Museum under the market square in Krakow

Travel Back to Medieval Krakow!

The Underground Museum of the Main Square in Krakow shows us the life of medieval Krakow's residents using 21st-century technology.

In 2005, archaeological work began, revealing secrets hidden beneath the Main Square. During the excavations, medieval stalls, roads, and many everyday tools like coins and dishes were discovered. The Underground Museum opened in 2010 and has since attracted many tourists and locals. The museum features interactive presentations, holograms, and multimedia projections that tell the history of the city from medieval times to the present. It's definitely a place worth visiting!

• Dim lighting in the museum - visiting might be difficult for people with poor eyesight and children who are afraid of the dark.
• Special area for children with games and a puppet show telling the legend of the Wawel Dragon and King Krak.
• You can move around the museum with a stroller.
• Free admission on Tuesdays.

History and Discoveries

Here you can see the remains of a 12th-century settlement destroyed during the Tatar invasion of Krakow, the historic pavement of the Main Square, water supply devices that brought water to the city from the nearby Rudawa River, everyday objects found by archaeologists, a reconstruction of a medieval cemetery, and a model of the center of Krakow surrounded by walls and a moat.

Underground Museum - Visiting with Children

Children will be interested in the reconstructions of a goldsmith's and blacksmith's workshop. The museum is a great place to introduce kids to the work of other craftsmen - in one of the corridors, touch screens provide short descriptions of various medieval professions (e.g., shoemaker, locksmith) illustrated with excavations. Thanks to interactive exhibits and modern technology, children can engage with the history and culture of Krakow in an accessible and engaging way.

Educational Room with Puppet Show

There is also an educational room for children: you can watch a play called 'The Legend of Krakow,' which tells the story of the beginnings of Krakow, King Krak, and the Wawel Dragon (about 10 minutes). For sensitive viewers, it might be too dark (atmospheric music, dim lighting, and the dragon-monster emerging from the background).

Games and Activities for Children

In the educational room, children will also find wooden toys (maze, puzzles) and touch screens with educational games (e.g., choosing tools needed by medieval craftsmen, dressing a princess or knight, etc.).

Visiting the Underground Museum - Practical Information

• At the exit, there is a small café, a souvenir shop, and restrooms, including facilities for the disabled.
• You need to ask the staff for the key to the changing room.
• Dim lighting and atmospheric music, as well as various stimuli, might cause anxiety in young children.
• The museum is very popular - it's worth booking tickets in advance.

See Also:

Krakow - attractions and places for children near the Market Square

Looking for a place to spend quality time with your family? Below is a list of our favorite places near the Krakow Market Square. ...

The most interesting underground museum routes. Małopolska and Podkarpacie

A museum underground? Is that a good idea? Of course! Underground museum routes offer an intriguing blend of adventure and history of the cities they lie beneath. Plus, it's a great idea for a walk in any weather: heat, rain or frost. Here are the most interesting undergrounds in Małopolska and Podkarpacie. ...

share

Author: adelina
Publish Date: 2012-11-27
Last Updated: 2024-06-26