The Sukiennice Gallery on Krakow Main Market Square

I didn't expect much from the Gallery of Polish Art in the Cloth Hall since, in most guidebooks, this Krakow landmark is mentioned only briefly. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find wonderful paintings and sculptures in four small rooms. This article can help you visit The Sukiennice Gallery and enjoy these treasures of Krakow.

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Plan your visit to The Sukiennice Gallery

• Gallery official name: MNK The Sukiennice.
• Location: Sukiennice (Cloth Hall), Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), Krakow, Poland.
  • You can find the entrance to the gallery in the Cloth Hall building from the side of the Mickiewicz monument.
  • The gallery is on the upper floor of the Cloth Hall, accessible via stairs and an elevator

Krakow Main Square Map can help you find all the attractions and museums on Rynek Głowny square.

• Opening House: Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00. Monday: closed
• Tickets:
  • 35 PLN for adults,
  • family ticket - 70 PLN (maximum 4 people, including at least 1 child up to 16 years of age),
  • ticket for youth from 7 to 26 years of age – 1 PLN.
  • Tuesday is the day of free admission!
• Audio Guide (Polish, English, Russian, German, French) - 7 PLN.
• Official website - https://mnk.pl/oddzial/mnk-sukiennice

Get access to up to 38 museums in Krakow with a Krakow City Pass Card, which includes entrance tickets for The Sukiennice Gallery. Advise: Choose the Krakow City Pass Card with unlimited transportation for free travel on Krakow's buses and trams.

Brief History of the Polish Art Gallery in Sukiennice

The Cloth Hall is a Renaissance structure initially built in the 14th century as a center for international trade. It was rebuilt in the 16th century after a fire and underwent various modifications.

The Sukiennice Gallery was established in the late 19th century and has been part of the National Museum in Krakow since its inception.

The Sukiennice Gallery was closed to the public during the WWII Nazi occupation, and the occupying forces looted many art collections.

After the war ended in 1945, efforts were made to recover the stolen art. Many pieces were successfully retrieved and returned to Poland, though some remain missing.

What to expect in the Polish Art Gallery in Krakow Cloth Hall

The Sukiennice gallery is organized into four thematic rooms, each dedicated to different aspects or movements within 19th-century Polish art. This allows visitors to trace the development of styles and themes over the century.

Visitors to the gallery can get acquainted with works of art by famous Polish artists, including:

• Jan Matejko: Known for his grand historical paintings, Matejko's works dominate the gallery.
• Józef Chełmoński: Renowned for his realist depictions of rural life.
• Artur Grottger: Known for his poignant and dramatic depictions of the January Uprising and other historical events.
• Henryk Siemiradzki: Famous for his large-scale historical and Biblical scenes.
• Jacek Malczewski: A leading figure in the Young Poland movement, known for his symbolic and often mystical works.

Visiting the Sukiennice Gallery provides a deep dive into Poland's rich artistic tradition, set within one of Krakow's most iconic and historically significant buildings.

Tips for tourists - when is the best time to come to the Art Gallery in Sukennice

On Tuesdays, admission to the gallery is free, which may result in overcrowding. Suppose you want to enjoy the gallery's masterpieces without the crowds. In that case, coming on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday is better. Saturday and Sunday are a little more crowded.

Note: The Krakow museum card Krakow City Pass Card can save you money and time.

In summer, the halls can be very hot and stuffy. Therefore, it is better to come in the morning.

The article that you can find interesting - A Brief History of Krakow: The Soul of Poland.