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.