Guided Tour of Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory

The tour guide was terrific!

This museum covers the Nazi occupation of Krakow during World War 2. It shows how Oskar Schindler treated the Polish and Jews he employed and what he did to save as many of them as he could. When you first start your visit there is a cinema where a few of the Schindler Jews tell what he did to help them and save them. You start on the second floor and work your way down. There are lots of displays and videos of people describing what life was like during the occupation. This museum has wheelchair access and you can pay for a guided tour even though all displays have Polish and English descriptions. There is only a slight mention of the movie Schindler's List and that is right at the end near the cafe. A limited number of free lockers are available for you to store bags and jackets during your visit. Purchase your tickets in advance as those people are let in first. If there are any spots left then walk in visitors are allowed. We didn't purchase tickets in advance but got there 20 minutes before opening time so were near the front of the queue and were allowed in. We did hear people saying the museum was full by 11 am the previous day and lined up early this time. The #3 tram will get you from the old town across the river to the museum. Get off at the first tram stop after you cross the river and exit to the right behind the tram. Follow the signs on the street poles for a short 5 minute walk to the museum. Allow around 3 hours to properly visit the museum. Entry to the factory is free on Monday but is closed the first Monday of each month.

All of the guided tours were filled. We obtained our self guided tickets at the ticket office at the back of the Cloth Hall with a set time to arrive. We were so glad we were not with a guided tour. Everything has written explanations & you can go at your own pace. Actually when there is a group it tends to clog up the path as at some places the path is narrow. The museum is not just about the story of Oskar Schindler. It tells the story of Poland & the Jewish people. Some pictures & sounds were graphic but you leave knowing the truth about the suffering of the people.