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Kazimierz Krakow Sightseeing
Krakow’s Kazimierz is a special place, shaped by the centuries-old Christian-Jewish neighborhood. Jews appeared in Kazimierz in the mid-fourteenth century and until the beginning of the nineteenth century lived in the “Jewish city”, enclosed within several streets. They lived there as an autonomous society of Krakow. During Kazimierz Krakow Sightseeing you will come across a special museum. It is the Galicia Jewish Museum. It is located in the heart of Kazimierz District. In a restored building of the former Jewish furniture factory.
The goal of the museum is to revise traditional stereotypes about the Jewish past in Poland and to help both Poles and Jews understand their own history.
The Collection
The museum covers 920 m² and houses two fantastic exhibitions. They are a photographic tribute to the world that no longer exists and a recognition of the heritage of over 800 years of Jewish culture in Poland. One exhibition consists of 140 large-format color photographs taken by Schwarz in towns and villages in Galicia and Kazimierz District.
The museum also has a great bookstore presenting books in Polish, English, German and French language focusing on Jewish life, culture, identity and literature.
The History
The history of the district of Kazimierz dates back to the 14th century, when it existed as an island of settlers brought in by the King. Even then, Jews constituted the majority of the local community.
The circulation of money in society is one of the most important elements. It was the Jews of that time that did some sort of banking! Thanks to the duties given by King Kazimierz the Great. This led to a tremendous development of their influence and at one point Jewish Kazimierz was the world capital of Jews.
Before World War II, Krakow numbered over 64,000 Jews (a quarter of the city’s population). By 1939, the Jews had created a developed social infrastructure that realized the interests and aspirations of minorities. There were political parties in Kazimierz representing the Jewish population in the Polish parliament, as well as educational, charitable, cultural, artistic and sports organizations. The religious life of Krakow Jews also concentrated there. They prayed in six large Orthodox synagogues and in the Progressive Synagogue (Tempel).
More about the fall of the Jewish community during the Second World War you can find out during Kazimierz Krakow Sightseeing Tour and inside Galicia Jewish Museum. This Museum was established in April 2004 by the British photojournalist Chris Schwarz, in cooperation with Professor Jonathan Webber of UNESCO, in an effort to celebrate the Jewish culture of the Polish Galicia and commemorate the victims of the Holocaust in Poland.
Galicia Jewish Museum – Sightseeing
The museum has two permanent exhibitions: “Traces of Memory” and “Memory Unfinished”. The museum also organizes and hosts temporary exhibitions. Moreover, it offers one of the richest programs of cultural and educational events in Poland. Inside, there is also the Multimedia Educational Center, which contains a large collection of films about Jewish culture and the Holocaust. There is also a museum bookstore.
The museum is housed in a restored, post-industrial building of a pre-war mill. The interior subtly combines modern materials with original elements of the building structure, creating a unique atmosphere.
Galicia Jewish Museum – Opening Hours
- Monday – Friday: 11.00 am – 5.00 pm
- Saturday – Sunday: 11.00 am – 6.00 pm
Galicia Jewish Museum – Tickets
INDIVIDUAL TICKETS (up to 9 people):
- Normal: PLN 17
- Student ticket: PLN 12
- Senior: PLN 14
- Children under 7: free admission
- Family ticket: PLN 32
GROUP TICKETS (10 or more people):
- Normal: PLN 14
- Student ticket: PLN 9
- Senior: PLN 11
Kazimierz Krakow Sightseeing Tour with entry to Galicia Museum
If you want to visit the Galicia Jewish Museum we have a special offer for you! Our tour is private, so the guide adjusts tempo and information to your needs and interests. It also gives you a skip-the-line ticket!
At first your guide will give you an introduction to what you will see inside the Museum. He will lead you step by step, so you won’t miss any details. He will explain all exhibits with some extra stories of Kazimierz District.
Depending how much you want to sightsee and learn we also prepared extended options which includes tours outside of Galicia Jewish Museum.
This tour has three options for you to choose from:
- 1,5 hour Jewish Museum Tour
During 1,5 hour you will visit Jewish Galicia Museum and have a guided walking tour inside the museum.
- 3 hours Jewish Museum and Kazimierz Krakow Sightseeing Tour
During the 3-hours version you will visit Jewish Galicia Museum and have guided walking tour inside with extra sightseeing of Kazimierz District. Your guide will take you to all important places. You will see architecture characteristic of Jewish culture, adorable small alleys, great synagogues and much more!
- 4 hours Jewish Museum, Tempel Synagogue and Kazimierz Sightseeing Tour
Extended 4-hours version includes a whole program of 3-hours tour with extra visit at Tempel Synagogue. See excellent decorations, fantastic gold elements and solemn atmosphere of interior.
All options of the tour are available from Monday to Friday, every hour beginning from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. Pick the best day as well as time and join our tour! You can book the tour here!