Józef Mehoffer's House in Krakow

The Józef Mehoffer House, located at 26 Krupnicza Street in Krakow, is a branch of the National Museum in Krakow dedicated to the outstanding artist Józef Mehoffer. The history of the building dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, when the original wooden house belonged to the grandparents of Stanisław Wyspiański. After a fire in 1850, it was replaced by a brick building, which changed owners multiple times and underwent numerous renovations, including one in 1873 designed by Antoni Łuszczkiewicz. In 1932, Józef Mehoffer purchased the house and, after a four-year renovation, arranged the space according to his own design, giving it a distinctive style. His family referred to it as the "Little Palace under the Pinecones" due to the decorations in the hall and on the staircase. The museum was established on the initiative of Zbigniew Mehoffer in 1963 and, after many years of renovation work, was opened to the public in 1996. The exhibition spans 16 rooms with a total area of 400 m², featuring the artist's works such as self-portraits, stained glass windows, and paintings depicting everyday life, as well as items related to the Mehoffer family. In preparing the museum's interiors, archival photographs and memories of the artist's close associates were used, allowing for the reconstruction of the atmosphere of his lifetime. Alongside Mehoffer's works, the collection also includes pieces by other artists, such as portraits and porcelain figurines. An interesting fact is that after Zbigniew Mehoffer's death, his son Ryszard continued the initiative, enriching the artist's legacy with numerous family mementos, stained glass windows, and textiles. The museum not only commemorates Józef Mehoffer's creative work but also serves as an important element of Krakow's culture and history.