Established as the Museum of Antiquities, in February 1850. According to the intention of Cracow Scientific Society Museum, the Archeological Museum functioned as a "national treasure of memorabilia." In 1893 most of the historical collections were transferred to the National Museum. In the collection there were only archaeological sites. Currently in the magazines and during exhibitions (including the part in Nowa Huta) is more than 500 thousand exhibits.