Discover one of Europe’s finest aviation collections at the Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków — a unique destination where engineering brilliance, aviation history, and remarkable aircraft come together. Located on the grounds of the former Rakowice-Czyżyny Airfield, one of the world’s oldest military airports, the museum offers an immersive journey through more than a century of flight innovation.

From historic gliders and legendary World War II fighters to rare prototypes and Soviet-era jets, the museum showcases machines that shaped modern aviation. Spacious hangars, open-air displays, and interactive exhibitions make it an inspiring experience for enthusiasts, families, and anyone curious about the evolution of flight.

History and significance

The Polish Aviation Museum was established in 1964 on the site of the decommissioned Rakowice-Czyżyny Airfield, which operated from 1912 and is among the oldest military airfields in the world. The museum’s expansive collection includes aircraft from Poland, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the former Soviet Union — many of which are rare or unavailable anywhere else.

The museum gained international recognition after receiving part of the historic German aviation collection formerly located in Berlin, including unique pre-war aircraft engines and prototypes.

Today, the museum serves not only as a cultural institution but also as a research and educational center, preserving aviation heritage and sharing stories of pilots, engineers, and innovations that impacted global aviation history.

What to see

• Open-Air Aircraft Displays – walk among helicopters, military jets, training aircraft, and early aviation models
• Historic Hangars – explore exhibitions dedicated to Polish aviation history and international collections
• WWII Fighters – see aircraft connected to the Polish Air Force and the legendary Polish pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain
• Rare Engines & Prototypes – view one-of-a-kind pieces, including engines from the famous Berlin collection
• Interactive Exhibitions – learn about aerodynamics, aircraft construction, and the evolution of flight technology

Interesting facts

• The museum holds one of the world’s largest collections of aircraft engines
• Several exhibits are the only surviving examples of their type worldwide
• Part of the museum stands on a runway used by aircraft over a century ago
• The collection includes original equipment used by Polish pilots during WWII

Practical Information

Location: Polish Aviation Museum, al. Jana Pawła II 39, Kraków
On foot: approx. 20–25 minutes from the Main Market Square
By bike: convenient bike paths from the city center and Vistula boulevards
By car: parking available nearby (limited during large events)

Why visit the Polish Aviation Museum?

The Polish Aviation Museum is not just a collection of aircraft — it is a celebration of human ambition, courage, and technological progress. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or simply curious, the museum offers a rare chance to stand beside iconic aircraft, explore the stories behind them, and experience one of Kraków’s most unique cultural attractions.