Manggha Centre

Head over the river for one of Cracow's oft-neglected treasures. The Manggha Centre was the pet project of the grand old man of Polish cinema, Andrzej Wajda. In 1987 he won the coveted Kyoto Award for his life-time achievement in the arts. The Oscar-winning film director then donated his prize money to the foundation of this marvel of modern architecture, which was designed by feted Japanese architect Arata Isozaki. The Centre has flourished since opening in 1994. It stages some first class exhibitions, often, as you would expect, with an accent on Japanese culture. The name Manggha derives from the nick-name of an eccentric Cracovian art-collector who was head over heels with all things Japanese.

"....It's free on Tuesdays! We decided to visit exactly then and were sort of glad we didn't pay, to be honest, but only because they were swapping exhibitions so that only one room was open to us. We did see a great exhibition of Japanese woodcut paintings from various centuries, very beautiful. The gift shop unfortunately is not up to too much (unless you want to buy a Japanese tea set or some incense). Looks like that it would be a great place for concerts and other exhibitions but as we were shooed out I cannot recommend the service."

Louise Roberts
United Kingdom
Mar.18.2010
Overall rating 3/5

"Have seen some brilliant concerts here in their concert hall - great sound, very elegant space. And of course the museum part is wonderful as well."

Ania
Poland
Jun.01.2009
Overall rating 5/5

"Great spot. I came here in 2006. Really different architecture to everything else in Krakow. Good displays too of Japanese art and samurai costumes and swords. Worth crossing the river for, and you get some excellent views of the castle from the Manggha side too..."

Badger
United Kingdom
Mar.15.2007
Overall rating 4/5