WOMAI is not a typical museum of static displays — it’s a centre that invites you to experience science with all your senses. The two flagship exhibitions, “Towards the Light” and “Towards the Darkness”, offer completely different perspectives on how we perceive reality.
The centre is located at Pawia 34 in Krakow, so if you’re planning a walk around the Old Town, a visit to WOMAI easily fits into a day of sightseeing. Check the centre’s website for current opening hours, and it’s a good idea to reserve a time online to secure your preferred slot.
WOMAI stands out for its educational and social approach: when designing the exhibitions the team placed strong emphasis on accessibility and building empathy — hence the opportunity to experience the world of blind people and to exercise the senses in unusual ways.
Tickets can be bought online (most conveniently through the centre’s website) or on site. Booking online gives you the comfort of a chosen time and often helps avoid queues.
The centre offers full-price and reduced-price tickets. Reduced fares typically apply to children and youth, students and people with disabilities (often with the possibility for a carer to enter free). When buying reduced tickets, bring a document proving entitlement (student or pupil ID, or a disability certificate).
There are also group tickets for organized visits — rules usually specify a minimum number of participants for group reservations, so if you’re coming with a school class or a group of a dozen or more, contact reservations in advance.
The centre also runs experiment shows, workshops and seasonal events — these are sometimes sold as separate tickets or as part of educational packages.
The formal name “premium experience” does not appear as a standard product on the site, but the centre does offer non-standard options: group reservations, educational visits for schools, shows and workshops run by facilitators, and private events outside standard hours.
If you’re looking for something “premium” — a private visit, a guided tour without queuing, or a specially prepared workshop — the best solution is to contact WOMAI and discuss your expectations. Often it’s possible to arrange a dedicated session for a smaller group, a private experiment show just for you, or an evening corporate event.
Organizing a private variant usually requires an additional reservation and fee — the centre has rules for group bookings and events, so it’s worth arranging details ahead of time.
The “Towards the Light” exhibition presents phenomena related to light, colour and visual perception. It’s a great attraction for families with children curious about interactive exhibits.
The “Towards the Darkness” exhibition lets you experience the world with vision limited and builds empathy for blind people. Because the experience can be intense, recommended minimum ages are clearly indicated for some events (e.g., sessions for adults or for parents with children above a certain age).
Experiment shows are short, spectacular science sessions featuring fire, gases and physical effects — ideal for school-age children and teenagers. In summer the centre often runs special times and holiday programmes.
When planning your visit check the descriptions of each exhibition and any age restrictions, because some activities may have limits or require prior booking.
WOMAI prepares educational programmes for schools — there are lesson plans and activity scenarios that align with learning goals. Schools often benefit from regional subsidies and programmes, so ask about school packages and available discounts.
The centre emphasises accessibility and inclusion — the building has facilities for people with disabilities, and some activities were created to present the world from the perspective of blind people. The FAQ on the centre’s site provides information about lifts and the possibility of getting extra assistance from staff.
For families with young children check for sessions dedicated to the youngest visitors (sometimes there are special “with a child up to age X” sessions) and practical details like luggage storage and cloakroom availability to make the visit more comfortable.
Buy your ticket online, especially on weekends and during the holiday season — this saves time and guarantees entry at your chosen time.
Bring documents that entitle you to reduced fares (student or pupil ID, disability certificate). For group bookings confirm the number of participants a few days before your visit.
If you plan to visit the “Towards the Darkness” exhibition, remember that the experience takes place in very low light or complete darkness and can be intense for some children — check minimum age or organiser recommendations.
There is a souvenir shop and luggage storage on site; the centre also mentions the possibility of using the lift after notifying a staff member.
Check the times for experiment shows and workshops — if you want to join a show, reserve your place in advance, as capacity may be limited.
WOMAI is close to the city centre, so after your visit it’s easy to head to the Main Market Square or Wawel. For a full meal in a historic setting consider well-known restaurants such as Wierzynek or Pod Aniołami.
If you prefer something more casual, there are many cafés with excellent coffee and cakes nearby — places popular with locals and visitors serve fresh pastries and cosy interiors, perfect for a break after sightseeing.
Families will appreciate restaurants with kid-friendly menus; call ahead if you want to reserve a table or confirm that high chairs are available.
If you plan a longer day of sightseeing, consider a break by the Vistula River or a short rest on the Planty — both are great spots to relax between attractions.
One thing that sets WOMAI apart is its strong emphasis on sensory experiences — the exhibitions are designed not only to teach but to provide real experiences you won’t find on ordinary displays.
The centre runs workshops and shows that are sometimes prepared in cooperation with local specialists — this means that during certain visits you may encounter unique events available for a limited time.
WOMAI also offers educational activities aimed at schools and companies, so there are often tailored offers — ask about team-building programmes or integrative workshops.
Arriving without a reservation on weekends or during the tourist season — buying a ticket online ensures entry at your preferred time.
Not bringing documents for reduced tickets — carry a pupil/student ID or the appropriate certificate, otherwise you may need to pay the full ticket price.
Not reading the exhibition descriptions — some displays have age limits or special conditions (e.g., darkness), which can be uncomfortable for small children.
Assuming everything is free of extra fees — some workshops or shows may require separate booking and payment, so check the event description before purchasing.
Buy your ticket online or check available time slots.
Bring documents for reduced fares (if applicable).
Check minimum age requirements for chosen exhibitions and shows.
Reserve a table at a nearby restaurant if you plan to eat after the visit.
Make sure everyone in your group knows the meeting place and entry time.
Where to buy tickets? Most conveniently online on the WOMAI website or on site at the ticket desk.
Who can buy a reduced ticket? Usually children under 18, students and people with disabilities (check the centre’s conditions).
Can I organise a private event? Yes — the centre accepts group reservations and events outside standard hours after prior arrangement.
Is there luggage storage and a souvenir shop? Yes — lockers, a cloakroom and a shop with small educational gadgets are available.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it helps more people discover interactive attractions in Krakow.
If you’d like to explore Krakow with a local guide and combine a WOMAI visit with a route through the Old Town, I invite you to use my services — Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers private and themed tours. You can find contact details on the guide’s website.
