Zabłocie has been changing its character for several years. Former industrial areas have undergone a transformation and today form one of the most dynamic parts of Krakow. At the very center of this process is the Museum of Contemporary Art - MOCAK, an institution that opened in 2011 and from the beginning has been consistently building a place for the latest art in Poland.
This is a museum that does not try to illustrate the past. It deals with what is current: cultural phenomena, the language of the contemporary world, commentary on everyday life. Therefore, it works well as a starting point for thinking about the city and how our sensitivity is changing.
Permanent exhibitions as a point of reference
MOCAK presents permanent exhibitions that form the foundation of all its activities. It is a collection of works by Polish and international artists representing various attitudes and means of expression: from conceptual analyses, through installations, to art operating with language and text.
Thanks to this, the museum can be visited multiple times – each time with a different result. The permanent collection is not meant to be an "encyclopedia," but a structure that allows capturing the most important currents of contemporary art.
Temporary exhibitions as an incentive to return
The second layer of MOCAK’s program consists of temporary exhibitions, changed cyclically. These are presentations of Polish and international creators, often rooted in social, cultural, and technological themes.
It is worth checking the current program before visiting – the museum regularly introduces new projects that set the rhythm of the entire institution and make MOCAK a place of lively debate. For many visitors, temporary exhibitions are the reason to return there.
You can find a list of current temporary exhibitions and an overview of permanent exhibitions here
A visit to MOCAK as part of the day
Visiting does not require special preparations. The exhibitions are accessible, descriptions are clear, and the building's architecture encourages moving slowly and allowing yourself intuitive choices. This is a museum where you can stop at one artwork instead of trying to "check off" everything.
On Thursdays, admission to the MOCAK Collection exhibitions on level -1 is free. Tickets can be purchased at the box office on site or online.
It is also worth planning your visit so that after seeing the exhibitions, there is some time left for a walk around Zabłocie. This district is now one of the more consistently developing parts of the city – with new gastronomy, culture, and housing.
Coffee break and flavor discoveries in Zabłocie
After visiting MOCAK, it is worth stopping for a moment in one of the local spots that combine the district's atmosphere with exceptional flavor. The Petite France café in the museum building delights with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and classic French pastries – crispy croissants, baguettes, and signature lunches. It is the perfect place for a short rest or a coffee meeting in a calm atmosphere.
For lovers of bread and sweet treats, it's worth visiting Arcymonka, where breads, rolls, challahs, and sweet pastries are baked every day. Here, every baked good has a simple, natural composition, a crispy crust, and a soft interior, and the desserts – from classic apple pie to creative cakes – will make the day better. This is a place for breakfast, a snack after a walk, or even a sweet moment for yourself during the day.
If you are looking for a full lunch or a quiet evening in a restaurant atmosphere, Emalia Zabłocie awaits just a few steps from MOCAK. The industrial interior and carefully thought-out menu make a visit here a natural complement to a walk around the district. During the week, it is worth trying their daily lunch – simple, fresh, and tasty. For Mediterranean cuisine lovers, we recommend Salute! Bar. Your taste buds will appreciate every meal and cocktail in this place.
Why is it worth adding MOCAK to your personal city map?
Because it allows you to set proportions. Contemporary art can be demanding, but at MOCAK, it is a tool to understand the world, not a barrier. Permanent exhibitions provide context, temporary ones – dynamics. Zabłocie complements it all with the energy of a new district.
For visitors to Krakow, it is an interesting alternative to obvious tourist spots.
For residents – a way to diversify the weekend.
It is a place you can return to because it changes along with the viewer.
