When one says that Krakow is a seat of ancient civilization, well here is your chance to actually see it. Established in 1850, the Museum of Archaeology is the oldest of its kind in Poland. The Museum takes pride in their mammoth collection of over 500 thousand artifacts dating to Paleolithic era.

At the Museum, one can really get a glimpse on the inhabitants who once walked the world. Among many things, the Museum of Archaeology is a proud owner of the four faced idol of the Slavonic God Swiatowit (God of Battle, Harvest and Travel), which dates back to roughly the 9th or 10 century and was excavated from the Zbruc riverbed in 1848. The Museum also has some interesting exhibits on the Gods of Ancient Egypt where one can see the mummy of Aset-iri-khet-es, four sarcophagi from the excavations in El Gamhud carried out by expert and the first Polish Egyptologist, Tadeusz Smoleński. Another interesting exhibit is Malopolska in Prehistory and the Early Middle Ages, which includes artifacts collected in and around Poland that cover almost 70,000 years of history right from the Neanderthal cavemen to the Scythians to the early-medieval Poles.

All in all, the Museum of Archaeology cannot be missed on your visit to Krakow.

The Geology Museum in the University of Science and Technology in Krakow takes you through the vast collection of minerals, fossils and other interesting finds from around the globe. The Museum is perfect place to go, if you are looking for a short escape from history and architecture of the city.

Established in 1969, the Museum boasts a vast collection that has roughly culminated to over a few thousand exhibits. One of the greatest geological exhibitions in the country, the Museum displays exhibits collected as far back as 1865. Once a part of the PAN Institute of Geological Sciences, it was not until the late 20th century that the Geology Museum was formed. The Museum today boasts a massive collection of items that fall under the areas of paleontology, mineralogy and lithology. The Museum is also the proud owner of the largest meteorite collection in Poland. Apart from that, the most popular exhibits in the Museum till date remain the paleontological ones. The displays are well structured and suit visitors who have different levels of understanding on the subject matter. Although the museum has its permanent exhibits on display, make sure to check out updates on their temporary exhibitions as well. Fun, educative and interesting, the Geology Museum is a must visit in Krakow.

At the Bishop Erazm Ciolek Palace you are welcomed by the newest branch of the National Museum of Krakow.

The building was erected in the early 16th century, making it one of the oldest structures of Renaissance architecture in Krakow. This beautiful structure was raised due to the efforts of Bishop of Płock Erazm Ciołek, secretary to King Alexander, the Jagiellon. The Bishop was a strong supporter of artists of those days, along with being a very skilled diplomat. The Palace still holds as one of the few buildings in the city which show glimpses of both Gothic and Renaissance styles of architecture.

Opened in 2007, the Palace is one place where you can view the art that has inculcated in Poland over the years. The Museum has a wide array of paintings, sculptures, and portraits etc. collected from the medieval era alongside the more contemporary exhibits. The exhibitions are divided into two well-defined categories which take the viewer on an art journey through Poland between the 12th to the 18th centuries. Exhibits of Gothic paintings and sculptures, old Polish funeral coffins and ceremonies, the figure of Madonna of Krużlowa etc. comprise the Art of Old Poland. The other exhibit includes orthodox art from the Polish-Lithuanian Republic period.

On a pilgrimage visit to the city, one of the must visit sites is the Archdiocesan Museum. Dedicated to presenting ecclesiastical art, craft and other artifacts, the Museum has the most extensive collection of Gothic paintings, sculptures from the 17th century, robes, clothes, books, documents, altars etc. collected from priests and churches over the years.

The Museum is often visited because of its association with one renowned personality of modern history - Pope John Paul II. Believed to have resided in these premises on two occasions during his tenure as the Bishop of Poland, museum visitors can actually walk the room he lived in, see his work desk and the gifts he received from all over the world. A total of over 400 valuables are deemed and exhibited as Papal Gifts in the museum. Among the Museum’s most prized possession is a painting that dates back to the 13th century. The Painting of Sts. Catherine and Agnes on wooden board and recovered from a church in Debna is the oldest painting of its kind in the country and can be found in the Museum.

The museum today also hosts exhibitions for artists who have an international reputation as well as for the local upcoming ones whose works have been inspired by the religious institution.

This gallery has been active since 1994, offering works in graphics, painting, sculpture, drawing and photography from recognized artists and recent graduates of the Academy. The owner of the Artemis Gallery is art historian Janina Czarnecka-Hill. Many exhibitions organized by the gallery become major cultural events. Set aside some time during your visit to Krakow and see the Artemis Gallery.

Jan Fejkiel Gallery is situated on the Royal Way. It was opened in 1991 by art historian Jan Fejkiel. Its specializes in contemporary prints and drawings. The gallery exhibits the largest selection of modern graphic works in the country. It organizes exhibitions in both Poland and abroad. Moreover, Jan Fejkiel seeks out and displays the work of young and talented artists.

A charming gallery for those who like folk and Naive art. The gallery displays works of famous Polish Naive painters, artists and sculptors. You'll see figurines and pictures inspired by Christian and Jewish tradition and culture. All the works follow the “quality before quantity” rule established by the gallery’s owner who is one of the biggest specialists and collectors of Naive art in the country.