Piwnica pod Baranami — the most famous artists of Kraków’s legendary cabaret
Piwnica pod Baranami (the Cellar Under the Rams) is Kraków’s most famous literary cabaret, running since 1956 in the cellars of the Palace Under the Rams at Main Square 27. Over 70 years its stage has seen Ewa Demarczyk, Marek Grechuta, Zbigniew Wodecki, Grzegorz Turnau and Alosza Awdiejew, among others. In 2026 Piwnica celebrates its 70th anniversary with a series of jubilee concerts. Who were — and are — its most important artists?
The beginnings: Skrzynecki, Penderecki, Chromy
Piwnica officially opened on 26 May 1956. Its co-founder, compère and heart was Piotr Skrzynecki (d. 1997). The founders also included the future world-famous composer Krzysztof Penderecki and the sculptor Bronisław Chromy, who later created the monument to Dżok the dog. What was meant to be a student club became one of Poland’s most important cabarets.
The 1960s: Ewa Demarczyk and her accompanists
Piwnica’s first big star was Ewa Demarczyk (1941–2020), who joined in 1962 and was dubbed “the black angel of Polish song”. Her songs were composed by Zygmunt Konieczny, and from 1968 to 1973 she was accompanied by Zbigniew Wodecki (1950–2017), who had been part of Piwnica since he was 17. Other key figures of the time were the actress Krystyna Zachwatowicz — an honorary citizen of Kraków since 2026 — and the singing poet Leszek Długosz (1941–2024). Demarczyk stopped performing at Piwnica in 1972.
From Grechuta to Turnau
In the late 1970s new artists joined, including Marek Grechuta (1945–2006), a master of sung poetry, Alosza Awdiejew — a singer born in the USSR in 1940, a professor at the Jagiellonian University with Polish citizenship, who still performs — and the actress Aleksandra Maurer. The best known of the younger generation is Grzegorz Turnau.
Piwnica was also a hotbed of composers: Zbigniew Preisner, Jan Kanty Pawluśkiewicz and Adrian Konarski all worked here. The late Anna Szałapak was known as Piwnica’s “white angel”. Its wider circle included Andrzej Wajda, Jan Nowicki and Czesław Miłosz.
Piwnica today — 70 years of legend
After Skrzynecki’s death the artists decided that “Piwnica still exists”. In 2007 its jazz club was revived, along with a summer festival. In 2026 Piwnica marks its 70th anniversary with jubilee concerts featuring artists from several generations.
Where to stay in Kraków
Piwnica is right on the Main Square, so after an evening at the cabaret it’s just a short walk back. Best Western Plus Kraków Old Town at Świętej Gertrudy 6 is about 500 m from the Main Square. A characterful alternative is Hotel Regent in a historic townhouse in Kazimierz.
Frequently asked questions
Who performed at Piwnica pod Baranami?
Among others, Ewa Demarczyk, Marek Grechuta, Zbigniew Wodecki, Leszek Długosz, Krystyna Zachwatowicz, Alosza Awdiejew, Anna Szałapak and Grzegorz Turnau; its composers included Zygmunt Konieczny, Zbigniew Preisner and Jan Kanty Pawluśkiewicz.
Who founded Piwnica pod Baranami?
Piotr Skrzynecki together with a group of artists that included Krzysztof Penderecki and Bronisław Chromy. It opened on 26 May 1956.
Where is Piwnica pod Baranami?
In the cellars of the Palace Under the Rams at Main Square 27 in Kraków.
Updated in October 2026.