The Polish Aviation Museum at al. Jana Pawła II 39 is a place where aviation history meets hands-on encounters with machines — in one location you can see around 250 aircraft and one of the largest collections of aircraft engines in Europe. The Night of Museums is a special way to visit: evening atmosphere, short lectures, screenings, workshops and sometimes the chance to step inside aircraft that are normally closed to visitors. It’s a great opportunity to experience the museum differently than during the day and to appreciate the scale of the collection under the lights.
Night visits also have a practical upside: organizers often prepare shorter, themed tours and special attractions (simulators, a photo booth, children’s workshops) that draw in even those who aren’t aviation fans. Keep in mind, though, that some museum spaces may be unavailable during the Night of Museums — it’s worth planning your route beforehand so you don’t miss anything important.
Start with the large outdoor exhibits: the aircraft avenue, the impressive fuselages and the silhouettes of fighters and transports. The engine section is also a highlight for anyone who enjoys mechanics and wants to see how aircraft powerplants evolved over decades.
If the museum opens aircraft interiors during the Night of Museums, be sure to look inside: in past editions organizers have opened machines such as the Amiot AAC.1 Toucan (Ju 52 version), Lisunov Li-2 (the DC-3 equivalent), Yakovlev Yak-40, Antonov An-26 and the Mi-8 helicopter that carried Pope John Paul II. This is especially exciting for families and photographers — interiors often reveal details you can’t see from the outside.
Simulators (for example a MiG-21 or a World War I reconstruction), themed guided tours and evening lectures are other highlights not to miss. The Night of Museums program usually also includes film screenings and art workshops for children — a perfect option when visiting with family.
Buy tickets online if possible. Organizers often run online ticket sales and those with online tickets may have a dedicated entrance, which significantly shortens waiting time. Night events usually have specific ticket sale times and scheduled entries — on-site sales can end before the museum closes, and the last admission is often set to a specific time, so arrive with time to spare.
Plan your route: start with the biggest attractions and those that usually have queues (aircraft interiors, simulators). If you want to attend a lecture or themed tour, check the program times and get in line early to secure a spot.
Dress comfortably and warmly — much of the display is outdoors, so it gets cooler in the evening. Bring a small flashlight or use your phone’s light, but be careful not to blind other visitors or museum staff.
During the Night of Museums there is often a symbolic entry fee — a great chance to visit the museum at an attractive price. Organizers announce ticket sale hours and last-entry times; on-site sales sometimes stop earlier than the event, and admissions can have time limits. Buying a ticket online and using a dedicated entrance can save valuable time.
Pay attention to organizer announcements when planning your visit: some exhibits or aircraft interiors may be temporarily excluded from the program for a particular edition of the Night of Museums, and for the protection of exhibits or for safety reasons certain areas may be restricted in bad weather (for example, an aircraft interior might be closed under exceptional conditions).
If you’re coming by car, check parking rules near the museum in advance; for big public events it’s worth booking parking ahead or using public transport.
The museum regularly prepares activities for the youngest visitors during the Night of Museums: art workshops (for example painting “shiny wings” with fluorescent paints), educational games and family-friendly films. Children especially enjoy entering aircraft interiors, using simulators and dressing up in aviation outfits — a great way to spark interest in history and technology.
Make your child comfortable: bring warm clothes and snacks, check whether activities require prior sign-up (workshops sometimes have limited places) and choose the time that suits the children’s routine. If queues are long, agree with children on 2–3 must-see attractions to avoid disappointment.
The museum’s Mi-8 was used during papal pilgrimages — a special exhibit not only for its size but also for its connection to contemporary history. Small prewar constructions from the RWD series remind visitors of remarkable achievements by Polish designers: the RWD-5 is famous as one of the aircraft that crossed the Atlantic.
The museum is more than machines — it’s also an archive of memorabilia, uniforms, equipment and unique engines that tell the story of aviation development from pioneering designs to modern jets. For tech enthusiasts, the engine room and propulsion-related exhibits are often the most fascinating part of a visit.
If you’re interested in World War II history, look out for exhibitions and lectures on jet aircraft and their role in the later stages of the war — this topic is sometimes presented during the Night of Museums in the form of talks and film showings.
Trying to “see everything” in one hour — the museum covers a large area with many attractions; it’s better to plan a route and pick 3–4 priorities than to rush from exhibit to exhibit.
Being unprepared for weather — some displays are outdoors and interior access can be limited in bad weather. Pack a light jacket and comfortable shoes.
Not buying tickets in advance — at big events, not having an online ticket often means longer queues and the risk of missing the last permitted entry.
When does the Night of Museums take place? It most often happens in May as part of Kraków’s cultural events; the museum and event organizers publish the exact date and program.
How much does a ticket cost during the Night of Museums? Special editions often charge a symbolic fee; in the past entry to the event was offered for a small amount. Always check the current price list before you go.
Can you enter every aircraft interior? Not always. Interiors are made available selectively, often because of the exhibit’s condition or logistical limits. Organizers list the aircraft open for visiting in the Night of Museums program.
What’s the best way to get there? The museum is easy to reach by public transport and taxi. For planning your trip, check timetables and possible night routing changes; during large city events it’s recommended to use tram, bus or taxi/rideshare instead of parking at the museum.
If you plan a longer evening in Kraków, schedule a meal after your visit. The city centre and Kazimierz neighbourhood offer many highly rated restaurants — you’ll find both regional cuisine and modern dining spots. When choosing a place to eat, follow current reviews and ratings, especially if you’re looking for something open late after an event.
If you prefer accommodation near the aviation exhibits, look for hotels or apartments in the Czyżyny and city-centre areas; these locations offer convenient connections to the Old Town and the airport. When booking a stay in May, remember the city’s cultural events attract many visitors — it’s wise to reserve early.
The Night of Museums at the Polish Aviation Museum is a wonderful chance to see unique aircraft, hear passionate stories and enjoy the museum in an unusual evening setting. With a little planning you can make the most of the night and leave with plenty of photos and new facts.
If you found this article useful, share it on social media or send it to friends — a trusted plan always helps. If you prefer to explore with someone who will show you the most interesting corners and tell stories hidden behind fuselages and engines, consider booking a guided visit with Małgorzata Kasprowicz, a private guide who specialises in Kraków tours. Enjoy a great Night of Museums and happy exploring!
