Zwierzynek House

The Zwierzyniec House, formerly known as the Zwierzyniec Art Salon, is a non-operational branch of the Kraków Museum, located in a typical suburban tenement house from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, built by bricklayer Jan Florczyk. Situated at the foot of St. Bronisława Hill in Zwierzyniec, near the Norbertine Sisters' monastery and Kościuszko Mound, the Zwierzyniec House focuses on researching microhistory and documenting changes in Kraków's suburbs. It is worth mentioning that in 1912, Vladimir Ulyanov (Lenin) lived in the building, which is commemorated by an exhibition opened in 1970. After the closure of the Lenin Museum in 1990, the facility came under the management of the Kraków Museum and served various functions, including as a museum storage space. In 1996, the Zwierzyniec Art Salon was established, and since 2014 the building has borne its current name. The permanent exhibition showcases an early 20th-century apartment interior, while temporary exhibits highlight the traditions and folklore of urban suburbs. The house organizes meetings, historical lectures, and cultural events such as the Emaus Stop or Christmas caroling by the tree. The building also serves as a tourist information point, offering guides and souvenirs related to the history of Kraków. An interesting fact is the presence of a black cat named Włodek, who is a permanent resident and guardian of this place.