National Museum in Krakow – Main Building

Overview

The National Museum in Kraków's main building houses Poland's most important art collection after Warsaw, with Leonardo da Vinci's 'Lady with an Ermine' as its crown jewel.

Highlights

• Lady with an Ermine: Leonardo's c. 1490 portrait—one of only four surviving female portraits.
• Polish painting gallery: Matejko, Wyspiański, and the Young Poland movement.
• Arms and armour: Winged hussar armour and historical weaponry.

History

Founded in 1879, the museum's collection grew through donations from the Czartoryski family. Leonardo's painting was acquired from the family collection.

Visitor Tips

• Lady with an Ermine: Now displayed permanently in the Czartoryski Museum branch.
• Multiple branches: The museum operates several sites across Kraków.
• Duration: 1–2 hours.