Arriving without checking opening hours and closed days — some holidays and special events can change opening times. Always verify current information with the museum before you go.
Assuming the exhibition takes only 20–30 minutes — Krzysztofory offers a lot of context and curiosities; allow at least an hour so you don't have to rush through the displays.
Not planning a break for coffee or a meal — the Main Market Square and its surroundings offer many excellent cafés and restaurants; after visiting it's nice to sit down and digest new impressions over a good drink.
Around the Main Market Square there are several well-known places ideal for a break after the museum: the historic and elegant Restaurant Wierzynek (at the Market Square), Cafe Camelot (a cosy café near Plac Szczepański) and Noworolski Café in the Cloth Hall — all popular and often recommended by visitors.
If you prefer something less touristy, ask at the museum for local recommendations — the staff can suggest places with good regional food or cosy cafés tucked away in nearby streets.
Is Krzysztofory Palace accessible for visitors with limited mobility? The museum runs a "Museum without barriers" policy and provides information on accessibility; it's best to confirm details in advance by phone or email.
Is admission to the permanent exhibition always paid? The museum's ticket policy varies — on selected days and hours the permanent exhibition may be free of charge; check the current rules with the Museum of Krakow before your visit.
Is it worth combining a visit to Krzysztofory with other attractions? Yes — the location on the Main Market Square makes it easy to plan a route including the Cloth Hall, St. Mary's Church and, further afield, Wawel or a walk through Kazimierz.
The statue of St. Christopher, the former patron of the house and the source of the palace's name, returned to the façade in 2021 after more than two centuries of absence — a symbolic gesture of restoring the site's memory.
On the exhibition you will find items related to the daily life of past townspeople — not only elite memorabilia but also objects from craftsmen and ordinary residents, which gives a fuller picture of historic Krakow.
The palace hosts events that combine the exhibition with social and educational activities — the museum strives to be a meeting place, not just a showcase of relics.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others better plan their visit to Krakow.
If you'd like to explore Krzysztofory with a personally prepared route and commentary, consider booking a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. A personal guide will make the visit comfortable, tailored to your interests, and richer in local stories — contact details are available through the guide's booking channels.
Enjoy discovering Krzysztofory — it's a place that can surprise even people who know Krakow well!
