The National Museum's main building is a 1930s modernist block that holds the most comprehensive collection of Polish art in the country — and, somewhat improbably, Leonardo da Vinci's 'Lady with an Ermine,' one of only four surviving Leonardo portraits and arguably the most valuable painting in Poland.
The Leonardo arrived in Poland in 1798 when Prince Adam Jerzy Czartoryski bought it in Italy for his mother's private museum. It survived both world wars — hidden from the Nazis, recovered by Allied forces, returned to Poland — and has been the subject of ownership disputes between the Czartoryski family and the Polish state for decades. The painting is displayed in its own room with climate control and security that would satisfy a Bond villain. It's smaller than you expect and more beautiful than photographs suggest — the ermine's fur and Cecilia Gallerani's fingers are rendered with a precision that explains why Leonardo only finished about 20 paintings in his lifetime.
Beyond the Leonardo, the collection spans Polish art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, with particular strength in 19th-century historical painting — Jan Matejko's enormous battle scenes are here — and the Polish Art Nouveau movement (known as Young Poland), which produced some of the most distinctive decorative art in Europe.
Verified Facts
The museum houses Leonardo da Vinci's 'Lady with an Ermine'
The painting was purchased by Prince Adam Jerzy Czartoryski in 1798
It is one of only four surviving Leonardo da Vinci portraits
The main building dates from the 1930s
Get walking directions
3 Maja 1, Kraków
