The ‘Bartosz’ shaft power station is set to undergo major changes. The 19th-century brick building of the former ‘Katowice’ mine will be transformed into a venue for concerts, exhibitions and artistic events. The contract with the contractor was signed on 25 September 2026, and the revitalisation of this part of the Silesian Museum is due to be completed in 2029 – to mark the institution’s centenary.
The ‘Bartosz’ shaft power station dates back to the 19th century
The ‘Bartosz’ shaft power station was built between 1893 and 1895 during the expansion of the ‘Ferdynand’ mine, later known as ‘Katowice’. The history of the site itself, however, goes back much further. Mining operations began here in 1823, and the shaft now known as ‘Bartosz’ was sunk 11 years later under the name ‘Beniamin’. Today, the power station, the headframe and the engine room form a valuable complex of post-industrial buildings in Silesia. Following the end of coal mining in 1999, the mine gradually underwent a change of use. Since 2015, the Silesian Museum has been operating on its premises.
The industrial ‘castle’ of Katowice
Towers, decorative gables and finials resembling battlements mean that some people might associate the power station with a small castle. Its brick façades are adorned with cornices, friezes and vertical bands of masonry, whilst the varying heights of the individual sections add variety to the building’s silhouette. The building dates from a time when even industrial structures were given an interesting architectural design. Listed as a historic monument, the complex has, despite significant damage and deterioration, retained its original layout and some of its technical equipment. The power station is still awaiting a comprehensive refurbishment and the adaptation of its interiors for new uses.
The ‘Bartosz’ Shaft Power Station to open its doors to culture
The biggest change at the ‘Bartosz’ shaft power station will be the creation of a multi-purpose hall for concerts, exhibitions and other artistic events. This will be accompanied by a foyer, creative spaces and the facilities needed to organise events. The tower section of the building will house catering facilities and guest rooms for the museum. The adjacent headframe, in turn, will serve as the main entrance to the institution. An lift is to be installed in the site of the former shaft, which will take visitors down to an underground passageway leading to the central hall. In this way, the historic buildings will become part of the daily visitor route.
The Silesian Museum has appointed a contractor for the renovation
The Kraków-based construction and production company Łęgprzem is responsible for the design and works. The contract was signed on 25 September 2026, and the value stated in the contract award notice is approximately 138 million zlotys. This sum relates to work on several buildings in the northern part of the museum, and not the power station itself. The project has therefore entered the contract implementation phase. The completion of the regeneration of the ‘Bartosz’ complex is scheduled for June 2029.
An interesting neighbourhood around the Katowice power station
Right next door, in the engine room, a steam hoisting engine has been preserved, which remained in operation until 1996. Following the refurbishment, visitors will be able to view it from a new mezzanine level. The wider surroundings of the power station will also undergo changes. The water tower is to be converted into a café and viewing area, whilst the forge and mechanical workshop will house exhibitions and provide space for educational activities. The surviving spans of the former Supersam hall may also be incorporated into the museum grounds to provide a roof over the square. However, this remains an option for the time being, requiring a separate decision.
Source: zabytek.pl, dzieje.pl
Photos: szwendacz_uliczny
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