Collegium Maius Museum

THE HISTORY OF THE BUILDING

Collegium Maius is the oldest University building in Poland. Its history dates back to the year 1400, when King Władysław Jagiello, according to Queen Jadwiga's will, purchased a corner house for the Krakow Academy. The remains of this house have been preserved in the foundations and the north-east corner of Collegium Maius facing ul. Jagiellonska.

During the 15 century, Collegium Maius grew larger due to the purchase of adjacent houses and new construction. During the years 1466-1492, all these buildings were linked harmoniously, forming a court with arches and surrounding cloisters. Only some stairs called „the Professors' Stairs ”, which lead to the gallery on the firsts floor, break their rhythm. The Lectoria, or lecture-halls, were situated on the ground floor. The Library (built in 1515-1519), the Common Room of the professors, the Treasury and the Aula were upstairs. Professors' lodgings were spread all over the first and second floors.

The appearance and arrangement of the Collegium remained almost unchanged until around the middle of the 19 century. They were completely changed during a reconstruction in the neo-Gothic style, which took place in the years 1840-1870. The building became the home of the Jagiellonian Library. On the initiative of Prof. Karol Estreicher Jr., in the years 1949-1964, a complex restoration was carried into effect. After recovering its original appearance (from before 1840) the building became the seat of the Jagiellonian University Museum.

MAIN EXHIBITION (FROM THE LIBRARY TO THE AULA)

Opening hours: 10.00-14.20 every day (except Sundays and holidays). From April to October– additionally on Thusdays and Thursdays open to 18.00. Last tour at 17.20. Group visits (up to
20 people) with a guide, each 20 minutes. Booking in advance is recommended.

Ticket price: 12 PLN regular, 6 PLN reduced. On Saturdays: from 10.00 to 13.20, ticket price 6 PLN.
It is possible to book in advance: tel. (+48/12) 422 05 49, (+48/12) 663 13 07, (+48/12) 663 15 21

MAIN EXHIBITON PLUS SCIENTIFIC AND FINE ARTS COLLECTIONS

From Monday to Friday at 13.00, a booking has been made in advance. The exhibition contains the most valuable collections connected with the history of science in Poland as well as a permanent display of Medieval art and Western European paintings (by P. P. Rubens, Rembrandt van Rijn and others).

Ticket price: 16 PLN regular, 12 PLN reduced.