National Museum in Warsaw

The basics

With over 830,000 works, you can easily spend a full day at the National Museum in Warsaw. Audio guides are available for a deeper understanding of the artwork, and it's best to plan at least three hours there. Begin with the Gallery of Old Masters, followed by the Gallery of 19th-century Art, which displays the The Battle of Grunwald. Temporary exhibitions are on the ground floor, and there’s a museum shop too.

Things to know before you go

• The museum has self-service lockers for belongings, but you’ll need a PLN 2 coin to use one.

• The last entry to the museum is about 30 minutes before closing, but it’s best to allow a few hours to visit.

• Admission for children under 7 years old is free.

• Photography is permitted, but without the use of flash and tripods.

How to get there

The easiest way to reach the museum is by public transportation. You can take bus #111, #117, or #158 to the Muzeum Narodowe 01 stop. Also, the Muzeum Narodowe 06 tram stop is a short walk away, accessible by tram #7, #9, #22, or #24.

When to get there

The National Museum in Warsaw is open Tuesday–Sunday, from mid–morning until early evening. There are usually extended hours on Fridays. For a more peaceful visit, aim to visit late morning to early afternoon on a weekday, when the museum is generally quieter. Weekends tend to be busier, particularly in the afternoons.

Food options near the National Museum in Warsaw

Before heading out of the museum for a meal, check out the on-site Muzealna Restauracja, a Michelin-listed bistro preparing fine dishes such as beef entrecôte, Silesian dumplings, and duck breast. For a more casual experience, the nearby Cuda Bar serves up pizza and beer in a trendy, industrial setting; you can also go for pasta at Chianti, or indulge in Mexican dishes at Frida.