Ethnographic Museum

One of the least visited museums in Cracow also happens to be one of the most delightful. You'll find this cracker in the former Town Hall that dominates Plac Wolnica in Kazimierz. On the ground floor there is a chain of rooms, each one an authentic reproduction of a folk interior from different regions of Poland. Inhabitants of the villages actually came to Cracow to create the interiors, so it feels like the real deal. Upstairs there's a dizzying array of folk costumes, whilst the display of painted Easter eggs could trump many a contemporary artist. Other standouts include a rather splendid 17th century wayside shrine with a sorrowing Christ carved into the top. The extensive range of ploughing implements may not be the most riveting thing you've ever seen, but all in all this museum is a treasure trove and if you don't have time to explore the countryside, it's well worth dropping by.

"great museum. The exhibits were interesting and nicely displayed."

katy
United Kingdom
Aug.31.2007
Overall rating 5/5

"A hidden gem that really needs to get more publicity! Superb displays of all kinds of Polish Culture, heritage and crafts. When we visited a group of thoroughly absorbed small Polish children were visiting to learn about their history through stories, and dancing and dressing up. WONDERFUL! The staff were really helpful despite their limited English and we spent ages there as it was so interesting All the exhibits had cards with English translations . "

Pearson
United Kingdom
Jul.27.2007
Overall rating 5/5

"We hadn't planned on visiting this museum, but we came across it and decided to go in. We were so glad we did because the first 2 floors of this museum are wonderful, with recreated scenes of Polist peasant life, displays of items and photographs from festivals, fancy dress costumes, brightly coloures miniature puppet theatres and much more. It was fascinating to get a glimpse of Polish folklore. We highly recommend this museum and think it a real shame that it is often overlooked."

Rachel & David Middleton
United Kingdom
Jun.02.2007
Overall rating 5/5

"WOW- what an array of interesting items! You really must check this place out. When we went it was full of miserable school children looking at farming machinery- but push past them!! There are some real gems- from terrifying 'Wickerman' style costumed mannequins; to whole rooms set out allowing you to travel back in time (almost). The staff were helpful and two even managed to smile ;) The building is inspiring too, within an amazing historical area. I would have liked a better stocked gift shop to sell some of the amazing country items, but maybe that's just me. Go, before they decide to close it through lack of use."

Dharma
United Kingdom
Nov.28.2006
Overall rating 4/5