Opened in 1978, this museum is a fine example of 14th century Gothic architecture. It was opened by Pope John Paul II and has pieces of medieval church art on display. There are many precious sculptures, paintings, golden monstrances, old crosses and fancy reliquaries. Here you will see one of the most precious of things, King Sigismund II August’s ornate sword from the 16th century.

The Manggha located on the Wawel hill is a museum dedicated to Japanese art, literature and technology. Established in 1994, the Manggha has ever since been a division of the National Museum of Krakow.

Over the years, the Manggha has earned a reputation not only as a museum but also a cultural centre. In ways more dynamic than other museums, the objective of Manggha is not just restricted to displaying valuable artefacts of a civilization. Serious efforts are made to educate people and make the Manggha an institute that helps understand and develop art. By means of lectures, artistic courses and classes for people from all walks of life, the Manggha is one place that truly adds a new dimension to the meaning of a museum.

An initiative of Andrzej Wajda and Krystyna Zachwatowicz, the seed for Manggha was, however, sown by Feliks Asienski whose nick name was Manggha. Hailing from a wealthy family of landowners, Feliks earned his reputation as a Polish critic and an art collector. His vast collection of art and craft were mainly from the Far East which he did display in Warsaw, Lviv and Krakow. However, after his death the collection was donated to the National Museum of Krakow which is proudly displayed in the Manggha.

After taking a look at how the elite and rich lived in medieval Krakow, why not sneak a peek at how it was to live like a commoner in the city. The Ethnographic Museum gives its viewers an insight on the lives of the working and peasant class of the 18th and 19th century in the city.

A delightful insight on the lives of the folk culture of the town, the museum covers minute aspects like their living, festivals, day to day activities and clothing. Fast becoming an interesting window into the Polish culture, the museum offers its viewers sights, sounds and tastes of its villages and culture. Not to be missed if you want to dive deeper and have a better understanding of the Polish ethos.

The Ethnographic Museum is rigorously looked after and huge efforts are put in to give an authentic feel to the exhibits. In fact, the museum actually has people from nearby towns and villages chipping in with the decorations and interiors that give it a more genuine feel.

A haven for art lovers, the Ethnographic Museum is the best place to see the traditional art and paintings of Poland. One can only get enthralled by how everyday objects are transformed into beautiful ornate master pieces. Wood carving and Puissance (Painting on eggs) are just names of a few traditional art works of the country.

From the era rich with art, architecture and heritage to a period of political unrest and turmoil, the past to Krakow is filled with different shades and abundant history. The Pharmacy “Under the Eagle” offers its viewers an insight into a different era and opens different pages of the city’s past.

The Pharmacy belonged to Tadeusz Pankiewicz, a Roman Catholic Polish pharmacist who despite being a non-Jew, chose to stay in the Krakow Ghetto. The Pharmacy worked round the clock, offering the much needed medical help and medicines in the Ghetto. It soon became the most trusted place for Jews to meet, exchange information, letters and most importantly a place to hide from the German raids. The Pharmacy provided things like tranquillizers and sedatives that were administered to babies and toddlers to keep them from making noise during the raids, hair dyes for the old to hide their grey, all this to avoid being sent to death camps. Tadeusz Pankiewicz and his staff risked their lives to save a number of Jews in the years that the pharmacy was functioning. He is also credited to save the old Torah scrolls that are now preserved in the museum.

Even after the war, the Pharmacy functioned till about 1950’s when the communist took over the city and converted it to a pub. Luckily in 1983, the legendary Pharmacy came into the vigilance of the Krakow Historical Museum and in 2004 with the help of several Polish benefactors and the famous Steven Spielberg, the interiors of the Pharmacy was restored.

Established by Chris Schwarz, The Galicia Jewish Museum takes its visitors through the journey of the Jewish community in Poland. Established in 2004, the Museum aims at opening up the Jewish culture in Kazimierz to those who come and visit.

Through series of photographs and other media collected over twelve years, the Museum helps understand the blend of the Jewish community in Poland, its impact on the existent culture and life style and events the community has gone through. With a total of five exhibits, the museum ushers its visitors through conflicting emotions of residual anger, sadness, destruction, loss and finally resurrection of the community in terms of revival, restoration and preservation.  

At the Galicia Jewish Museum you will not find the regular pre-war photographs, documents and recordings. In fact the museum strives to be different by portraying the recent past and its aftermath.

The museum has also earned a reputation for being different from other contemporary centres. Regular seminars, talks, movies and classes are held at the Galicia Jewish Museum. The museum also holds educational nights, dance classes and other events that may interest visitors and locals alike. A museum unlike any other in Krakow, is definitely worth a visit.

Located in the centre of the Old Town in Krakow, adjacent to the Wawel Castle is the Aquarium and National History Museum. Housed in an unusual building, the Museum is a must visit in Krakow. Amidst all the historical buildings in the Old Town, the Museum filled with exotic marine life comes as a pleasant surprise.

On first appearance, the 19th century building that houses the wildlife may seem rather odd, but don’t let the appearance of the structure fool you. Once you step inside the Museum you will be amazed by what you see. Together, the Aquarium and National History Museum house over 130 species of exotic fish and marine organisms collected from all over the globe. Apart from that, you can also treat your eyes to some amphibians and reptiles which are  rarely sighted. Spread over a massive area of 1600 square meters, the Aquarium is the most exotic of its kind in the whole of Poland.

The exhibits are not only restricted to marine life but you can also find some critically endangered terrestrial species from across the world, safe at home here. This is why the Museum is not strictly an Aquarium! The recent addition of an insectarium is sure to get the attention of the little ones, if they are not already taken to the animals around.

Celestat, is a branch of the Historical Museum of Krakow which includes a collection that annotates the history of the Fowler brotherhood.

When Krakow received its charter under the law of Magdeburg a duty for defending the city was imposed on its residents. In the 14th century, an organization was established under the name of the Fowler Brotherhood which gathered men of different guilds and prepared the townsfolk to hold the walls. In the 15th century, the Celestat became the seat of the brotherhood and their training ground. This house of the brotherhood and shooting range was visited by many eminent guests while it stood behind the Mikolajska gate for centuries. After the defeat of Kosciuszko uprising and capture of the city by Prussian army in 1794, the Celestat was burned down. During the Nazi invasion of Krakow, the Celestat was built into a barrack and after the war the brotherhood was dissolved by the Communist. By 1951, the brotherhood ceased to exist.

Celestat started functioning as a part of the Museum since 1997, where visitors could get a closer look at the equipment and belongings of the Brotherhood. Apart from that, belongings of heroes that defended the city against the Russians and participated in war and uprisings can also be seen.

From architecture, ancient art and craft to more contemporary styles, Krakow seems to have it all. But it doesn’t stop here! The more you dig into what the city has to offer, the more you will be surprised with what you find.

With a vast collection of military artefacts, the Home Army Museum is the only museum in Poland that is dedicated to the long military struggle and battles of Poland. Boasting of a collection of more than 8000 items, the museum is a compendium of weaponry, arms, ammunition and war bounty collected from the various infiltrations in the country over the span of 100 years.

Established on 27 September 2000, the group of ex- members of the Polish Home Army, however, had to put up a huge struggle to make this possible. But nevertheless, the museum is quite popular not only amongst locals but visitors alike. Among the exhibits, some of prized possessions of the museum include old maps, documents of army generals; Gen. Bor-Komorowski's uniform which was presented by his son to the museum, 60 historical weapons from the Łan company, 260 historic and contemporary weapons, etc. The museum is also the proud owner of artworks from reputed artist of Polish origin like Tadeusz Kantor, Bronisław Chromy, Jan Chrząszcz, Wiesław Śniadecki etc.