The Czartoryski Museum in Krakow - Lady with an Ermine, history and art in one place 🎨

If you are looking for a place that combines the artistry of European painting, the spirit of Polish history and a unique cultural experience - the Czartoryski Museum in Krakow is a must-see on your visit to the city. 🏛️

It is here that you can see the famous "Lady with an Ermine" by Leonardo da Vinci - the only masterpiece by this master in Poland - as well as the priceless collections collected by the princely Czartoryski family since the end of the 18th century. Situated right next to the Planty Park and the Florian Gate, the museum is not only a treasure trove of works of art, but also a story about Poland, whose history is intertwined with the fate of this extraordinary collection.

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History of the Czartoryski Museum 🕰️

From the Temple of Remembrance to the national treasury

The history of the museum dates back to 1796, when Izabela Czartoryska founded the first museum in Poland in Puławy - the Temple of Sybil. The collections were intended to remind people of their national heritage and lost independence.

In 1876, Izabella's son, Prince Władysław Czartoryski, moved the collection to Kraków, laying the foundations of today's Czartoryski Museum.

What happened next?

• 19th century: Construction of the museum premises in Pijarska Street and opening of the exhibition to the public.
  

• World War II: Looting and destruction - many works were lost or taken away (including the 'Lady with an Ermine').
  
• After the war: some of the works were recovered and the museum came back to life.
  
• 21st century: After years of modernisation, the museum reopened in 2019 as part of the National Museum in Krakow.
  

Importance of the museum

It is not only a collection of works of art - it is a symbol of memory, steadfastness and cultural identity. Thanks to the passion of the Czartoryski family and the care of the state, today we can see the most valuable objects not only from Poland, but also from all over Europe.

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Location and map of the Czartoryski Museum 🧭

📍 Address: 15 Pijarska Street, 31-015 Kraków
🌍 Google Maps link: See the route to the museum

The Museum is located in the very centre of Krakow, right by St. Florian's Gate and the Planty Park - just a 5-minute walk from the Main Market Square and 10 minutes from the Main Railway Station. This makes it easy to reach on foot, by bicycle, tram or bus.

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Access and parking 🚗

How to get there by public transport?

Nearest stops:

• Bagatela Theatre
  
• Matejki Square
  
• Long
  

An example of how to get there from Krakow's railway station - as you can see, the Czartoryski Museum is just a short walk from the station.

The museum can also be easily reached on foot from the main square or the railway station.

Parking facilities in the vicinity

🅿️ The recommended car park can be found here:Old Kleparz car park  This is an above-ground, pay-and-display car park a few minutes' walk from the entrance.

For people with disabilities

• Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  
• Toilets with amenities
  
• Lift to the upper floors of the exhibition
  

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Opening hours and days off ⌚

• Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00-18:00
  
• Monday: closed
  

The museum is open all year round - during both the summer and winter seasons. However, it is advisable to plan a visit in the morning or just after opening - especially at weekends when visitor numbers are higher.

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Ticket prices for the Czartoryski Museum 🎟️

• Normal tickets (65 PLN), reduced tickets (50 PLN), family tickets (130 PLN), group tickets and combination tickets with other MNK branches are available
  
• Tickets can be purchased online at: https://mnk.pl
  
• Free admission possible during special events such as the Night of the Museums
  
• Booking is not compulsory, but is recommended for organised groups
  
• Tickets also available electronically to present on your phone
  

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Who is the Czartoryski Museum for? 🧑‍🤝‍🧑

It is an ideal place for:

• Families with children
  
• Older persons
  
• Individual tourists and organised groups
  
• Persons with disabilities (full accessibility)
  
• Parents with prams
  

Guided tours (for groups) and audio guides in Polish, English and several other languages are available. It is also worth using the MNK mobile app to help navigate the exhibition.

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What to see at the Czartoryski Museum 📸

Lady with an Ermine - the pearl of the collection

The greatest attraction of the museum is the "Lady with an Ermine" - one of four surviving female portraits by the Leonardo da Vinci. Presents Cecilia Gallerani, mistress of Ludovico Sforza - Duke of Milan - with a white ermine in her arms.

This image is a unique work of renaissance geniuswhich, after numerous wartime vicissitudes, including theft by the Nazis, was returned to Krakow. It is currently on display in a specially secured room and can be seen from a very close distance, without crowds, in comfortable conditions.

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Other masterpieces and collections

The Czartoryski Museum is not only the Lady with an Ermine. Hundreds of priceless works from different eras and cultures await visitors:

• Rembrandt - "Landscape with the Merciful Samaritan".

• Images of the school italian, the dutch, french i German
  
• Sculptures, icons, miniatures and examples of sacred art

• National memorabilia - e.g. Tadeusz Kościuszko's hair, Stefan Batory's dagger, royal documents
  
• Exhibits from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome - mummies, sarcophagus fragments, ceramics, jewellery
  

Each exhibit has professional descriptions in Polish and English - some of which can also be scanned with a phone to listen to their story.

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Three buildings - three different experiences

The Princes Czartoryski Museum comprises three historic buildingseach of which has a different display and thematic role:

Czartoryski Palace

📍 St. John Street 17-19 / Pijarska Street 15
The headquarters of the permanent exhibition and the centre of the art collection. It is here that the "Lady with an Ermine" and most of the painting masterpieces and national memorabilia. The building has been thoroughly restored and impresses with the elegance of its classicist interiors. The tour starts right here - with an introduction to the history of the Czartoryski family and their collecting mission.

Monastery

📍 6 Pijarska St.
A smaller, more intimate building with Gothic elements. It houses additional collections and educational spaces. The monastery often serves as a venue for temporary exhibitions, lectures and workshops for young people and adults. This is a great space for those looking for a deeper context and exposure to lesser-known but equally fascinating exhibits.

Arsenal - Military Museum

📍 8 Pijarska Street
Located just outside the city walls former City Arsenal is a department dedicated to military history. The spacious, austere halls present a collection of armour, white and firearms, helmets, shields, rifles, crossbows and pistols from different eras - from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.
For war history enthusiasts, it is a real treat, and for children, an exciting encounter with the 'knightly world'. Visits to this section are often combined with the main exhibition in a single ticket.

Interesting facts and legends about the Czartoryski Museum 📚

The Lady with an Ermine - a painting with a turbulent history

• Leonardo da Vinci's work has been repeatedly threatened with destruction or theft.
  
• During World War II, it was looted by the Nazis and taken to Germany - fortunately, it was returned to Poland.
  
• For many years the painting travelled between the various museums, before it officially became the property of the nation in 2016.
  

Collections that have their secrets

• The museum houses many memorabilia of great figures of Polish history - including Tadeusz Kościuszko's hair and royal letters.
  
• Hidden away in the collection are artefacts that have been considered lost for decades - their full documentation is only now being made public.
  

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Photos and multimedia 📷

• The museum's interiors have been restored with great attention to detail - well worth photographing (excluding flash).
  
• On the National Museum website you can find online gallery and virtual walk after the museum.
  
• Educational videos and reports on events and temporary exhibitions are regularly published on social media.
  

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What is around the museum? 🍽️

Restaurants and cafés

• Café Camelot - romantic café with homemade cake

• Chimera - salad bar with delicious vegetarian cuisine
  
• Galician Restaurant - traditional Polish cuisine in a historic interior
  

Tourist attractions nearby

• Floriańska Gate and Barbican - 1 minute walk

• Main Market Square - 5 minutes on foot
  
• Jan Matejko House - 2 minutes walk
  
• Krakowska Gallery and Main Railway Station - 10 minutes on foot
  

Additional facilities

• Souvenir shops are located on Florianska Street
  
• Public toilets available near the Planty
  
• There are also numerous hotels and flats close by (Booking, Airbnb)
  

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Practical advice before your visit 🔍

Best times to visit

It is least crowded before noon, especially on weekdays. It is worth coming just after the opening (10:00) to admire the "Lady with an Ermine" in peace and quiet.

How long does the tour last?

A visit to the entire exhibition takes an average of 1-2 hours, depending on pace and interest.

Do you need to book a ticket?

No - booking is not compulsory, but for groups of more than 10 people it is recommended.

Can photos be taken?

Yes - without flash. Filming is only possible with the museum's permission.

What is the dress code?

There are no specific requirements, but it is worth keeping respect for the museum space - avoid loud conversations and do not wear backpacks on your back (they should be left in the cloakroom).

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Contact information and sources 🌐

• 📞 Phone: 12 370 54 60
  
• 🌐 Website: https://mnk.pl
  
• 🗺️ Google Maps: The Czartoryski Museum - location
  
• 👍 Facebook: National Museum in Krakow
  

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