The museum is situated directly above historical mining works, allowing visitors to walk through actual subterranean passages.
It houses one of the most comprehensive collections of original 19th and 20th-century mining machinery in Central Europe.
The open-air grounds display specialized equipment used for processing ore, including heavy crushers and stamps.
The site commemorates the long history of the Banská Štiavnica mining district, which was once a major producer of precious metals for the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Some of the displayed machinery represents the transition from manual labor to steam and electric power in regional extraction.
The Mining Museum in Nature is an open-air exhibition located at the site of the former Jozef shaft in Banská Štiavnica. It serves as the primary outdoor display of the Slovak Mining Museum, focusing on the historical evolution of mining technology in the region. Visitors can explore an extensive collection of large-scale mining equipment, including drills, loading machines, and transport vehicles. The facility features an accessible underground gallery showcasing mining techniques used in the 17th and 18th centuries. Exhibits demonstrate the industrial development of silver and ore mining, which shaped the landscape and economy of the Banská Štiavnica caldera. The museum is integrated into the town's UNESCO World Heritage surroundings. It provides an immersive perspective on the labor conditions and engineering feats of historical miners.
The elevated viewing platform overlooking the entire outdoor collection of rusted mining machinery.
Bring a light jacket as the temperature inside the underground tunnels remains cool regardless of the outside weather.
Wear comfortable, sturdy footwear with good grip, as ground surfaces on the outdoor trail can be uneven.
Allow extra time to walk the outdoor path between the various machinery exhibits before or after the underground tour.
Do not attempt the underground tour without a guide, as access is restricted for safety reasons.
The museum is typically closed on Mondays throughout the season.
Protective helmets are provided for the underground tour and must be worn at all times while inside the tunnels.
