Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow – MOCAK was opened in 2011, as the first purpose-built art gallery of contemporary art in Poland after World War II. It is now the largest such institution in Poland and one with a huge influence and impact.
Main building of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow
Its strategic objective is to change the status of contemporary art in Poland. Museum’s main aim is to create an audience open to art, encourage people to take an interest in contemporary art, eliminate prejudices and initiate a debate on the social status of art.
MOCAK
Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow was built on the site of former Oskar Schindler Enamel Factory. Old industrial buildings were adapted into exhibition halls and combined with a newly-erected headquarters that represent the spirit of modern architecture. MOCAK’s buildings pay respect to the legacy of the place and at the same time are a great example of the today’s architectural trend to adapt industrial zones into places of social activity.
MOCAK focuses mostly on past two decades, but it also aims to acknowledge audience with the roots of contemporary art. The museum presents art in the context of post-war avant-garde and conceptual art. An internationally recognised permanent exhibition comprises of works of around 200 artists, with half of them being Polish. It is due to the fact, that MOCAK puts a great emphasis on introducing Polish contemporary art to a wider audience.
MOCAK exhibition hall
The museum also organises well received temporary exhibitions. In the six years of its existence, MOCAK housed over 100 exhibitions. All had dealt with an important societal issue. The exhibitions are accompanied by various educational projects and workshops. Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow includes a library, bookshop, café and contemporary art conservation laboratory.
Educational projects implemented by the museum are created in collaboration with artists, local communities, critics, students. The goal is to enable participants to share experiences and encourage them to independently explore the world of art.
A vast part of MOCAK’s objective is to reach to the audience of different age groups and various social backgrounds (e.g. people with disabilities, residents of smaller towns, people burdened with various forms of exclusion).
Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow
Opening hours:
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday – Sunday | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
* The museum is closed to visitors on following days: 1 January, Easter Sunday, All Saints Day (1 November), 24 and 25 December.
Tickets:
| Regular | 10 PLN |
| Reduced | 5 PLN |
| Family ticket | 20 PLN |
| Group ticket (min. 7 persons) | Regular 5 PLN/person; Reduced 3 PLNv/person |
* Guided tours available (in English, Italian, French and Chinese, 100 PLN/group + tickets). Bookings should be made in advance.
** Free admission on Tuesdays.