Top 10 Intriguing Facts about the National Museum in Krakow

Top 10 Intriguing Facts about the National Museum in Krakow

The National Museum in Kraków commonly known as MNK is the largest in Poland and it is also the main branch of the Country’s national museum. The museum was established in 1879 and it is still standing to date. The museum showcases a variety of things from modern art to classical archaeology.

Therefore, this article will explore some intriguing facts about the museum so that it can give the reader a deeper insight into the historical and cultural value of the museum. Furthermore, the article will be critical in providing the reader with information so that they can determine if the museum is something they are interested in and would like to visit.

1 The collection in the museum was recovered from the German invaders

The National Museum in Krackow by kgpo-Wikimedia

During World War II, the collection was looted by German fascist invaders. After the war, the Polish government recovered many works confiscated by the Germans. More than 1,000 of his artefacts are still missing, including “Carnival and the Battle of Lent,” which Polish authorities say were stolen by German invaders in 1939.

This shows that there is a rich history in the collections that are displayed in the museum as they were once looted and recovered.  This makes an art enthusiast appreciate it more.

2 The best time to visit

To decide on the best time to visit the museum, one has to be aware of the museum’s schedule so that one can plan their trip accordingly. On Mondays, the museum is closed and from Tuesday to Saturday, the museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm. The museum opens on Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm.

One interesting fact about the museum is that admission to the building is free on Sundays. This allows people who are on a budget and are not able to splurge on things like museum visits to also get a chance to experience the different exhibitions the museum has to offer.

3 Student discounts

Tourists inside the museum by Januszk57-Wikimedia

The National Museum in Kraków is an ideal place for students who are history enthusiasts.  This is because the museum offers student discounts as long as someone provides the necessary documentation like a student identification card.  This is remarkable as it allows students who may not have the funds to go to the museum without burdening themselves financially. Furthermore, the museum offers a discount to seniors who are above the age of 65.

4 The main building of the museum

In 1934, construction began on the museum’s modern new main building at 3 Maha Street but was interrupted by World War II. It was fully completed in 1992 after the collapse of the eastern block. Most of the collection, which totals in the hundreds of thousands, is kept in the main building where the administrative department is located.

5 The militaria and decorative arts

The main building of the National Museum in Kraków houses militaria and decorative arts. The militaria is a vast collection from the 12^th to the 20^th Century. Some of the things include firearms, Polish sabers, caparisons, saddles and military uniforms.

The decorative arts are found in the decorative arts and crafts gallery. It features gold, silver and precious wine that date back to the twelfth century. One will also find copper and iron objects like bowls and iron sheets in this section.

6 The Czartoryski Museum

The inside of the museum by Piotr Drabik-Wikimedia

This is probably the most well-known division of the National Museum in Kraków.  The division is owned by the Czartoryski family.  It features the famous lady with Ermine by Leonardo Da Vinci as well as paintings by Rembrandt and Breughel. This division holds several notable pieces that attract visitors to it as they want to explore the works of famous artists that are celebrated to date.

Furthermore, the division houses an arsenal and a library which makes it an ideal place for war enthusiasts and people who like to read to explore the place and learn more about the ways of the past.

 7 The cloth hall

This is another division of the museum and it contains a collection of Polish art that dates back to the 18^th and 19^th centuries. This room features works of classicist and pre-romantic painters which takes the visitor back in time. Polish historical panoramas of Artur Grottger, Jan Matejko and the famous expressionist Frenzy of Ecstasy by Wladyslaw Podkowinski are also found in the cloth hall.

8 It has an education department

The museum is keen on integrating the pleasure that one gets from communing with art and the satisfaction that comes with learning how to interpret the technique used in the art. Therefore, the education department of the National Museum in Kraków has a set of programmes that are aimed at art lovers and professionals alike.

The department creates a wide variety of educational resources that are suitable for different audiences from children to schools and teachers. This is interesting in that it ensures that the community appreciates the role of art as they learn more about it.

9 Temporary exhibitions

A picture of the museum building by kgpo-Wikimedia

The featured temporary exhibitions are works of art that are available for a short period of time.  An example of a temporary exhibition at the National Museum in Kraków is ‘A New Beginning.  Modernism in the Second Polish Republic ‘ showcased the dynamics and original characteristics of modernism in Poland during the Interwar period. To clearly portray this concept, various exhibits were employed including fabric design, architecture and everyday objects like furniture.

10 The museum forum

The museum forum was launched in 2009 to promote art in front of the National Museum in Kraków’s main building. This is a nice way to encourage art enthusiasts and professionals to continue with the art as they see that their efforts are appreciated.