Krzysztofory Palace. Exhibition of Krakow Cribs

In the renovated Krzysztofory Palace, a branch of the Krakow Museum, you can see the permanent exhibition called "Kraków from the Beginning, Without End" throughout the year. In addition, various temporary exhibitions, events, meetings, workshops, and performances for children are organized here. The most important recurring exhibition is the annual competition exhibition of Krakow cribs (December - February).

Exhibition of Krakow Cribs 2022 - 2023

Building Krakow cribs resembling fairytale palaces is a unique urban tradition, and visiting the exhibition of submitted and award-winning cribs is an important seasonal attraction for the residents and guests of Krakow.

Thanks to the fact that the crib exhibition returned to Krzysztofory Palace in December 2021, we can easily observe the architectural inspirations of the crib artists: just look out the window!

Visiting the Exhibition of Krakow Cribs

At the exhibition, you will see cribs made by professional crib artists: large, medium, small, and miniature cribs.

You will also see cribs made by children, families, and schools.

New Elements in Krakow Cribs

Every year, Krakow cribs incorporate references to events from the previous year. This time, they will include the anniversary of the competition, the election of a new lajkonik, Robert Lewandowski's golden boot, but above all, the war in Ukraine and the acceptance of refugees from the eastern border by Krakow residents.

In many cribs, both professional and children's, you will see Ukrainian flags, inscriptions in Ukrainian, soldiers, destroyed towers, and people with suitcases.

However, the most symbolic crib is this one:

Exhibition of Krakow Cribs - Attractions

The competition exhibition of cribs is not just an ordinary exhibition. Thanks to QR codes, you can watch interviews with crib creators, on special boards, you will learn about the most famous competition jurors, in the audiovisual room, you will watch a film with statements from crib artists and jurors (a film from 2017), and in one of the rooms, you will see a film about how a crib is made.

This year, you will also see a unique crib that is created as a shadow of the "garbage" collection - objects symbolic of the passing of the year 2022.

A crib that we can illuminate and set in motion by pedaling on a special "angelic" bicycle refers to the energy crisis and the need to save energy:

Exhibition of Krakow Cribs for Children

For the youngest visitors, the creators of this year's exhibition have prepared an additional attraction: collecting stamps with characters for their own crib, which they can then color in a specially arranged art corner.

There are also several puppet nativity scenes available for children to touch!

Children can also watch filmed puppet nativity scenes and several of the most popular Krakow legends.

This year, we will not enter the Krakow crib - this attraction is only available at the permanent exhibition "Kraków from the Beginning, Without End," open on Tuesdays (free admission) and Saturdays and Sundays (separate admission fee).

Exhibition of Cribs - Practical Information

• The exhibition is open every day except Mondays from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm until February 26, 2023.
• The museum is accessible for people with disabilities and families with strollers.
• Toilets are available on the exhibition grounds (no need to leave the exhibition halls), and there is a place for changing diapers provided by the staff.
• On the ground floor, there is a museum café and a museum shop, mainly with books (museum editions and more) - including many interesting titles for children.

Moving Crib at the Bernardine Church

When visiting the exhibition of Krakow cribs, it is also worth approaching the most beautiful crib in Krakow: the largest moving construction that captivates not only children with its grandeur!

The Bernardine Church is located at the foot of Wawel Hill, at 2 Bernardyńska Street. The moving crib at the Krakow Bernardine Church can be seen during the Christmas season. The crib is activated between services. See the schedule of Holy Masses and services at the Bernardine Church in Krakow >>

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Author: marfusza
Publish Date: 2022-01-04
Last Updated: 2024-01-30