Short history of Krakow House

For many years, Krakow has had a strong relationship with Nuremberg. The links between the two cities, dating back to the Middle Ages, have evolved into a close practical cooperation. The current basis for their partnership, initiated in October 12^th, 1979 (the day the first framework “Memorandum of Cooperation between Krakow and Nurnberg” was signed), is the Act on Twin City Cooperation, signed on December 9^th, 1991. The partnership is multi-faceted and involves exchange of experience in areas such as municipal management, urban transport, culture, art, sports, promotion and the economy.

In May 1992, the then Mayor of Krakow, Krzysztof Bachminski, approached the Mayor of Nuremberg, Dr Peter Schönlein, with the idea of creating the Nuremberg House in Krakow, and by way of reciprocity, the Krakow House in Nuremberg. The German partners were interested in the proposal. After initial talks, which lasted several months, both cities signed lease agreements concerning the establishment of the Nuremberg House in Krakow (Agreement of the 1^st of July 1993) and the Krakow House in Nuremberg (Agreement of the 14^th of February 1994). Following a lengthy period of construction work in June 1996, the Houses were officially opened. The Nuremberg House is located on the corner of ul. Skałeczna and ul. Krakowska in Krakow. The Krakow House, in turn, is located in a medieval tower within the Nuremberg city walls at 34, Hintere Insel Schütt. The establishment of these unique centres is undoubtedly the highpoint in the cities’ partnership.