Higher Art: The 6 Best Galleries and Museums in Krakow

Higher Art: The 6 Best Galleries and Museums in Krakow

June 11, 2025

Cracow, the pearl of southern Poland, has for centuries delighted not only with its architecture and history, but above all with its rich cultural heritage. In the heart of this city, where tradition intertwines with modernity, there are some of the finest galleries and museums in the country. We invite you on a fascinating journey through six unique establishments that are a veritable feast for lovers of art, history and culture. From classic collections of paintings to modern installations, from Polish masters to world-renowned artists, each of these places offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Get ready to encounter masterpieces, interactive exhibitions and fascinating stories behind each exhibit. Whether you're passionate about art or just beginning your adventure with culture, these Krakow museums and galleries are sure to inspire you and leave an indelible impression.

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Classics and Modernity: the National Museum and MOCAK

Start our artistic journey with two institutions that represent the two poles of the art world - the classical and the avant-garde. The National Museum in Cracow, located at 1 Al. 3 Maja Street, is a treasure trove of Polish art and culture. Open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, it offers tickets priced at around PLN 35 (as of 2023). This is a place where history comes alive through works of art. The richness of the collection and the variety of exhibits are staggering - from painting to sculpture to arts and crafts. Especially noteworthy is the collection of Polish artists, which reflects the rich history of our country. For families with children, the museum offers special educational programs and workshops that introduce the youngest to the world of art in an accessible way.

At the opposite end of the spectrum is the MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art, located at 4 Lipowa St. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with an admission ticket priced at around 25 PLN (current as of 2023), MOCAK is a space where tradition meets innovation. It is the perfect place for those who want to experience art at its most contemporary. Interactive installations, multimedia presentations and thought-provoking exhibitions make every visit here an intellectual adventure. MOCAK also offers special programs for families that encourage them to discover and interpret contemporary art together.

Both museums are easily accessible by public transportation - streetcars and buses, and there are parking lots for motorists nearby. It is worth planning a visit to both places to experience the full spectrum of Polish art - from classic masterpieces to the latest artistic trends. Keep in mind that for a complete sightseeing experience with children, it is advisable to bring comfortable shoes and snacks, as the expositions at both museums are extensive and can take several hours to complete.

In the Heart of History: Princes Czartoryski Museum and Cloth Hall Gallery

Continuing our journey through Krakow's art treasures, we should not skip two remarkable sites that will take us deep into Polish history and culture. The Princes Czartoryski Museum, located at 15 Pijarska Street, is a true gem on the map of Krakow. Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with an entrance ticket priced at around 65 PLN (as of 2023), it offers an unforgettable journey through the centuries of Polish and European art. It is here that we can admire Leonardo da Vinci's famous 'Lady with an Ermine', which in itself is reason enough to visit the place. The museum is geared up to visit with children, offering audio books that talk about the exhibits in an accessible way. It's worth setting aside at least 2-3 hours for a leisurely tour.

Nearby, in the heart of the Old Town, is the Gallery in the Cloth Hall (MNK Sukiennice), located on Market Square 1/3, a place where history intertwines with art in the most picturesque way. Open every day except Mondays, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with an entrance ticket priced at around 30 zlotys (current as of 2023), the gallery offers a magnificent collection of Polish 19th century paintings. The Cloth Hall is not only a museum, but also a symbol of Krakow, so a visit here is a double attraction. Families with children may find the huge historical paintings particularly interesting, as they work on the imagination and encourage learning about Polish history.

Both places are well connected - they are located in the very center of the city, easily accessible on foot or by public transportation. There are many restaurants and cafes nearby, where you can relax after sightseeing. It is worth remembering that the tourist season can be crowded, so it is a good idea to buy tickets online in advance. For families with young children, we recommend bringing snacks and drinks with you, as there may be limited access to food outlets in the museums themselves. Also, remember to wear comfortable footwear - visiting these historic buildings often involves walking on uneven surfaces and stairs.

Art Without Borders: Manggha and Jozef Mehoffer House

To conclude our art tour of Krakow, we invite you to discover two unique places that broaden your horizons and show how diverse art can be. The Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology, located at 26 Maria Konopnicka Street, is an unusual blend of East and West. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with admission tickets priced at around 30-40 zlotys (as of 2023), Manggha offers a fascinating journey through Japanese culture and art. It's the perfect place for families who want to experience something completely different. Interactive exhibitions, calligraphy or origami workshops are just some of the attractions that await visitors. Also worth noting is the beautiful view of Wawel Castle that stretches from the museum's terrace.

Last, but not least, is the Jozef Mehoffer House, a branch of the National Museum in Cracow, located at 26 Krupnicza St. This is a unique opportunity to see how one of the most outstanding Polish artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries lived and worked. Open Tuesday through Sunday, during typical museum hours (it's worth checking current hours on the museum's website), with an affordable admission ticket, the place offers an intimate look into the artist's life. The interior of the house, preserved in its original condition, is a fascinating testament to the era. Children may find the garden particularly interesting, where workshops and outdoor activities are organized during the season.

Both sites are well connected to the city center - the Manggha can be reached by streetcar, while the Mehoffer House is a short distance from the Main Square. Near both locations there are cafes and restaurants where you can relax after sightseeing. Note that the Manggha also offers a restaurant with Japanese cuisine, which can be an added attraction for the whole family.

When visiting these places, it's a good idea to plan your time accordingly - it's worth spending about 1.5-2 hours on each of them. For families with children, we recommend checking the calendar of events on the museums' websites - there are often special workshops and activities for the little ones, which can be a great addition to your visit.

To sum up our journey through Krakow's museums and galleries, it is worth noting how diverse and rich the city's cultural offer is. From classic collections to contemporary art to fascinating glimpses of cultures from other parts of the world, Krakow offers something for every art lover, regardless of age or interests. Remember that art is not just about looking at exhibits, but above all about experiencing emotions and discovering new perspectives. We encourage you to experiment, ask questions and share your impressions - this is the best way to fully appreciate the cultural richness that Krakow offers.

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