At Krupnicza 26 in Kraków, the Józef Mehoffer House lets you walk through the former home of the Polish painter and stained-glass artist. Period furniture, personal belongings and paintings fill rooms arranged to resemble the artist’s living quarters, with explanations in Polish and English. Look for Mehoffer’s own work alongside a collection of paintings from the Far East, then take time in the garden, where a café operates in summer. Allow about an hour to see the house and its collection.
A home preserved as a museum
The house at Krupnicza 26 was the residence of Józef Mehoffer, a Polish painter and stained-glass artist who lived from 1869 to 1946. It is now a branch of the National Museum in Kraków, devoted to his life and work.
Mehoffer bought the Neoclassical house in 1932. The museum preserves its domestic character: visitors move through rooms furnished to evoke the artist’s living quarters, rather than seeing his work in a gallery alone. Sitting rooms, bedrooms, a library and a dining room give a sense of how the home was arranged.
Paintings, glass and personal objects
Mehoffer’s paintings appear alongside furniture, belongings and objects from his personal collections. The rooms also contain examples of his stained glass, the medium for which he became particularly known. One work highlighted in the collection is Vita somnium breve, dated 1904.
The displays include more than the artist’s own work. A collection of paintings from the Far East adds another strand to the visit. Information in Polish and English explains the objects and their context, so you can follow the displays without relying only on the visual details.
Mehoffer was associated with the Young Poland movement, which drew on Art Nouveau, Romanticism and Symbolism. His work connected painting with decorative art, including stained glass. He also worked on the restoration and redesign of churches in Kraków.
The garden and café
A garden surrounds the house and offers a quieter place to pause after the indoor rooms. The garden is especially associated with the appeal of the visit, and a café operates there during the summer season. Its opening is seasonal, so plan on the museum visit itself as the main reason to come.
The house and its collection reward a measured visit. Take time to notice the furnishings and personal objects as well as the paintings; the domestic setting is a central part of what the museum preserves.
Perguntas frequentes
Is entry to the Józef Mehoffer House free?
Entry is free on Tuesdays. The Kraków City Card also includes free admission.
How long should I spend at the museum?
Allow about an hour to explore the rooms and collection.
What can I see inside the house?
The museum displays Mehoffer’s paintings and stained glass, period furniture, personal belongings and a collection of paintings from the Far East.
Do I need to leave my bag at reception?
Coats and bags must be left at reception. Avoid bringing valuables.
