Historical Museum of the City of Kraków

The Historical Museum of the City of Kraków occupies the Krzysztofory Palace and displays extensive collections of artifacts, documents, and photographs spanning different historical periods. The permanent exhibition traces the city's development through interactive displays organized around key themes and eras.

The museum was founded in 1899 as part of the Municipal Archive and moved several times before settling at Krzysztofory Palace in 1964. This long journey allowed it to build substantial collections reflecting the city's transformation over more than a century.

The museum displays exhibitions about the Lajkonik parades and the marksmen's guild, traditions that have shaped the city's identity for centuries. Visitors can also see the annual Kraków Nativity Scene competition held since 1946, which keeps local craftsmanship alive.

Plan enough time to explore both permanent and temporary exhibitions thoroughly, as the collections are extensive and cover many aspects of the city's story. Guided tours, workshops, and educational programs are available to help visitors understand the displays better.

The main exhibition 'Kraków from the Beginning, without End' opened in December 2021 and presents the city's development through interactive displays that actively engage visitors. This approach blends historical collections with contemporary storytelling methods.