Zabytkowa Kopalnia „Ignacy”

About the museum

The origins of the mine go back to the end of the eighteenth century. In Biertułtowy, on the lands of a royal estate, a coal seam was found and a trial mine was set up, which was soon named “Hoym” after a Prussian minister for the Silesian province. Over the following decades the plant was extended, merged with neighbouring mines and modernised, and steam engines were introduced for drainage and winding.

The complex of the former mine buildings survives to this day, including the engine house of the Głowacki shaft, where one of the longest-operating steam winding engines in the world worked. The machine drove the plant without interruption for 108 years, until 2008. The interior of the engine house has been recreated in the state of the 1980s. The mine shafts were filled in for safety reasons, so the mine has no underground tours.

The complex is now a cultural institution of the city of Rybnik and the Silesian Voivodeship. Visitors view the interactive exhibition “Wiek Pary”, in which the living exhibit is a hundred-year-old steam-driven winding engine, shown in operation during Sunday demonstrations. Attractions also include the small science centre “SOWA” (Owl), created with the support of the Kopernik Science Centre, an observation tower 46 metres high, and a green recreation area with a playground. The mine has received the European Heritage Award Europa Nostra.

Highlights

• Hundred-year-old steam winding engine shown in operation during Sunday demonstrations
• Interactive exhibition “Wiek Pary” (The Age of Steam) on the industrial revolution
• Small science centre “SOWA” with an experiment zone
• Observation tower (46 m, 222 steps) with a panorama of the Upper Oder Land
• Engine house of the Głowacki shaft, recreated in the state of the 1980s
• Green area with a playground and a steam fountain

Permanent exhibitions

• Wiek Pary – The interactive exhibition shows how steam engines set off the industrial revolution; the living exhibit is a hundred-year-old steam winding engine.
• Małe centrum nauki „SOWA” – The “Discovery, Imagination and Activity” zone, created with the support of the Kopernik Science Centre, encourages independent experiments.
• Maszynownia szybu Głowacki – The recreated interior of the engine house from the 1980s, with a steam winding engine of 530 horsepower.

Founded

1792

Operated by

Miasto Rybnik i Województwo Śląskie (instytucja kultury)

Admission & discounts

Prices per person. Tickets can be bought at the ticket office or online; individual guests do not need a reservation. Holders of the Karta Dużej Rodziny, the Karta Wolontariusza Korpusu Solidarności (Solidarity Corps Volunteer Card) or the Rybnicka Karta Mieszkańca “Rybka” (Rybnik Resident Card “Rybka”) pay less; for example, a combined ticket for all attractions costs PLN 40 standard and PLN 24 reduced. Holders of the “Rybka” card receive a 20% discount on the combined ticket. One hour before closing, combined tickets are half price. The standard PLN 12 and reduced PLN 6 prices given apply to the observation tower, the cheapest single attraction.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: not available
• Sign language tours: not available
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Most of the complex is architecturally accessible. At the entrance to the carpentry workshop and the engine house of the Głowacki shaft there are steps and a ramp for wheelchairs, and a stair platform leads to the rooms on the upper floor. The compressor house has a lift and two toilets for people with disabilities on the ground floor; the engine house of the Kościuszko shaft is accessible by lift in the link, where there is also an accessible toilet. There are two parking spaces for people with disabilities at the mine. There are no induction loops or Braille labels; a Polish Sign Language interpreter service is in preparation. Visitors may enter the buildings with an assistance dog.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

In the “SOWA” science centre children and adults experiment independently. Next to the mine is a recreation area of over a hectare with a playground, rope pyramids, an experiment garden and a steam fountain. A family ticket 2+2 is available.

Getting there & parking

From motorway A1 (Żory junction) it takes about 15 minutes via the regional road DW 935 (Aleja ROW). By bicycle you can reach it along the green route no. 315 (Szlak Początków Górnictwa Węglowego – Trail of the Beginnings of Coal Mining); there is a bicycle repair station on the grounds.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Souvenir shop at the reception point in the link of the Kościuszko shaft; visitors’ toilets are in the same building.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The mine offers events in the pit-head building of the Kościuszko shaft, as well as wedding packages; details are on the mine’s website.

Plan your visit