Model of how the Krakow Old Town looked in the Middle Ages
Rynek Underground is the newest branch of the Historical Museum of Krakow, presenting a fresh and modern approach to museum exhibitions. Launched as a result of five years’ archaeological excavations conducted underneath the surface of the Main Square, Rynek Underground is a journey to the medieval Krakow. Spreading on an area of over 6000 m², this museum was established in the very heart of excavated medieval trails and remains of market stalls. It tells a story of trade in Krakow in the Middle Ages. With the vast part of the exhibition being complemented by multimedia, visitors can experience the every-day life of the Krakow Main Market Square.
Extremely popular amongst tourist from Poland and abroad alike, Rynek Underground brings visitors closer than ever to the history of Krakow. By using modern technology, the exhibition will prove interesting to the youngest. The older will have a chance to feel the spirit of the vibrant commerce hub that Krakow once was. Those who prefer more traditional museums will not be disappointed either, as Rynek Underground is essentially the archaeological excavation site full of medieval artefacts.
Following the traces of European identity of Krakow
Visualizations of the Old Town of Krakow in the Rynek Underground Museum
From the very beginning of the exhibition, visitors enter into Krakow from hundreds of years ago. Tourist route follows the excavated medieval market trails. Using glass floor suspended right above original cobbled paths, visitors explore the every-day life of merchants and inhabitants of medieval Krakow. Exhibits include tools, coins, earthenware, decorations, primitive toys and toiletry used over 600 years ago. The museum relies heavily on multimedia, enriching the exhibition with touch-screens and holograms. They display visualisations of the medieval Old Town of Krakow, models of original settlements, etc. It enables an interaction between the visitor and the history preserved underneath the Main Square.
Medieval trails in the Rynek Underground Museum
The exhibition titled “Following the traces of European identity of Krakow” is the core of the Rynek Underground museum. It is divided into four segments. Each is dedicated to a different aspect of everyday hustle and bustle of the Main Market Square. The exhibition presents not only a rich history of Krakow but also in what ways the city was bound with the most important centres of commerce and culture in Europe. It also shows the importance of relations between the then Polish capital and the Hanseatic League. Following all stages of the exhibition, visitors learn about medieval trade, transportation and have a chance to see how the merchant stalls that predated the Cloth Hall looked like. A unique 11th-century cemetery that was discovered during the excavations is also a part of the exhibition.
Visit the Rynek Underground Museum
Opening hours:
| April – October | November – March | |
| Monday | 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. | 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| Wednesday – Sunday | 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. | 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. |
* The exhibition is closed on every second Monday of the month and on Polish public holidays.
Tickets:
| Regular | 19 PLN |
| Reduced | 16 PLN |
| Group ticket | 15 PLN |
| Family ticket | 38 PLN |
* Tickets should be purchased in advance due to huge interest and limited amount of visitors allowed to enter the exhibition at once. Tickets are available to purchase either in the ticket office located in the Cloth Hall or via online booking service.
** Tuesdays – free admission.