Paczków

The Gas Industrial Museum in Paczków is put into operation since 1991. The idea to erect a Gas Industrial Museum came before the decommissioning of the former municipal gas works which finally has been closed in 1977. In the old gas works where gas was produced for Paczków over 76 years, gas facilities were cleaned, protected and renovated, the ovens were renewed and the terrain was prepared for exhibition rooms.

At the end of the 80s the work on the erection of the museum accelerated and it was officially inaugurated on the 23rd November 1991. Since then the museum constitutes one of the touristic figureheads of Paczków. This museum is visited by around 10 000 people every year.
The exhibition in the Gas Industrial is one of the largest of this kind in whole Europe. It consists of more than 3000 exhibition pieces that are exhibited in exhibition halls and in open air exhibitions with total area of 1000 m2.

The impressive collection of old gas meters (300 pieces), gas facilities for households, laboratory burner, ancient bathroom and kitchen equipment elements as well as devices which were essential for the classic gas production required a suitable exhibition and therefore it has been planned since many years to modernize the museum.
The Gas Industrial Museum is in responsibility and patronage of the Upper Silesian Operator of the Distribution system (GOSD) – a company which continues the technical activity of the former Upper Silesian Gas Company. In 2004 the committee of the GOSD decided to modernize the museum and work started one year later. These two years changed the museum so much that now it is barely recognizable.

On 12 October 2007 the Gas Industrial Museum shined to the world in a brand-new light. The exhibition terrain was transformed into a modern centre for museum, exhibition and training , which has linked tradition to technological innovations. During the professionally prepared presentations about gas production the technique of "lightsound" has been used. The history of gas industry is presented chronologically and thematically. The interactive exhibitions demonstrate the impressive history of gas used in households and industry and broaden the knowledge of the visitors regarding this subject.
The museum grounds are illuminated by gas lanterns and the outward appearance of the buildings and facilities remained almost unchanged just as 100 years ago as the gas works was erected.

The museum has a modern conference hall equipped with high-quality audiovisual devices. Presentations, symposia and conferences can take place in the hall for 80 people. There can also be organized discussions in a small circle and meetings in retro conference hall for 18 people.
The museum has a library with constantly growing collection of books. There are four comfortable guest rooms (10 overnight accommodation rooms) with bathrooms and fully-fitted kitchenette for those who want to visit the museum for a longer period of time.

Gas Industrial Museum in Paczków
48-370 Paczków, Pocztowa Street 6
Tel. (77) 431 68 34
Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www: www.muzeumgazownictwa.pl

Opening hours:from Monday to Friday between 8:00 and 14:00
(on special request the museum can be opened at another appointment with prior notice)
Tickets: normal - 4 PLN, pupils - 2 PLN, children in kindergarten age - 1 PLN, children up to 3 years – at no charge
Prices for overnight accommodation: single room- 50 PLN, double room - 60 PLN, room for three persons - 100 PLN