COVID-19 update: This, the main building of the National Museum, has been temporarily CLOSED since June 9 after a small outbreak of positive Coronavirus tests among its employees. Please check online for the latest information before visiting. Audioguides will also be unavailable indefinitely due to the pandemic.

The National Museum has 11 branches in Kraków, with this monolithic structure - apparently built over the course of half a century from 1935 to 1989 - being the main administrative branch and landing spot for the institution's most ambitious exhibits. Permanent exhibits include the Gallery of Weaponry & Uniforms and Gallery of Decorative Arts, but it's the consistently excellent temporary exhibits that should lure you here. Currently the entire top floor is under renovation in preparation for a new permanent exhibit of 20th and 21st century Polish Art, which will be open in autumn of 2020. One of Kraków's largest museums, you'd be wise to focus on what you're most interested in; to see it all would take the entire day. Outside a large monument of Stanisław Wyspiański - one of the most important artists of the turn of the 20th century - stands over a public square; inside you'll find a small shop and cafe.