Centrum Nauki i Sztuki Stara Kopalnia (en. “Former Mine” Science and Art Centre) in Wałbrzych is the biggest post-industrial tourist attraction in Poland, located in the former bituminous coal mine – Kopalnia Węgla Kamiennego “Julia” (“Thorez”). The 2014 revitalization of the biggest mine located in Wałbrzych which at the height of its activity employed several thousand workers allowed for the creation of an exceptional object among tourist attractions in Poland. Currently, it covers the area of 4.5 hectares of historic post-industrial objects with authentic equipment, such as a machine park which has been secured and made accessible for visitors. With the help of guides working in Stara Kopalnia (former miners who worked in KWK “Julia” in the past), all visitors can not only see the enormous scale of mine infrastructure, but also learn about the character of the dangerous and demanding work of a miner.

In 2015, Stara Kopalnia was awarded a prestigious title of “Zabytek zadbany” (en. a well-kept monument) granted by the National Heritage Board of Poland, which additionally emphasized the unique character and the scale of revitalization works conducted in the whole object.

This perfectly preserved post-industrial complex is a source of knowledge on the history and culture of coal mining, as well as about ceramic industry in Lower Silesia.

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Commercial offer

- accommodation
- coffeehouse

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