The second department of the National Museum in Krakow to be established was the family home of Poland’s most illustrious historical painter, Jan Matejko (1838-1893). The notion of creating a museum in his house was born shortly after his death. In order to adapt the domestic premises for exhibition purposes, conversion work was carried out at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Following its conclusion, the Jan Matejko Society transferred the ownership of the artist’s home to the Municipal Council in June 1904, giving its management as a biographical museum into the hands of the National Museum of Krakow.
The house contains exhibitions presenting the artist’s oeuvre and ranging from his youthful works to paintings created during his last years. Also on display are diplomas and awards, testaments to the high opinion in which the master’s works were held, as well as a wealth of documentation concerning his family life. Another fascinating aspect of the museum is the collection of decorative art and militaria gathered by Matejko and put to use as props for his paintings.
The house contains exhibitions presenting the artist’s oeuvre and ranging from his youthful works to paintings created during his last years. Also on display are diplomas and awards, testaments to the high opinion in which the master’s works were held, as well as a wealth of documentation concerning his family life. Another fascinating aspect of the museum is the collection of decorative art and militaria gathered by Matejko and put to use as props for his paintings.