Description
Founded in 1956 by the charismatic Piotr Skrzynecki, Piwnica Pod Baranami started as a student creative club in the medieval cellars beneath the historic Pałac Pod Baranami (Palace Under the Rams). It quickly grew into one of Poland’s most famous literary and political cabarets, known for its ground-breaking, often satirical and surreal performances inspired by Dadaism and Polish intellectual culture. Over the years, it became a launching pad for iconic artists such as Ewa Demarczyk, Krzysztof Komeda, Grzegorz Turnau, Andrzej Wajda, and Krzysztof Penderecki.
More than just a venue for music and humour, Piwnica Pod Baranami became a symbol of cultural resistance during the communist era—a breath of freedom amid censorship. Today, it continues to celebrate Kraków’s creative spirit by hosting live cabaret shows, jazz concerts, art exhibitions, and its famous Summer Jazz Festival every June and July, attracting both locals and visitors eager to soak in its historic atmosphere.
The atmosphere inside Piwnica is richly historic yet vibrant, with thick candlelight, vaulted ceilings, and quirky décor that transport visitors to a different time. Open from late morning until midnight or later on weekends, it serves as both a café and a performance space, offering snacks, drinks, and cultural experiences in equal measure. For travellers and art lovers alike, Piwnica Pod Baranami is a must-visit for an unforgettable glimpse into Kraków’s legendary underground scene.