With its impressive collection of historic artefacts and artworks, the National Museum offers an insight into the cultural, historical and scientific life of Krakow and Poland. See 20th-century Polish art and learn about the 600-year history of decorative arts, including ceramics, rugs and stained glass, from Krakow’s churches. See military paraphernalia such as armour, weapons and uniforms from the 10th century.
The National Museum was established in 1879 and today has more than 780,000 artworks and objects. On the top floor of the museum are the works of more than 500 of Poland’s finest painters, including renowned 20th-century artists. See classic pieces such as a self-portrait by Jacek Malczewski and the Girl with Chrysanthemums by Olga Boznanska.
In the Decorative Arts exhibition are artefacts that have been in the homes of Polish people since the 12th century. View ornaments made from gold, silver and pewter, musical instruments and Poland’s largest collection of Polish and Oriental rugs.
Discover Poland’s history in an exhibition on the country’s military development. Here, there are weapons that date back to the 10th century. See armour from the 1600s and uniforms from the 18th to 20th centuries.
To find out about current exhibitions, check the museum’s program of temporary exhibits on the official website. For a light meal or snack, stop by the café. Head to the adjacent gift store to take home a souvenir, such as a print or book. Allow between 2 to 3 hours to explore everything the museum has to offer.
The National Museum is open every day except Mondays. There is a small admission charge except on Sundays, when entry is free. The museum is located in central Krakow. To get there, take a tram or bus to Cracovia station or walk from the Old Town main square, which takes approximately 15 minutes.
