Muzeum Etnograficzne im. Seweryna Udzieli w Krakowie

About the museum

The Ethnographic Museum in Kraków opened on 19 February 1911. It owes its existence to the efforts of Seweryn Udziela, a teacher and researcher, who had previously tried unsuccessfully to set up an ethnographic department at the National Museum. The first exhibition was shown in three rooms on ul. Studencka, and in 1913 the collections were moved to the former seminary on Wawel.

Before the outbreak of the Second World War the collection numbered about 30,000 objects. During the German occupation the staff protected it, and part of the collections was saved from being taken away. Among the gifts was the collection of Helena Dąbczańska, which is the most valuable collection in Poland related to Hutsul culture.

Today the permanent exhibition is presented in the former Kazimierz town hall at Plac Wolnica 1, while temporary exhibitions, the secretariat and the library are housed in the Dom Esterki at ul. Krakowska 46. The museum is a cultural institution of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition in the Kazimierz town hall at Plac Wolnica: “Od środka”, “Rytm życia”, “Rzeczy ludzkie”, “Kogo stać?”, “Od-nowa” and “Nieobjęta ziemia”
• The most valuable collection in Poland related to Hutsul culture
• Tuesdays with free admission to the permanent exhibition
• Quiet hours every Wednesday and a quiet zone on the ground floor
• Family trail “Etnościeżka” and the workshop series “Etno? Logicznie!”

Permanent exhibition

• Wystawa stała w ratuszu kazimierskim – The exhibition consists of the parts “Od środka”, “Rytm życia”, “Rzeczy ludzkie”, “Kogo stać?”, “Od-nowa” and “Nieobjęta ziemia”; an art exhibition is shown on the second floor.

Founded

1910

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Tuesday – free admission to the permanent exhibition (reduced prices apply to temporary exhibitions on Tuesdays).

Holders of the Kraków Family Card (Krakowska Karta Rodzinna), the Large Family Card (Karta Dużej Rodziny) and the Kraków Family Card for a Family with a Disabled Child (Krakowska Karta Rodziny z Niepełnosprawnym Dzieckiem) receive a 50% discount. Prices refer to the permanent exhibition in the town hall.

Accessibility

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

The permanent exhibition space has been adapted for people with mobility disabilities. For visitors with visual impairments there is a free audio guide with audio description of the rooms and selected exhibits, and for deaf visitors a tablet with a guide in Polish Sign Language; a visit with a PJM interpreter must be registered at least two weeks in advance. The ticket offices in the town hall and in the Dom Esterki have induction loops. There is a quiet zone on the ground floor of the town hall. A free assistance by a museum employee is available if registered two days in advance. Accessibility coordinator: +48 533 325 435, dostepnosc@etnomuzeum.eu.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

The family self-guided trail “Etnościeżka” and the series of family workshops “Etno? Logicznie!” once a month on a selected Saturday.

Getting there & parking

The permanent exhibition is in the Kazimierz town hall at Plac Wolnica 1; the museum offers free assistance, which can help you get from the tram stop or from a car.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit