The most important beauty contest in the city? The 80th Kraków Nativiy Scene Contest, of course! The dazzling constructions compete in different categories and they all end up at the contest exhibition at Krzysztofory Palace.
The Cracovian tradition of making elaborate nativity scenes dates back to the 19th century. As the beautiful custom started falling out of favour during the interwar period, the municipal authorities came to the rescue in by launching the Nativity Scene Contest in 1937. The contest was resumed after the Second World War, with the Historical Museum of Krakow (Museum of Krakow) stepping in as the organiser. Today, the custom has reached international acclaim as Poland’s first entry on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2018.
- opening hours: Tue–Fri 9am–6pm, last entrance 5pm
- tickets PLN 18/14, group members PLN 14/12, family PLN 36
