Historical Museum of the City of Kraków

At Rynek Główny 35, the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków traces the city’s past through art, objects and stories of its residents. Its galleries occupy three floors of Krzysztofory Palace, where you can see paintings, maps, clocks, weapons and household objects. Look for displays about notable Kraków citizens and the detailed nativity scenes known as szopki, shown in a seasonal exhibition. Allow time to explore the different floors, and consider booking ahead if you are visiting during a busy period.

The museum in Krzysztofory Palace

The Historical Museum of the City of Kraków has branches around the city. Its central building is Krzysztofory Palace, at Rynek Główny 35. The palace stands on the Main Square and houses displays about Kraków and its residents.

Across three floors, the collection brings together paintings and other artworks with objects and documents connected to the city. Among the items associated with the museum are maps, photographs, weapons, household objects and clocks dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries.

Kraków’s people and nativity scenes

The displays connect the city’s past with the people who lived and worked here. Portraits and exhibits about notable residents offer a way to follow Kraków’s development through individual lives.

The seasonal nativity-scene exhibition is another distinctive part of the museum’s programme. Kraków’s szopki are elaborate, multi-level models inspired by the city’s architecture. The exhibition takes place at Krzysztofory Palace, so check whether it is running during your visit. Temporary exhibitions can add further subjects to explore.