Oskar Schindler’s Factory Museum, Kraków
Explore Krakow's WWII history at Oskar Schindler's Factory, a moving museum detailing life under Nazi occupation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free entry, but arrive early!
Oskar Schindler’s Factory Museum, Kraków
Best Time
Free entry, but arrive early!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Krakow's WWII history at Oskar Schindler's Factory, a moving museum detailing life under Nazi occupation.
"A deeply moving and powerful experience, offering an impressive insight into life in Krakow during WWII."
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot and skip long queues by booking tickets in advance online.
⏰ Arrive Early for Mondays
Free Monday tickets are limited; arrive before opening to secure yours.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Schindler's Office and Staircase
Original Factory Building
See the iconic entrance and staircase from the film, a poignant reminder of Schindler's efforts.
WWII Krakow Exhibition
Permanent Exhibition
Immerse yourself in the story of Krakow and its Jewish residents during Nazi occupation.
Authentic Factory Spaces
Factory Floors
Walk through the actual factory spaces, offering a tangible connection to the past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead, Especially for Mondays
Context is Key: Visit Before Auschwitz
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot and skip long queues by booking tickets in advance online. +1
⏰ Arrive Early for Mondays
Free Monday tickets are limited; arrive before opening to secure yours.
Schindlers factory - free Monday ticket
🚶♂️ Consider a Guided Tour
Enhance understanding with a guide; they offer depth beyond self-guided visits.
📸 Capture the Iconic Staircase
Don't miss the famous staircase, a key visual from Schindler's List.
Auschwitz-Salt-mines or Auschwitz-Schindlers Factory?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot and skip long queues by booking tickets in advance online. +1
⏰ Arrive Early for Mondays
Free Monday tickets are limited; arrive before opening to secure yours.
🚶♂️ Consider a Guided Tour
Enhance understanding with a guide; they offer depth beyond self-guided visits.
📸 Capture the Iconic Staircase
Don't miss the famous staircase, a key visual from Schindler's List.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
The museum is informative; plan for at least 1.5-2 hours to explore fully.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Oskar Schindler's Factory Museum for its deeply moving and informative exhibition on Krakow during WWII. The museum offers a powerful insight into the lives of its residents under Nazi occupation and Schindler's role. While some find the crowds and narrow spaces challenging, the historical depth and emotional impact make it a highly recommended experience.
"A must visit. Get here early, as there was a queue at opening. The permanent exhibition is great, and you go around the actual factory. If you remember the film, you'll see the iconic entrance/ staircase.
Ignore the website about ticket availability and the sign on the door. Worth the queue time."
Tom Ward
"This guided tour was only a little about Schindler as it walks you through the story of Poland in WW2 from different perspectives. Very informative and the hour and a half tour was the perfect length. Our guide spoke clearly and concisely (in English) and was very engaging as she told this fascinating story. We booked tickets and tour online which was a great choice: we skipped the long queue out front and were ushered inside first when our time came. I highly recommend this tour and the guide is so worth it. We definitely would not have got the depth of understanding if we’d gone in on our own. I was deeply moved at various points; this is an experience I will not forget."
Kelly Carlson
"It could be a better experience. Nothing related to the topic or the documentation presented. I do suggest booking in advance because there are a few places left for individuals and many organised groups. In the museum spaces are narrow and it's difficult to visit when crowded."
cristina cannonero
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located on Lipowa 4 in Krakow. You can reach it easily by tram from the city center; look for trams heading towards Dworzec Płaszów or Nowy Bieżanów. Many visitors also find it a pleasant walk from the Kazimierz district.
Yes, there is paid parking available near the museum. However, public transport is often more convenient and recommended, especially during busy periods.
The Krakow Card may offer free entry, but reservations are still required. It's essential to check the official website for current terms and to book your time slot in advance, even with the card.
Absolutely! Several tram lines stop near the museum, making it very accessible. Check local transport schedules for the most convenient routes from your accommodation.
Trams are a popular and efficient option. Tram lines 3, 7, 13, and 24 stop at the 'Fabryka Schindlera' stop, which is just a short walk from the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Standard ticket prices apply, but entry is free on Mondays. However, free Monday tickets are very limited and must be booked online in advance or secured by arriving very early.
Yes, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially if you want to visit on a Monday or during peak season. This helps secure your entry and avoid disappointment. +1
Opening hours vary seasonally, but generally, the museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours for your planned visit.
While it might be possible to buy tickets at the door, availability is not guaranteed, especially for popular times or free Monday slots. Booking online is the safest bet.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended by many visitors for a deeper understanding of the exhibits and historical context. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Many visitors recommend taking a guided tour for a more comprehensive understanding. Alternatively, self-guided exploration is possible, but consider reading up on the history beforehand. +1
Plan for at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the permanent exhibition and soak in the atmosphere. Guided tours typically last around 1.5 hours.
The museum deals with sensitive historical topics. While informative, parents should consider the age and maturity of their children when deciding to visit.
Yes, typically there are cloakrooms available for visitors to store coats and bags. It's advisable to check the museum's facilities upon arrival.
The permanent exhibition, titled 'Krakow Under Nazi Occupation 1939-1945,' focuses on the experiences of Krakow's residents, particularly its Jewish population, during World War II.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use in most areas, but it's always best to check for specific restrictions within certain exhibits or if flash photography is permitted.
The iconic staircase and entrance hall, as seen in 'Schindler's List,' are popular photo opportunities. The exhibition spaces themselves also offer many compelling visual elements.
It can be challenging due to crowds, especially in narrow corridors. Visiting during off-peak hours or being patient can help capture better shots.
Professional photography or videography usually requires special permission. For personal visits, standard photo policies typically apply.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial, as some exhibition areas can be dimly lit. A wide-angle lens can also be useful for capturing the scale of the factory spaces.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you decide to visit with children, consider focusing on the broader historical context of Krakow during WWII rather than solely on Schindler's story. Engaging with a guide who can tailor explanations to different age groups might be beneficial. Ensure you are prepared to discuss difficult topics openly and honestly with your children.
🚶 Solo Travelers
Booking tickets in advance is still recommended to ensure entry, especially if you're visiting on a Monday. The museum's location is easily accessible by public transport, making it convenient for solo exploration of Krakow.
📚 History Enthusiasts
Consider booking a guided tour to maximize your learning experience. The museum's collection of artifacts and personal accounts offers a rich tapestry of historical detail. Visiting before Auschwitz is particularly recommended for a chronological understanding of events.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Historical Context
Many visitors find it incredibly impactful to visit this museum before Auschwitz. This chronological approach provides essential context, helping to understand the escalating persecution and the desperate measures taken by individuals like Schindler. The factory itself, a former enamel factory, served as a crucial site during this era, and walking through its original spaces offers a tangible connection to the past.
While Oskar Schindler is a central figure, the exhibition broadens the narrative to encompass the experiences of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. It highlights acts of resistance, collaboration, and survival, offering a complex and moving picture of wartime Krakow.
Navigating Tickets and Entry
For other days, booking tickets online in advance is strongly advised. This not only guarantees your entry but also allows you to bypass potentially long queues. Some visitors have reported issues with online payment systems, suggesting an alternative is to reserve tickets online and pay upon arrival.
If you have a Krakow Card, it may grant free entry, but remember that reservations are still mandatory. Contacting the museum directly if your reservation status is unclear is a good strategy.
The Guided Tour Experience
Guided tours typically last around 1.5 hours and are conducted in English at scheduled times. The guides are often praised for their clear communication and engaging storytelling, making the experience both informative and emotionally resonant. Booking a tour online in advance is essential, as spots can fill up quickly.
If you choose not to take a guided tour, it's beneficial to do some prior reading about Krakow during World War II to fully appreciate the exhibits. However, the museum's presentation is designed to be informative, and even a self-guided visit offers a powerful glimpse into this critical period of history.
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