Kamienica Szołayskich

About the museum

The oldest part of the townhouse on Plac Szczepański was built in the 15th century. The building took its present form after rebuilding in the 17th, 19th and 20th centuries, especially in 1815–1818 during the regulation of the square. In 1849–1856 the editorial office and printing house of the Kraków newspaper “Czas” were housed here. From 1902 the townhouse belonged to the landed Szołayski family, who donated it to the National Museum in Kraków in 1904.

After the death of Włodzimiera Szołayska in 1928, the building was adapted for museum purposes, and at the end of 1934 a branch was opened here devoted to the donor, Feliks Manggha Jasieński. During the Second World War the Germans occupied the building for the use of the Nazi party. In 2003 the Museum of Stanisław Wyspiański was moved to the townhouse, and after a general renovation in 2012 the branch was renamed Kamienica Szołayskich im. Feliksa Jasieńskiego (Szołayski Townhouse named after Feliks Jasieński).

Today the two-storey building houses permanent exhibitions on the history of architecture and design, as well as temporary exhibitions. On the ground floor there are an information centre, a museum shop, a café and a multi-purpose hall. The branch hosts lectures, concerts, performances and art classes for children and young people.

Highlights

• Two-storey townhouse from the 15th century on Plac Szczepański
• Permanent exhibitions on the history of architecture and design
• Café, museum shop and lift in the historic building
• Activities for children and families, including meetings for carers with infants

Permanent exhibition

• Przedmioty w MNK Szołayscy – Permanent exhibition in the branch, in which two permanent displays are devoted to the history of architecture and to design.

Operated by

Muzeum Narodowe w Krakowie

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Tuesday – free admission to the permanent exhibitions (individual visitors collect a ticket at the cash desk).

A ticket bought for the Gmach Główny (Main Building), the Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) or the Muzeum Czartoryskich (Czartoryski Museum) also gives admission to the other branches of the National Museum in Kraków and is valid for 3 months. An annual pass for all branches except the Czartoryski Museum is also available.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

Wheelchair users should use the entrance from ul. Szczepańska. At the main entrance there is a historic threshold that is hard to cross, so help from a museum employee is needed; they can be called by intercom. The building has a lift and two accessible toilets (at the entrance and on the first floor). The branch also offers audio description, a sensory kit and a defibrillator. Assistance dogs are allowed in the museum.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities

The branch runs family workshops and meetings for carers with infants (0–12 months); a changing table is available. A family ticket for PLN 36 applies.

Getting there & parking

The branch stands at the corner of Plac Szczepański and ul. Szczepańska, near the Stary Teatr (Old Theatre) and the Pałac Sztuki (Palace of Art).

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check

On the ground floor there are a café and a museum shop. The cloakroom is compulsory and free of charge; it does not accept suitcases.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The National Museum in Kraków makes its venues available; information is on the page “Wynajem i oferta na zamówienie” (Rental and Custom Offers).

Plan your visit