Did you know that among Krakow’s theatrical landmarks there is a modern, interactive museum that lets you "go behind the scenes" of a performance? MICET - the Interactive Museum / Centre for Theatre Education at the National Old Theatre is a place where theatre history meets technology and hands-on workshops. In summer, when the Old Town is buzzing, visiting MICET is a pleasant refuge from the sun and crowds while offering a chance to discover the theatre from the inside.
MICET’s interior is a network of small studios and workshop spaces filled with props, fragments of stage sets and multimedia applications. The exhibition allows both passive viewing and active creative play—an ideal spot for families, art students and anyone curious about theatre.
Remember that the MICET entrance is on Jagiellońska Street and the building is only a few minutes’ walk from the Main Market Square, so you can easily combine a visit with further walks around the city centre.
The permanent exhibition is organised into five themed paths: FREEDOM, WE/THEY, EMOTIONS, BODY and NEW — each combines educational content with practical workshop exercises. The spaces include applications such as Stage Design App (scenography design), Music Production App (creating soundtracks) and Virtual Actor App (recording and sending short scenes).
In addition to the permanent exhibition, MICET regularly presents temporary shows and artistic projects — in summer you’ll often find themed audio-visual installations or showcases by theatre music creators. Seasonal exhibitions have included tributes to theatre composers that immerse visitors in the sonic world of performances.
A typical visit takes about 1.5 hours, but if you plan to test the apps and join workshops, allow more time.
The museum is usually open Tuesday through Sunday, most often in the afternoon (typical hours are about 11:30–19:30, with the last entrance earlier) and it is closed on Mondays. During some theatrical events access to certain entrances may change, so check opening times before you go.
Tickets: regular and reduced fares are affordable; children under 7 usually enter free. There are often promotions — with a performance ticket you can enter MICET for a symbolic fee. You can buy tickets at the MICET box office at the Jagiellońska Street entrance.
Getting there: MICET is located at Jagiellońska 1, very close to the Main Market Square. The easiest way in summer is by tram (several lines serve the Old Town) or on foot; the nearest stop is Teatr Bagatela. Driving to the door is difficult because there is no private parking, so public transport or walking is recommended.
The MICET budget and staff take accessibility into account — some entrances are at ground level and staff are happy to help visitors reach exhibition spaces. Keep in mind that some doors are manual and may require strength to open.
The museum admits a limited number of visitors at once — at most a few dozen people (groups should reserve in advance). Because of the interactive and workshop nature of the displays, prior coordination with museum educators is recommended for groups.
You can come with an assistance dog — the museum provides spaces and amenities for guide animals; remember to bring documents confirming the dog’s status.
MICET is a great option on a hot day — air-conditioned rooms and interactive apps offer a relaxing, engaging way to spend time. In the tourist season, arrive a little earlier than planned because the museum can be popular with families and workshop participants.
If you’d like to combine your visit with an evening performance, check for combined promotions — often a theatre ticket allows very cheap entry to MICET. School groups and larger parties need to reserve in advance; the museum limits simultaneous visitors to ensure comfortable use of the apps.
I recommend bringing a phone charger — some multimedia activities can be done with your own device, and photos or short recordings are useful to keep.
MICET sits right by the Main Market Square, so you’ll find a huge choice of restaurants and cafés nearby. For a cosy coffee and cake, Cafe Camelot (ul. Św. Tomasza) is a Krakow classic, praised for its interior and homemade pastries.
For book lovers and a calmer atmosphere, try Massolit Books & Café — an English-language bookstore with a café, perfect for a quiet afternoon with a read. For a historic dining experience, consider Wierzynek on the Main Market Square — a meal there is also a way to see an interior steeped in history.
Remember that popular places fill up in summer — if you plan to have lunch or dinner after your visit, it’s a good idea to reserve a table.
Thinking MICET is only a "children’s museum" — the exhibits and apps are designed for different age groups, including adults interested in theatre and media.
Arriving with a large group without booking — in peak season you may face visitor limits; groups larger than a dozen should reserve a time and agree the visit format with museum educators.
Assuming everything is always available — some apps or spaces may be temporarily closed due to rehearsals, events or maintenance; if a specific attraction matters to you, check the museum’s programme before visiting.
Is MICET suitable for young children? Yes — children under 7 often enter free, and many installations are child-friendly, although some apps require an adult’s help.
How much time should I allow? Standard visit time is 1.5 hours; if you want to take part in workshops and test the apps, plan about 2 hours.
Do I need a theatre ticket to enter MICET? No — MICET has separate tickets, though combined promotions with performances are common.
What if I want to come with a large group? Contact MICET educators in advance to reserve a time and discuss the visit format.
MICET is one of the few places in Europe that combines a historic theatre with an interactive educational exhibition — you’ll find archival elements alongside modern applications.
Exhibitions can combine music, movement and set design so that you can "feel" a theatre rehearsal as a participant — an experience that’s hard to describe fully in words.
The museum entrance is often at a side glass door on Jagiellońska Street — it’s worth watching for this so you don’t look for the entrance in the wrong place.
MICET is the perfect place if you want to see the theatre "behind the scenes", try working with sound, set design or acting in bite-sized workshops and apps. In summer it’s also a pleasant break from sunny walks around the Old Town.
If you enjoyed this read, share the article with friends or on social media — maybe someone close to you is looking for an unusual way to spend a day in Krakow.
If you prefer guided visits with a personal touch and want to get extra context about the history of the Old Theatre and the exhibition, consider a guided tour by Małgorzata Kasprowicz. You can find contact details and booking information on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
