The Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) is a former medieval trading hall located in the centre of Kraków’s Main Market Square. Originally built in the 13th century, its market stalls were expanded in the 14th century in the Gothic style and extensively remodelled in the mid-16th century in the Renaissance style. During the period of the Partitions of Poland, between 1877 and 1879, the Cloth Hall underwent a major restoration in the spirit of Historicism. The former commercial spaces were transformed into representative interiors used for balls, official ceremonies, and patriotic celebrations.
During one such event, it was resolved that the first-floor halls of the building would become the first home of the National Museum in Kraków. 
On 7 October 1879, the Kraków City Council established the National Museum in Kraków, the first national museum founded in the Polish territories. The Museum’s inaugural exhibition opened on 11 September 1883, on the eve of the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Vienna, in two first-floor galleries on the Bracka Street side of the Cloth Hall. From then on, the building housed the Museum’s permanent gallery. The first director of the institution was Władysław Łuszczkiewicz (1883–1900), succeeded by Feliks Kopera (1900–1949).