Kraków’s Hidden Treasures: A Semester of Museum Marvels

By Roza Omarova

Picture this: a city where every cobblestone whispers tales of a rich history, where the past breathes through architectural marvels and cultural gems.  As you stroll along its streets, you’re enveloped by the echoes of old legends, the scent of freshly baked obwarzanki, traditional krakowian bread, and the vibrant colours of the city. Every step you take brings you further into the centre of Krakow’s captivating story, where each museum reveals tales from the past and every building holds secrets waiting to be discovered. Welcome to a city where history comes to life, the past and present coexist together, and there is always a chance to travel back in time.

Kraków, my academic haven for a semester, emerged as a tapestry of stories waiting to be unraveled. Amidst the bustling markets, and centuries-old cathedrals, one aspect of this city captured my imagination—the plethora of museums, each holding a unique key to Kraków’s vibrant past. Now, if you are anything like me, I know you love getting lost for hours or even days wandering around museums, spending perhaps a little too much time reading that description of a painting or looking a little too long at a coin from the Middle Ages. In this article, I hope to take you on a journey through the city’s cultural mosaic that goes beyond the usual routes. You’ll find hidden treasures, explore niche museums that are tailored to your interests, and add a personalised touch to your stay.  Throughout my semester in Krakow, I have gathered some tips and recommendations, so, buckle up your intellectual seatbelt; we’re about to embark on a museum adventure like no other!

“This is where the fun begins” 

As you step into the heart of Kraków’s Old Town, Krzystofory Palace Museum may not catch your attention at first glance, but it is where we start our journey – a small baroque palace where we find a permanent exhibition called “Kraków from the beginning, to no end”.  Krzystofory Palace sets the stage for your Krakow adventure, providing a cultural compass that resonates with the heartbeat of the city. 

And there’s more. Every December, festive magic descends upon Krzystofory Palace with the commencement of the annual Kraków Nativity Scenes Contest. Running from the first Thursday of December through February’s end, this spectacle transforms the palace into a haven of creativity. Cracovian nativity scenes, renowned worldwide, take centre stage, offering a unique lens into the city’s artistic soul. Make sure not to miss this post-competition exhibition, a testament to Cracovian craftsmanship and tradition. 

Tip: You can also purchase a combined ticket, which is valid for a visit to both the Krzystofory Palace and the Town Hall Tower. Just ask at Krzystofory Palace’s ticket office. 

Location: Rynek Główny 35

Free entrance: Tuesday

Let’s keep moving

Among the colourful variety of the city’s museums, the Rynek Underground Museum stands out as a fascinating expedition beneath Krakow’s surface. This innovative underground wonder travels through streets and buildings that have been excavated to reveal Krakow’s past in a genuinely immersive way. Beneath the busy Rynek Glówny (Main Square), the Rynek Underground Museum provides a captivating trip through time. Entering this world beneath the surface of the ground, you are transported to medieval Krakow, where the cobblestones are alive with activity. Modern technology combined with carefully unearthed artefacts produces a unique experience that brings history to life. The museum offers a vivid picture of Krakow’s development, from the ruins of market stalls to the pieces of daily life.

Tip: Here a combined ticket includes visiting: Rynek Underground, Town Hill, Celestat, Barbican and Defense Walls. 

Location: Rynek Główny 1

Free entrance: Tuesday

Personal favourite

 This next museum is definitely my favourite one in the whole city. Kraków is home to many cultural treasures, but The Princes Czartoryski Museum is the most magnificent of them all, surpassing even the excellence of its counterparts. I may sound biased, but if you just imagine this:  ‘The Lady with an Ermine’ (cf.picture below), an enigmatic creation by the master himself, Leonardo da Vinci, gracing the walls. Walk a few steps, and you’ll find yourself in the presence of the ethereal ‘Landscape with the Good Samaritan’ by Rembrandt van Rijn. The Princes Czartoryski Museum houses the most valuable collection in Poland, a claim that resonates not only in the realm of painting but spans the diverse spectrum of artistry — from sculpture to crafts, military artefacts to applied arts. In 1801, Princess Izabela Czartoryska ignited the flame of this cultural haven, curating a collection that transcends epochs and continents. The timeless charm of the historic halls captivated me for more than three engrossing hours as I strolled around them. The Princes Czartoryski Museum is more than just a museum; it’s a historical portal and a time capsule of human imagination. This is an expedition through the ages that I would love to visit again. 

Tip: Tickets allow access to the permanent exhibitions in other branches of the National Museum in Kraków within 3 months of the date printed on the tickets. For example, tickets bought at the Princes Czartoryski Museum were also valid for: Jan Matejko House, Józef Mehoffer House, Emeryk Hutten-Czapski Museum, Karol Szymanowski Museum in Zakopane, Palace of Bishop Erasmus Ciolek and the Pavillon Józef Czapski. 

Location: Pijarska 15

Free entrance: Tuesday

A kaleidoscope of colours

If you ever walked into a Cathedral,  completely in awe of the stained glass windows there and captivated, not just by the vibrant colours but also by the intricate craftsmanship behind these masterpieces, then Kraków’s Stained Glass Windows Museum is awaiting your discovery. This hidden gem unravels the secrets of this ancient craft, offering an immersive tour where each pane tells a story of meticulous design and dedication. And here’s the masterpiece: they don’t just stop at unveiling the mysteries; you can also roll up your sleeves and become a part of this legacy with their workshop masterclass. Imagine crafting your own stained glass souvenir, a tangible piece of Kraków’s artistic essence to carry home.

Tip: Visiting the museum is possible only with a guide and starts with at least 2 people. They also offer different kinds of events and different lengths of tours/workshops that you can check out here. There are no student discounts and it is a more expensive experience, but still, worth every cent. 

Location: Aleja Zygmunta Krasińskiego 23

Notable mentions 

National Museum in Kraków – the main building of the National Museum is home to a large collection of exhibits and paintings. During my semester the National Museum held a temporary exhibition dedicated to a famous Polish painter Jan Matejko, which was an incredible way to learn about this important figure in Polish history. Entrance to the permanent exhibitions is free on Tuesday and on all other days, the reduced ticket for students is only 1 zloty – an offer hard to refuse 🙂

‘Power of Commonwealth at its Zenith, from the series “History of Civilization in Poland’ by Jan Matejko

The Archeological Museum – the oldest archaeological museum in Poland with an extensive assembly of artefacts found during excavations in the Malopolska region and a surprising collection of monuments from Ancient Egypt. Admission to permanent exhibitions is also free on Tuesdays. 

The Zbruch Idol, a 9th-century sculpture, on display in the Archaeological Museum 

Józef Mehoffer House and Jan Matejko House – museums of two Polish painters located in their respective residences. The Mehoffer House is not only a biographical museum, it is also a museum of interiors and to a certain extent an art museum. It is equipped with original books, artwork, chandeliers, wall hangings, clocks, and furniture, as well as a large number of the artist’s creations, such as oil paintings, drawings, stained glass, and ornamental designs. The Jan Matejko House promotes the unknown aspects of the artist’s life and work, as well as his impressive collection of handicrafts, textiles, and military objects.

Stained glass at Mehoffer House

The Palace of Bishop Erasmus Ciolek is my recommendation for those of you who are interested in religious and medieval art. You will find antiquities dating from the 12th-18th centuries that make up the impressive collection of Polish religious art. Fragments of altar decorations, sculptures, and paintings are awaiting visitors in excellent condition, despite their antiquity.

As our museum tour of Kraków comes to a conclusion, I hope these suggestions encourage you to start your own exploration of this vibrant city. Kraków’s numerous museums reveal mysteries, artistry, and tales waiting to be explored. Every visit to these locations guarantees a different experience, whether your attraction is the delicate beauty of stained glass at the museum devoted to this craft or the underground mysteries of Rynek Underground.  So go forth and immerse yourself in the vivid tapestry of Kraków’s cultural treasures, armed with curiosity and a sense of wonder. Happy exploring!