Historical Museum of Krakow (Muzeum Historyczne Miasta Krakowa) Tours
7 Reviews
Once the city headquarters of the Gestapo—Nazi Germany’s secret police—today this branch of the Historical Museum of Krakow (Muzeum Historyczne Miasta Krakowa) displays exhibits that cover local World War II history. Travelers can visit former Gestapo prison cells and learn about the chilling events that took place here—and throughout Krakow and Poland—throughout the war.
The Basics
A small but sobering museum, the former Gestapo headquarters are a worthwhile stop for a deeper understanding of the Polish experience during and after World War II. The former Gestapo cells in the building’s cellar have been preserved, complete with messages scrawled on the walls by prisoners who were held there. Upstairs, the museum’s main exhibit, “People of Krakow in Times of Terror 1939–1945–1956,” displays artifacts and personal items from the Nazi period through Soviet occupation. The museum can be visited independently or as part of a private tour of Krakow, and it’s featured on some small-group tours that focus on the city’s World War II or Jewish history.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
About a 20-minute walk northwest of Krakow’s Old Town on Pomorska Street (Ulica Pomorska), the Historical Museum of Krakow is also easily reached by public transportation. Many trams and buses travel along Ulica Pomorska; the nearest stop to the museum is Plac Inwalidów.
When to Get There
The museum is open every day except Monday, and hours vary by day and by season. Museum admission is free on Tuesdays, so this is a good time for budget-minded travelers to visit, though it may be more crowded then.
Paying Respects at Auschwitz
A natural site to visit in conjunction with the former Gestapo headquarters, Auschwitz (locally known as Oświęcim) is about a 90-minute train ride from Krakow. Many travelers come to pay their respects to the more than 1 million people, mainly Jews, who were murdered at the Nazi’s most notorious concentration camp during World War II.
The Basics
A small but sobering museum, the former Gestapo headquarters are a worthwhile stop for a deeper understanding of the Polish experience during and after World War II. The former Gestapo cells in the building’s cellar have been preserved, complete with messages scrawled on the walls by prisoners who were held there. Upstairs, the museum’s main exhibit, “People of Krakow in Times of Terror 1939–1945–1956,” displays artifacts and personal items from the Nazi period through Soviet occupation. The museum can be visited independently or as part of a private tour of Krakow, and it’s featured on some small-group tours that focus on the city’s World War II or Jewish history.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entrance to the former Gestapo holding cells is free, but the main exhibit requires an admission fee.
- Reserve one to two hours to take in the Gestapo prison cells and historical exhibit.
- Due to its content matter, the museum may be upsetting for children.
How to Get There
About a 20-minute walk northwest of Krakow’s Old Town on Pomorska Street (Ulica Pomorska), the Historical Museum of Krakow is also easily reached by public transportation. Many trams and buses travel along Ulica Pomorska; the nearest stop to the museum is Plac Inwalidów.
When to Get There
The museum is open every day except Monday, and hours vary by day and by season. Museum admission is free on Tuesdays, so this is a good time for budget-minded travelers to visit, though it may be more crowded then.
Paying Respects at Auschwitz
A natural site to visit in conjunction with the former Gestapo headquarters, Auschwitz (locally known as Oświęcim) is about a 90-minute train ride from Krakow. Many travelers come to pay their respects to the more than 1 million people, mainly Jews, who were murdered at the Nazi’s most notorious concentration camp during World War II.
Address: Poland, Pomorska 2, Krakow 30-039, Poland
Admission: Varies
Admission Tickets (1)
Attraction TicketsGestapo Headquarters Entrance Ticket
Gestapo Headquarters was a former interrogation center when Poland was under Nazi rule, and now serves as a place to remember the heroes of Krakow during communist rule and WWII. Save time waiting in long visitor lines by booking an entrance ticket in advance. You’ll have the freedom to explore the museum at your own pace, and see its three different sections. The museum has many rare artifacts from Krakow citizens, and will teach you about Poland’s history.
... More
- 2 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$3.00
Recent Reviews from Experiences in Krakow
Go if you have extra time.
freemanjay04
, Jul 2019
Very small yet very detailed, the museum is tiny but I still found it worth the trip there. The only issue was that Viator sent me a ticket download that wasn’t valid at the door, apparently that ticket needed to be taken to another office across town to have a paper ticket issued for door entry (you can’t make this silliness up) of course I refused and walked in anyway, I’m 6’4’’ and a big guy so not easily intimidated. For others this ticketing issue may be an unecessary frustration. To be honest just go early and pay at the door.
3 Tours and Activities to Experience Historical Museum of Krakow (Muzeum Historyczne Miasta Krakowa)
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Attraction TicketsGestapo Headquarters Entrance Ticket
Gestapo Headquarters was a former interrogation center when Poland was under Nazi rule, and now serves as a place to remember the heroes of Krakow during communist rule and WWII. Save time waiting in long visitor lines by booking an entrance ticket in advance. You’ll have the freedom to explore the museum at your own pace, and see its three different sections. The museum has many rare artifacts from Krakow citizens, and will teach you about Poland’s history.
... More
- 2 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$3.00
Half-day ToursKrakow World War II Private Tour
Gain a better understanding about the impacts of WWII on this private, 5-hour tour through Krawkow. Because this is a private tour, you can choose your departure time, and let your guide know which attractions you’d like to spend more time at. Go to the historical Kazimierz district, Oskar Schindler's Factory, the old WWII Gestapo headquarters on Pomorska Street, and the Ghetto Eagle Pharmacy Museum.
... More
- 5 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$173.95
Price varies by group size
Museum Tickets & PassesExclusive Krakow City Pass with Transport and Wieliczka Entrance
Plan your whole visit with just one booking.
See marvelous Wieliczka Salt Mine with English guide and receive Krakow City Pass which gives you complimentary access to Krakow’s top museums and public transport.
With over 40 museums, including the impressive Rynek Underground, with its original medieval market stalls; Oskar Schindler’s Factory; and a wealth of art galleries, churches and more, the card gives you endless possibilities to explore Krakow.
This card offers generous discounts at select restaurants, shops and on other activities, and it’s a money-saving way to enjoy Krakow.
Krakow Museums and Transport Pass offers free public transport and can be picked up either from the airport (which will allow you to use free public transport from airport to Krakow city center) or from Discover Cracow Tourist Information Point at Szczepanski Square 8.
You can reach Wieliczka Salt Mine with public transport as well - please use bus number 304.
... More
- 2 to 3 days
- Free Cancellation
From
$76.90
![[Combo] Wieliczka and Krakow City Pass with transport](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-360x240/09/b9/97/29.jpg)
Museum Tickets & Passes[Combo] Wieliczka and Krakow City Pass with transport
Enjoy complimentary access to Krakow’s top museums with the Krakow Museums and Transport Pass. Gain entrance to 40 museums, including the impressive Rynek Underground, with its original medieval market stalls; Oskar Schindler’s Factory; and a wealth of art galleries, churches and more. This card offers generous discounts at select restaurants, shops and on other activities, and it’s a money-saving way to enjoy Krakow.
This combo includes the entrance to Wieliczka Salt Mine with English Guide.
Krakow Museums and Transport Pass offers free public transport and can be picked up either from the airport (which will allow you to use free public transport from airport to Krakow city center) or from Discover Cracow Tourist Information Point at Szczepanski Square 8.
You can reach Wieliczka Salt Mine with public transport as well - please use bus number 304.
... More
- 2 to 3 days
- Free Cancellation
From
$76.90
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