Krakow National Museum

An Introduction

Walking around the Krakow National Museum you’ll discover that it’s divided into multiple branches. And each of these host their own exhibitions. The Krakow National Museum is an interesting way for you to see Poland. You can gaze down through the ages at the preservation of the Polish national heritage. And with such a large collection of artwork and items you’ll find something of interest.

Some History

The museum’s opening was in October 1879 in the town square’s Sukiennice or Cloth Hall. The painting, “Nero’s Torches” by Henryk Siemiradzki, was the first piece. Because the Poles were looking for ways to preserve their culture, they donated art for the exhibitions. All the pieces collected ranged from prints and decorative arts to wartime items. In fact everything connected to the culture and history of Poland. These were put up in what the people said was the National Gallery. And so the museum’s first art collection was born. Plans were made to acquire new buildings because the collections were too large. The National Museum began it’s expansion.

Sukiennice, first home of the National Museum

The Exhibitions

The main building has permanent exhibitions. Here you can see 20th century Polish art and arms and uniforms in Poland from the Middle Ages. Also check out items from World War II as well as the decorative arts.

The Sukiennice, the first home of the National Museum, holds 19th century Polish paintings ranging from Realism to Impressionism and from Symbolism to more.

Other branches such as the Princes Czartoryski Museum is a Gallery of Ancient Art. It looks at ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Greeks. There is an exhibition of Old prints at the Czapski Museum. The artist Jan Matejko’s house is a biographical museum. This museum also hosts educational tours and activities for all different age groups.

Krakow National Museum Info

Princes Czartoryski Museum

The Main Building

Address : Al. 3 Maja 1

Map Ref : 50.060444, 19.923755

Opening hours: Tue – Sat 10am – 6pm. Sun 10am – 4pm

Sukiennice

Address : Rynek Glowny 3

Map Ref : 50.061434, 19.936419

Mon Closed, Tue-Sun 10AM-6PM

Regular ticket prices for the individual museum ranges between 9PLN and 20PLN

Children under 7 have free access to the permanent exhibitions in most branches.

Children and youths under 16 and students under 26 have access to permanent exhibitions for 1PLN

Sunday offers free entry to permanent exhibitions in most branches.

It is also possible to buy the Krakow National Museum pass to all branches’ permanent exhibitions for 35PLN.

All images taken by Stefanie Auger-Roy for Absolute Tours