Toboggan run in Kosciuszko Park

The Wilson Shaft Gallery

‘What industry took away, culture must regain’ – this was the motto of the creators when they adapted the area of the historic mine shaft of KWK ‘Wieczorek’ to a contemporary art gallery. Today, the facility, whose history dates back to 1826, has become a unique space of culture, beauty and spirituality in austere, post-industrial interior – and the largest private art gallery in Poland with an exhibition area of over 2,500 m2. The gallery presents its own unique collection, but its main goal is to promote young, brave painters, graphic designers, photographers, performers – you can see their exhibitions here, as well as numerous fairs and festivals.

WALCOWNIA Zinc Metallurgy Museum

The largest post-industrial hall in Silesia open to visitors – the historic Walcownia is a place where the spirit of Georg Giesche, an industrialist and precursor of calamine (zinc ore) extraction in this area, is still present. The hall can be explored alone or with a guide, and by prior arrangement even a mini technological line can be viewed: from sheet rolling through guillotine cutting, strips production and extrusion of battery cups from zinc strips. The museum also has one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of vintage Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycles in Poland. Models from 1920–1986 are restored and technically functional. During the cyclically organized ‘Machine Start-ups’, vehicles are started and presented to visitors.

Giszowiec colony

When the ‘Georg von Giesche's Erben’ company started to exploit more coal seams at the beginning of the 20th century, its authorities decided to build a workers' housing estate for its employees. The task was entrusted to the Berlin architects Emil and Georg Zillmann. In Giszowiec, they realised the ideals of a ‘garden city’ in which miners who usually come from the countryside would feel at home and which would satisfy all their needs. Thus, they created single-storey houses resembling rural cottages, each with a garden, and also a tavern, ice factory, bakeries, shops, canteen, bathhouse, laundry and mangle. Together, they formed a workers' colony, unique on a European scale. Today, the centre of Giszowiec is the vast Pod Lipami Square. It is worth seeing the Silesian inn (nowadays the Szopienice - Giszowiec Cultural Centre), and next to it the ‘Gawlikówka’ with a gallery of paintings by Edward Gawlik.

SAME MASZKETY

NIKISZOWIEC

One of the city's insider tips is a trip to the historic workers' housing estate Nikiszowiec, which is now a picturesque area featuring many restaurants. A walk along the cobblestone streets, surrounded by the typical red-brick estates, will put some magic into your evening. And there is another reason to visit this place. Here is located Café Byfyj, where you can taste delicious homemade baked goods.

Winter on a plate

Winter heart of the city

KATOWICE MURALS

Katowice loves murals! Scattered around the city, they are eye-catching, surprising and fun. When you go on a tour of Katowice, you simply cannot pass them without a closer look. You'll find them on small buildings, in the gates, in underground passages and on huge facades. Now it is time to find your favorite!

With your head in the clouds

Few people know that Park Śląski (Silesian Park) is larger in area than New York’s famous Central Park. The Legendia Silesian Amusement Park, a real zoo, planetarium and Silesian open-air village museum – all of these attractions are waiting for you at Silesian Park.

HEAR KATOWICE

Katowice is the hometown of the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra. In its honour, a new concert hall was recently built on the site of the former "Katowice" coal mine. You should not miss the chance to attend a concert by Poland's best orchestra.

KATOWICE SHOPPING

In the ul. 3 Maja the cityscape is characterised by lovingly restored patrician homes. The pedestrian area is studded with chic boutiques, cafés and restaurants. Most of the bars and clubs are located in the ul. Mariacka – one of the hip centres of nightlife in Poland.

KATOWICE MEETING

Katowice is the home of the newly built International Congress Centre(ICC), Poland's largest congress and event centre with space for more than 15,000 people. A pedestrian underpass also gives visitors direct access to the neighbouring Event Arena Spodek, which looks rather like a flying saucer from the outside.

KATOWICE EXCURSIONS

There is also quite a lot to explore in the neighbouring historic cities of Gliwice, Tychy and Sosnowiec. Tychy is particularly noted for its rich and varied entertainment programme, many green areas, boulevards and recreational facilities. The oldest brewery in the country is also based here and is open to visitors.