Museums

Collegium Maius

Collegium Maius at 15 Jagiellońska Street is the oldest surviving building of Jagiellonian University and the home of the UJ Museum. The Gothic complex centres on an arcaded courtyard and preserves the Libraria, professors’ dining room, treasury and scholars’ rooms. Check the current route before coming because some rooms are temporarily closed for renovation.

The history of Collegium Maius

In 1400, Władysław Jagiełło transferred to the Kraków Academy a townhouse bought from Piotr Gerhardsdorf. During the 15th century neighbouring houses were acquired; fires in 1462 and 1492 preceded the arcaded complex. The 1840–1870 neo-Gothic remodelling was linked to the Jagiellonian Library, while Karol Estreicher’s 1949–1964 restoration returned the earlier appearance.

Collections and the clock procession

The museum presents the Libraria, Stuba Communis, treasury and collections of art and instruments. Highlights include the 1054 Arabic astrolabe, the Jagiellonian Globe showing America and reconstructions of Copernicus’s instruments. The clock above the Libraria triggers a procession of figures every two hours from 9:00 to 17:00.

Visiting now

Individual admission costs PLN 17, or PLN 10 reduced; the main exhibition is free on Wednesdays. Hours: Monday 9:00–17:00, Tuesday to Friday 13:30–17:00 and Saturday 10:00–16:00, with last entry 30 minutes before closing. Guided visits Tuesday to Friday cost PLN 26/14. At verification, the Aula, Copernicus Room and Garden were closed; the lift was out. Buy tickets at the museum or online and check UJ notices.