Muzeum Książąt Czartoryskich, Kraków

Museum in Kraków

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Chris Olszewski

The Muzeum Książąt Czartoryskich is one of the most prestigious museums in Kraków and one of the best places to visit in the city for art lovers. Founded in 1796 by Princess Izabela Czartoryska, the museum began as a patriotic mission to safeguard Polish cultural treasures during the country's partitions. Today, it forms an essential part of any walking tour of Kraków, offering an extraordinary journey through European and Polish art history.

Visitors come from around the world to see Leonardo da Vinci’s Lady with an Ermine, but the museum’s significance extends far beyond this masterpiece. Its collection includes Rembrandt paintings, rare manuscripts, royal memorabilia, and decorative arts that together capture centuries of artistic achievement.

History and Significance of the Muzeum Książąt Czartoryskich
Things to See and Do in the Czartoryski Museum
How to Get to the Czartoryski Museum
Practical Tips on Visiting the Czartoryski Museum
Where to Stay close to the Czartoryski Museum
Is the Czartoryski Museum Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting the Czartoryski Museum
Nearby Attractions to the Czartoryski Museum

History and Significance of the Muzeum Książąt Czartoryskich

The Czartoryski Museum is one of Poland’s oldest museums, founded at a time when the country had been divided by foreign powers. Princess Izabela Czartoryska established the collection as an act of cultural preservation, gathering royal relics, artworks, and historical objects to protect them for future generations.

Throughout the 19th century, the Czartoryski family expanded their holdings, assembling an outstanding collection of European art. Their efforts turned the museum into both a symbol of national identity and a guardian of Poland’s artistic heritage.

Things to See and Do in the Czartoryski Museum

One of the things to do in Kraków for art enthusiasts is to explore the museum's extraordinary range of masterpieces. The highlight is Leonardo da Vinci's Lady with an Ermine, one of only four surviving female portraits by the Renaissance master. Its delicate detail, subtle emotion, and historical importance make it one of the most valuable artworks in Europe.

The museum also houses Rembrandt’s Landscape with the Good Samaritan and works by Raphael’s circle, alongside portraits, tapestries, sculptures, and decorative objects. Polish art is well represented through pieces by Jan Matejko and other national artists.

Beyond paintings, the museum features arms and armor, royal memorabilia, manuscripts, and objects linked to key moments in Polish history. Each gallery reflects the Czartoryski family’s refined collecting tastes and the intellectual currents of Enlightenment-era Europe.

How to Get to the Czartoryski Museum

Kraków John Paul II International Airport offers easy transport into the city by bus and train. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Kraków on Booking.com. From Kraków Główny, the central train station, it is an easy walk through the Old Town to the museum's entrance. You can easily check schedules and book tickets through the PKP Intercity website. However, for a smoother experience, we recommend using Omio, which simplifies the booking process and lets you compare prices and schedules all in one place.

Driving is restricted in much of the Old Town, so visitors arriving by car should park in nearby garages and continue on foot to the museum. If you are looking to rent a car in Poland I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Czartoryski Museum

Entrance fee: Standard admission; separate ticketed access for some exhibitions.
Opening hours: Typically open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Mondays.
Official website: https://mnk.pl/muzeum-czartoryskich
How long to spend: 1 to 2 hours.
Accessibility: Wheelchair access available through the main entrance; lifts operate between floors.
Facilities: Gift shop, cloakroom, and restrooms.
Photography: Allowed in some sections without flash; restrictions apply near key works.
When to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for quieter viewing of Lady with an Ermine.
Guided tours: Available for deeper insight into the paintings and royal memorabilia.
Nearby cafés: Several coffee houses and patisseries located along Świętego Jana Street.

Where to Stay close to the Czartoryski Museum

For a convenient and comfortable stay near the museum, Hotel H15 Luxury Palace offers a blend of modern luxury and historic charm. Visitors looking for boutique accommodation may enjoy Hotel Indigo Kraków - Old Town, while those wanting stylish rooms near the Planty should consider Pugetow Manor House.

Is the Czartoryski Museum Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. It is one of the must-see places in Kraków, especially for those interested in Renaissance masterpieces, Polish heritage, and European art history. Its beautifully curated galleries and world-class works make it a highlight of any cultural itinerary in the city.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.8 (9,073)

Czartoryski Museum at Pijarska 15 is an elegant, carefully presented museum housing a historic collection of artworks and decorative objects, highlighted by Leonardo da Vinci’s Lady with an Ermine; displays include paintings, rare manuscripts, arms and armour, and some majestic sculptures. Visitors praise the tasteful exhibition design—calm wall colours, well-crafted cases, sensor lighting—and note useful services like audio guides with comfortable headsets, bag storage and guided tours; tickets are sometimes available online but can also be bought in person, and there are free-entry Tuesdays and student reduced fares. Some practical points: the layout encourages a smooth visit but signage could be clearer and the museum can require more time than an hour to explore fully.

Diana Stark

2 months ago

"Entrance on Tuesdays is free, which is a wonderful bonus — and despite that, the museum didn’t feel overcrowded. The exhibition and its presentationwere fantastic: the wall colors were tastefully chosen, the display cabinets were beautifully crafted, and the sensor-based lighting was a thoughtful touch. The museum’s interiors are elegant and well designed, enhancing the experience without being overpowering. The only downside was a lack of clear directional signs, and to exit we had to walk all the way back through the galleries. All in all, it’s absolutely worth the visit — and the Da Vinci on display is truly remarkable...."

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Dário Reiser

a month ago

"Czartoryski Museum: A Hidden Gem for Art & History Lovers 🎨⚔️ What a fantastic museum! It’s packed with history and way more impressive than you’dexpect. You’ll find a bit of everything here, art, medieval weaponry, ancient artifacts, it’s honestly incredible. If you’re into art, you’ll leave satisfied. If you’re into medieval weapons…you’ll be more than satisfied (I geeked out in nearly every room 😄). There’s not a huge number of sculptures, but the ones they do have are absolutely majestic and beautifully detailed. You can explore at your own pace, which I recommend, but guided tours are available too and props to the guides, they don’t interrupt the vibe or talk loud enough to break the immersion. Audio guides are also available at reception if you prefer. Entry isn’t free most days it’s about €16, but pro tip and you didn’t hear this from me (except you totally did, so you’re freaking welcome!😆) Tuesdays are free entry days! Just go early because tickets can run out fast. Now, the star of the show…Leonardo da Vinci’s Lady with an Ermine.n(Not DiCaprio, the other Leonardo😂)nThe painting is breathtaking, it has its own dedicated section with dimmed lighting, a calm pastel backdrop, and a single spotlight highlighting the artwork. It’s an experience in itself, and honestly? Way more satisfying than seeing the Mona Lisa. Final Verdict:nDon’t even hesitate, go! Especially on a Tuesday. And even if it’s not, it’s still well worth the ticket. Whether you’re an art lover or just killing an hour, you’ll find something fascinating here...."

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Patrizia Iginia Palazzini

3 weeks ago

"One of Krakow’s most important and prestigious museums. The Czartoryski Museum (Muzeum Książąt Czartoryskich) houses one of Poland’s oldest and mostvaluable art collections, created by the noble Czartoryski family in the late 18th century. Its most famous masterpiece is Leonardo da Vinci’s “Lady with an Ermine”, one of only a handful of Leonardo paintings in the world. The museum also features works by Rembrandt, rare manuscripts, arms and armor, and beautiful decorative arts from across Europe. The building itself is elegant and carefully restored, and the exhibition layout makes the visit smooth and engaging. A must-see for art lovers and anyone interested in European cultural heritage. One of the true gems of Krakow’s museum scene...."

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FAQs for Visiting the Czartoryski Museum

Yes, though occasionally it may be temporarily removed for conservation or special exhibitions.

Yes-older children and teens often enjoy the paintings, armour, and historical objects.

Polish and English are widely available throughout the galleries.

Usually it is included with the standard ticket, but during special exhibitions separate access may apply.

Yes, it belongs to the National Museum network and shares curatorial and conservation resources.

Nearby Attractions to the Czartoryski Museum

Planty Park: A scenic green belt encircling the Old Town.
St. Mary's Basilica: One of Kraków's most iconic Gothic churches.
Main Market Square: A central hub of cafés, monuments, and historic buildings.
Wawel Castle: Poland's most important royal residence.
Collegium Maius: Historic Jagiellonian University building with a famous courtyard.

The Muzeum Książąt Czartoryskich appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Kraków!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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