Muzeum Krakowa

The Museum of Krakow stands as one of Krakow's most vibrant cultural institutions, boasting a rich history as one of Poland's oldest museums. For over 120 years, its mission has been describing, documenting and telling the story of Krakow, listening to the city. 

The Historical Museum of the City of Krakow was established by the Krakow City Council in 1899. Initially, it operated as a branch of the Archive of Old Acts rather than an independent institution. An important milestone was the exhibition entitled 'Old Krakow,' curated by Dr. Jerzy Dobrzycki, held in 1936 in the partially renovated rooms of the second floor of Wawel Castle. In 1937, a building at 21 Szpitalna Street, known as 'The House under the Cross,' was acquired for the museum's use. Currently, the headquarters of a museum branch – the Intangible Heritage Interpretation Centre of Krakow – is located in this building. In 1937, Jerzy Dobrzycki also initiated the first Krakow Nativity Scene Contest, an annual event that has continued since, with the exception of the years during World War II. In December 1945, the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow became the independent and self-managed city branch. 

Its mission is to collect and protect historical materials related to Krakow's life and culture from its earliest days to the present, and to promote scientific research and educational activities. Additionally, the museum is tasked with safeguarding local traditions, customs, and ceremonies, which are now referred to as Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). 

Since 2019, the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow has adopted the abbreviated name: Museum of Krakow. 

The Museum of Krakow currently has 19 branches throughout the city, including the Krzysztofory Palace, Town Hall Tower, Rynek Underground, Barbican, City Defence Walls, Celestat, Zwierzyniec House, Old Synagogue, Hipolit House, Intangible Heritage Interpretation Centre of Krakow, Rydlówka, Nowa Huta Museum, Podgórze Museum, Nowa Huta Underground, Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory, Eagle Pharmacy, Pomorska Street, and Thesaurus Cracoviensis. These branches collectively attract approximately 1 million visitors annually. 

The flagship sites, recognized in Poland and worldwide, are the branches: the Oscar Schindler's Enamel Factory and the Rynek Underground. Additionally, the Town Hall Tower, the Barbican, the City Defense Walls, and the Old Synagogue are situated within Krakow's most treasured historical landmarks. 

The museum branch involved in the Living Heritage Journeys project is the Intangible Heritage Interpretation Centre of Krakow. 

The Intangible Heritage Interpretation Centre of Krakow was established in 2020 with the aim of safeguarding, documenting, and promoting elements of intangible cultural heritage from the Krakow area. Its primary goals include reinforcing intergenerational transmission and facilitating ongoing creative development, achieved through various forms of support for tradition bearers. 

Documentation efforts involve conducting ethnographic interviews, registering and describing the activities of tradition bearers. The centre also engages in a range of outreach activities, such as publications, documentary films, and educational games. 

In recent years, the centre has primarily collaborated with communities associated with three elements of intangible cultural heritage: the Krakow Nativity Scene (szopka) tradition, the Lajkonik parade, and Krakow's bobbin lace. All three elements are listed on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, with the Krakow Nativity Scene tradition additionally recognized on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.