Cricoteka

About the museum

Cricoteka was established in Kraków in 1980 on the initiative of Tadeusz Kantor as a living archive of his Cricot 2 Theatre. It preserves, presents and looks after a collection of theatrical works from the artist's productions, and is at the same time a museum, archive, gallery and research centre. The starting point of its activities is the ideas of Kantor, director, painter, set designer and creator of happenings, who founded the Cricot 2 Theatre in 1955 and created, among other productions, “Umarła klasa” (The Dead Class) and “Wielopole, Wielopole”.

The present seat, a modern building at ul. Nadwiślańska 2–4 in Podgórze, together with an older building, forms a space of exhibitions, a theatre hall, an educational room and a café overlooking the Vistula. Besides Cricoteka there is its branch, the Galeria-Pracownia Tadeusza Kantora (Tadeusz Kantor Gallery-Studio), in the townhouse at ul. Sienna 7/5, where the artist's room can be seen.

From July 2025 the main building has presented the exhibition of the collection “Kantor. Terapia widzeń”, which combines works and archival materials by Kantor with works by contemporary artists, including Alexandra Bachzetsis, Aneta Grzeszykowska, Goshka Macuga and Christoph Schlingensief. Cricoteka also organises performances, concerts, film screenings and classes for children and adults.

Highlights

• Exhibition of the collection “Kantor. Terapia widzeń” with works by Kantor and contemporary artists
• Archive and theatre collections of the Cricot 2 Theatre
• Branch Galeria-Pracownia Tadeusza Kantora with the artist's room
• Ambalaż Café with a view of the Vistula, the Bernatek Footbridge and Kazimierz
• Open Tuesday to Sunday until 19:00; free admission to the permanent exhibition on Wednesdays

Permanent exhibition

• Kantor. Terapia widzeń – An exhibition of the collection combining works and archival materials of Tadeusz Kantor with works by contemporary artists, in six thematic images.

Founded

1980

Admission & discounts

Free admission: On Wednesdays admission to the permanent exhibition “Kantor. Terapia widzeń” is free.

The prices given apply to the permanent exhibition; temporary exhibitions have separate prices. Holders of the Kraków Card buy a standard ticket at the reduced price.

Accessibility

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

The main building at ul. Nadwiślańska is architecturally accessible: exhibitions and workshops take place in barrier-free spaces, lifts connect all floors, toilets are adapted on every level, and a wheelchair can be borrowed at reception. A small ramp leads to the square in front of the building from the side of the Bernatek Footbridge; after the permanent exhibition one moves along a wooden walkway with a ramp. Two spaces for people with disabilities are on ul. Nadwiślańska. The branch at ul. Sienna 7/5 is on the third floor of a townhouse without a lift and is difficult to access for people with limited mobility. Accessibility coordinator: phone 505 319 882.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Cricoteka organises workshops for children and families, including a series for children aged 2–3 on Saturdays at 10:30.

Getting there & parking

Two spaces for people with disabilities on ul. Nadwiślańska, near the entrance from the side of the Bernatek Footbridge.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Coat check

Ambalaż Café on the 4th floor, open daily 10:00–19:00. The ticket offices and the cloakroom are on level -1.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Cricoteka publishes an offer of space rental on its website.

Plan your visit