Krakow, rich in history and culture, features museums that offer deep insights into its heritage. From wartime reflections and royal splendor to fascinating underground explorations, these museums reveal the essence of Poland and its former capital. Some may even challenge your expectations of Poland. Interested? Discover Krakow’s most intriguing museums.
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Czartoryski Museum
Leonardo Da Vinci's painting "The Lady with an Ermine" is just as enigmatic as the Mona Lisa in Paris, though it's not the sole reason to visit. The Czartoryski family, a venerable noble lineage in Poland, has diligently safeguarded numerous artworks that constitute the nation's oldest art collection. Following extensive renovations at the Czartoryski Palace, the museum has become truly impressive. Visitors can now explore 26 exhibition rooms spread across two floors, where they can admire "Landscape with a Good Samaritan" by Rembrandt van Rijn, along with numerous other masterpieces in painting, sculpture, crafts, military, and applied art.
Wawel Castle
Krakow's most iconic landmarks should not be overlooked. Dominating the skyline as you stroll through the streets of old Kraków, the Wawel Royal Castle sits atop a limestone hill overlooking the Vistula River. The castle features a variety of exhibitions, including royal chambers richly decorated with luxurious tapestries and stately furnishings. Beside it, the Wawel Cathedral boasts breathtaking architecture and contains centuries of Polish history and artistic treasures. Visiting all the exhibitions could easily take half a day, so it's wise to review the options and select those that interest you most.
Mocak
The museum aims to encourage diverse audiences to engage with contemporary art by highlighting its ethical and cognitive significance and demonstrating its relevance to daily life. MOCAK continuously grows its collection, which now includes 5,107 works by 333 artists from Poland and around the world.
Schindler's Factory Museum
Made famous by Steven Spielberg's film "Schindler's List," Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory has been converted into a museum that documents Krakow's wartime history. The museum offers immersive exhibits that portray the lives of Krakow's residents during the Nazi occupation, with a special emphasis on Schindler's efforts to save Jewish people. However, it's important to manage expectations—although the museum is housed in the factory's original office building, only a few rooms retain their original character, as much of Schindler's legacy was neglected during the communist era. Still, the museum's rich array of artifacts, personal belongings, interviews, and photographs vividly brings the WWII era to life.
Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology
Viewed from the top of Wawel Hill, the Manggha Museum stands out with its intriguing design. Located along the Vistula River, it celebrates the richness and diversity of Japanese art and technology. This extensive collection was amassed by Feliks "Manggha" Jasieński, a 19th-century enthusiast of Japanese culture. In addition to its impressive temporary exhibitions, the museum is also known for its excellent bistro, offering a taste of the Orient and a refreshing change from traditional Polish cuisine. With its lovely terrace overlooking the Vistula boulevards, it's an ideal spot for a lunch break.
To continue discovering more hidden gems and captivating destinations, stay tuned for more articles on our website. In case you are traveling to Portugal or Poland in the future, you should try out our tours in Porto, Lisbon, and Warsaw. Remember to follow us @thewalkingparrot to be continuously updated on the new releases. We will be back soon with a new article !
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