Built in 1960-65, the Cracovia Hotel, designed by Witold Ceckiewicz, was, for those years, one of the most modern such buildings in Poland.

Cęckiewicz took inspiration from 1950s Paris. His project featured elements which were unheard of in Poland at the time, including a ‘curtain wall’ facade of glass and aluminium, nicely contrasting the closed-off exterior of the National Museum across the street.

The former 'Cracovia' hotel constitutes part of a complex of modernist architecture together with the adjoining 'Kiev' cinema – also designed by Witold Cęckiewicz and built in the years 1960-65 – which is connected to the hotel by an overground passage. 

The hotel, with its huge 150-meter monumental block, was the longest hotel in Poland at the turn of the 1970s. The interiors were designed with great splendor and the walls were decorated with elaborate mosaics.

The hotel was equipped with 309 rooms, 9 suites, an exquisite restaurant, conference rooms, flower shop, haidresser, bookstore, douczenie shop, and a casino. It is worth mentioning that communication-era hotels were perfect places for surveillance, gathering all travelling politicians and Western visitors (suspicious by definition) in one place, where they could be neatly spied on.

The hotel recorded the end of its activities in 2011. The last few years there has been a lively public debate about the need to preserve the historic substance of 'Cracovia' hotel, in which many authorities in the field of history of architecture and preservation emphasized the historical value of the hotel, and the need for its preservation as an outstanding example of modernist architecture not only in Krakow, but also on a national scale.

Hotel Cracovia was finally purchased by the  National Museum in 2016, with plans to turn it into the Museum of Architecture & Design in the nearest future. 

The history of the Polish Aviation Museum dates back to the early 20th century, when the first aircraft were produced in Poland. In the years following World War II, the museum was established to preserve and display these historic planes. Over the years, the collection has grown to include a wide range of aircraft, from gliders to jet fighters, as well as helicopters and experimental planes.

One of the highlights of the museum is the collection of vintage aircraft, including a number of rare and unique planes that were used by the Polish military and civil aviation authorities. There are also a number of aircraft on display that were used by the Polish resistance during World War II, including a number of gliders that were used to transport weapons and supplies to the underground movement.

In addition to the aircraft on display, the museum also houses a number of aviation-related exhibits, including models of planes, engines, and other equipment. There are also a number of interactive exhibits, such as a virtual flight simulator and a cockpit display, which give visitors the opportunity to get a feel for what it was like to fly these historic aircraft.

The Polish Aviation Museum is more than just a collection of planes, however. It is also a testament to the rich history of Polish aviation, and the role that the country has played in the development of flight. From the early days of gliders and biplanes, to the modern jets of today, the museum offers a fascinating look at the evolution of aviation in Poland and beyond.

Whether you are an aviation enthusiast or just looking for a unique and educational way to spend the day, the Polish Aviation Museum in Krakow is sure to be a highlight of your visit to Poland. With its rich history, fascinating exhibits, and impressive collection of aircraft, it is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the world of flight.

It’s definitely one of the most recognizable buildings in Krakow. Since 1866 

Józef Dietl, the first mayor of Krakow, had wanted the former capital of Poland to regain its power and importance but the citizens had to wait until, finally, after 7 years Walery Rzewuski - one of the pioneers of Polish photography came out with an idea of building the theatre that would be the pride of our city . A few years later, after careful consideration the city council passed a resolution to build the theater even tho It would delay their previous plans. An international architectural competition was announced, in which the project of Cracovian Jan Zawiejski was chosen.

October 21, 1893 the theater was officially opened. It was the first electrically illuminated building in the city. The building is maintained in an eclectic style with a predominance of neo-baroque. Zawiejski took his inspiration from Garnier's opera in Paris and Viennese opera. Above the entrance they had placed the inscription: KRAKOW NATIONAL ART.