After the Act on the Polish Academy of Sciences was passed on 30 October 1951, unsuccessful attempts to reform the Polish Academy of Arts and Sciences, which had existed since 1872, and to subordinate it to party and government authorities led to the cessation of its activities and the establishment of the first branch of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Krakow, one of the leading centres of science and culture in Poland.

The Krakow Branch of the Polish Academy of Sciences was established in 1957 with the aim of integrating the scientific community of Krakow, stimulating it to engage in creative scientific work, initiating scientific research, and implementing and disseminating its results.

Until the establishment of branches in Katowice and Lublin, the Krakow Branch covered all provinces of southern Poland. Currently, the Branch operates in the city of Krakow and the south-eastern region of Poland, mainly covering the provinces of Małopolska and Podkarpackie.

The Branch was initially located in the building of the Polish Academy of Arts and Sciences at 17 Sławkowska Street, and since 1993 it has been housed in a historic 15th-century townhouse known as the ‘Kreczykowska Townhouse’, in the city centre, at 28 St. John Street.

During its 65 years of existence, the Branch has been headed by eminent Polish scholars (see Gallery of Presidents).

The Krakow Branch of the Polish Academy of Sciences brings together 55 members of the Polish Academy of Sciences from five divisions: 27 corresponding members and 28 ordinary members.

Photo: Photo of the building at 17 Sławkowska Street in Krakow
(source: Zygmunt Put – Own work, Wikipedia.org)