Muzeum Ognia

About the museum

Żory was repeatedly destroyed by fires over the centuries: between 1522 and 1882 the town burned more than 30 times, and in 1807 almost the whole town was destroyed. In 1945, when Żory lay on the front line, about 80 percent of the buildings were destroyed. The memory of these events is kept alive by the Fire Festival (Święto Ogniowe), during which residents ask for protection from fire.

The Museum of Fire was founded on the initiative of the town. The investor and operator is the municipal company Nowe Miasto, and the construction was partly financed from the regional operational programme of the Silesian Voivodeship. The building was designed by Barbara and Oskar Grąbczewski, and its shape recalls a flame. Construction took place between 2009 and 2014, and the official opening was on 3 December 2014.

The multimedia exhibition is on the ground floor and in the basement and is divided into five thematic zones, which show people’s relationship with fire, its destructive power, methods of fighting fires, the influence of fire on spirituality and culture, and its physical properties. The visit is preceded by a screening of the film “Śladami ognia” (Following the Traces of Fire).

Highlights

• Five thematic zones devoted to fire, from taming the element to its role in science
• Reconstruction of a prehistoric cave and a “wall of fire”
• Interactive stations, e.g. a virtual Olympic flame and putting out a fire
• Flame-shaped building, opened in 2014
• Film “Śladami ognia”, directed by Andrzej Celiński, shown before the visit

Permanent exhibition

• Wystawa stała Muzeum Ognia – Multimedia exhibition in five thematic zones on the history of people’s relationship with fire, fighting fires, the influence of fire on culture and spirituality, and its physical properties.

Founded

2014

Operated by

Nowe Miasto Sp. z o.o. (spółka miasta Żory)

Admission & discounts

Individual tickets are bought at the ticket office on the day of the visit; groups book a date by phone or e-mail.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum points out many facilities for people with disabilities but does not describe them in detail. Animals may not be brought into the building, except guide dogs for blind visitors.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

The exhibition has many interactive stations where visitors experience the action of fire and its physical properties themselves. Large families with a Large Family Card pay PLN 19.

Getting there & parking

The museum stands directly by national road no. 81, on the Katowice – Skoczów route.

Amenities & dining

Wi-Fi is available in the museum’s conference room (rental offer). Eating and drinking are not allowed in the exhibition rooms.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Rental of a modern air-conditioned conference room with projector, screen and sound system for training courses, events and conferences, as well as exhibition space inside and outside the building.

Plan your visit