The Princes Czartoryski Museum — Attraction in Krakow

The museum itself is a good size and not too large for having a look round in 90-120 minutes. I have marked it down because we were not offered any map or guide book when we went in - we have pre-bought our tickets so could skip the ticket area and scan the tickets but there was nowhere to buy anything like this to give a little more information about the museum and there was not even a book about it at the shop afterwards which was a bit strange. I would have liked to have been able to take something home to read more about what I had seen in the museum. Usually this is possible.

The thing I must highlight though is we went to see the da Vinci painting and had to queue (fine) but when we went in there was a large Italian tour group with a guide who talked for a long time so we could not get near the painting. The man was asked twice by staff to stop talking but he did not. Then the group with him took over the painting area and by this point there was a very large queue for this part so we had to leave. The man then walked around speaking very loudly so it was not possible to enjoy to peace and tranquility. Groups should be spoken to either quietly or elsewhere, perhaps in a small room. There is no way this man should be allowed...

Extremely bad signage that confuses more than directs. Also, placards for reading about a certain painting etc. are very poorly placed. In many cases so low that one would have to lay on the floor horizontally just to read. Placards also poorly lit and the contrast between the color of the print and the color of the card is so bad that one can hardly read the copy printed on the card. Crazily, the security guards and docents said they are well aware of the problem because they receive multiple complaints each day about this, but that they cannot fix these problems until the next "three year cycle" occurs in 2.5 more years - absolutely crazy ! In fact, it struck me as so ridiculous that I asked for a supervisor who confirmed that nothing could be adjusted for 2.5 more years. Absolutely crazy because in two days a small team of 2-3 people could easily fix the placards and add additional directional signage. Lastly, the audio guide that I paid extra for, repeatedly would cut out and have so much static that I heard maybe one third of the recordings and had to request a refund (which they did provide). This is all SUCH a shame because it's all very easily corrected. Otherwise, it is a fantastic museum filled with exquisite and...

The Czartoryski(a;ą) Family hold a fascinating story that stretches far beyond the Polish story.

My visit to their museum coincided with Tuesday, it's free, seriously. My third visit did not disappoint. I found more that I had not noticed before. It holds a wide range of artefacts that were collected by the women and the men.

So, without implying any gender stereo, there are paintings, china, rugs, wall hangings, the spoils of war spanning centuries. With many key moments captured.

It is compact well displayed, avoiding the crowding so common in National Trust properties (sorry, but it's true).

A museum for anyone wishing to travel through time. European in focus but the interaction with the Tartars and Scots alone are fascinating.

I loved the egg (allegedly) by General Kosćiuszko.......a man of many talents and worthy of my countries highest mountain.

The highlight is, naturally, one of only four "known" Leonardo's paintings of women. The Lady with Ermine. What a story it carries alone.

I saw it Up close For free

And that isn't the important part. It is a da Vinci. Delicate, layered, complex, beautifully and respectfully cared for. Adam if I could shake your hand across 3...