Museums

Stanisław Lem Experience Garden in Kraków

In the Polish Airmen Park at Aleja Pokoju 68 runs the Stanisław Lem Experience Garden — the first sensory educational park in Poland, modelled on the garden in Nuremberg. It is run by the Museum of Municipal Engineering in Kraków, and the exhibits are spread across 6 hectares: there are about 60 of them, covering optics, acoustics and mechanics.

Physics without a blackboard

Distorting mirrors, rail carts, coupled swings and a water vortex explain the laws of physics through motion, not definitions. Separate spots belong to a giant kaleidoscope, tubular bells, an acoustic telegraph and a tuning fork. Beyond the main display operate the geological Geo-gródek, the sensory Zapachowo and the Lem-birynt — a green maze inscribed with quotes from the patron. For an extra fee there are a gyroscope, the Zorba Ball and a bungee trampoline, plus a food outlet and souvenir shop on site.

The Garden of Lights

From October to February the park turns after dark into the Garden of Lights, with a laser show and an "Alice in Wonderland" exhibition; around the holidays it is visited by Saint Nicholas.

Practical notes

The main season runs from April to October: regular ticket PLN 12, reduced PLN 10, combined with the Museum of Engineering PLN 22 / 16. The Garden of Lights operates 16:00–21:00: Monday to Thursday PLN 24 / 19 (family PLN 75), Friday to Sunday PLN 29 / 24 (PLN 95); children under 3 enter free.