Krakow from the beginning, to no end.

Why Krakow from the beginning, to no end? “From the beginning” doesn’t seem to require an explanation. “To no end”, on the other hand means the city has so many stories and contexts that it is impossible to tell about everything. “To no end”, because although we have brought the story to the present day, the city goes on, constantly changing its image. “To no end”, because we hope that the exhibition will be an inspiration for exploring the city further: while walking along its streets, on the pages of books and during events prepared by the Museum of Krakow.

We will delve into Krakow’s past thanks to several hundred exhibits from the collection of the Museum of Krakow. These will include some particularly connected to Krakow, such as the Lajkonik costume, the Krakow nativity scene, or mascarons; those particularly related to local institutions, such as the silver rooster of the Fowler Brotherhood from the 16th century, the ring and scepter of Krakow mayors from the same century, the counter of the Krakow Merchant Congregation from the 18th century, but also works signed with the names of Jan Matejko, Józef Mehoffer, Zofia Stryjeńska, Jacek Malczewski, Wojciech Weiss and Wlastimil Hoffman. Those visiting Krzysztofory will also have an opportunity to enter... a Krakow nativity scene, and more specifically its scaled version, co-created by nativity scene makers.

The opening of the “Krakow from the beginning, to no end” exhibition is the last element of the project implemented by the Museum of Krakow “Krzysztofory anew – Complete Museum: modernization and renovation of the Krzysztofory Palace along with adapting its functions to the implementation of the tasks of a modern, multifunctional museum facility”. 85% of the investment (over PLN 29 million) was implemented thanks to the European Funds, namely Priority Axis VIII – Protection of Cultural Heritage and Development of Cultural Resources under the Infrastructure and Environment Operational Programme 2014–2020. The remaining 15% of the investment costs were covered by the Municipality of Krakow.

In July this year, a modern museum was put into use in the historic interiors of the renovated palace, including an exhibition, library and archival, educational, administrative, commercial and gastronomic spaces, which fully justifies the term “Complete Museum”. Among other things, the heritage and history of the city and the palace itself will be presented here. Moreover, the renovated premises will host concerts, literary meetings, debates, lessons and educational workshops.

 “Krzysztofory anew – Complete Museum: modernization and renovation of the Krzysztofory Palace along with adapting its functions to the implementation of the tasks of a modern, multifunctional museum facility.”

Project co-financed by the European Union under Measure 8.1, Priority Axis VIII Protection of Cultural Heritage and Development of Cultural Resources of the Infrastructure and Environment Operational Programme 2014–2020.