Archdiocesan Museum, Krakow

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 Saints 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.