The museum occupies the site of the former KWK Katowice coal mine, which closed its extraction operations in 1999.
The signature glass cubes protruding from the ground are designed to bring natural light into the underground galleries.
The 'Gallery of Polish Art 1800-1945' and 'Gallery of Polish Art after 1945' are cornerstones of the museum’s visual arts collection.
The site includes a former mine hoisting tower that was revitalized as a viewpoint platform.
The project was designed by the Austrian architectural firm Riegler Riewe Architekten.
The museum's underground layout was specifically chosen to avoid overshadowing the historic mine buildings with new construction.
The Silesian Museum in Katowice is uniquely located on the grounds of the former 'Katowice' coal mine, integrating industrial heritage with modern architecture. Most of the museum’s exhibition space is situated underground to preserve the historic mine structures above. The site features a striking glass tower, formerly the mine's ventilation shaft, which offers panoramic views of the city. Its permanent collection highlights the history of Upper Silesia and Polish art from the 19th century to the present. The museum complex spans 2.8 hectares and includes the restored carpenter’s workshop, mine bathhouse, and smithy. Visitors move between subterranean galleries through a layout designed to mimic the descent into mine shafts. The institution focuses on the regional identity of Silesia and its socio-economic evolution. It is one of the most prominent cultural institutions in the Silesian Voivodeship.
The glass tower at night when illuminated, or from the center of the grounds looking toward the industrial red-brick buildings.
Prioritize the underground galleries, as they contain the bulk of the permanent historical exhibitions.
Ascend the glass tower for a clear view of the contrast between the industrial site and the modern Katowice skyline.
Check the schedule for temporary exhibitions held in the renovated historic brick buildings, which often feature local avant-garde art.
Do not rush through the underground exhibits, as the descent into the galleries is part of the intended narrative experience.
Closed on Mondays.
