Technical monuments

Culture Zone in Katowice

Between Spodek and the centre of Katowice, on the site of the former Katowice coal mine, a district has grown that changed the image of the city: the Culture Zone. At its central point rises the tower of the Warszawa II mine shaft, around which modern cultural buildings have been arranged. The structures are strongly illuminated at night, and alleys, stairs and fountains run between them, so a walk requires no tickets or admission.

Seats of culture

Three institutions gained new homes in the Culture Zone. The Silesian Museum raised a glass-walled main building whose principal exhibition space lies underground — works are viewed in daylight coming through the glass walls. The Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1935 by Grzegorz Fitelberg, plays in a hall of excellent acoustics. The third building, the International Congress Centre from 2011–2015, is the largest facility of its kind in Poland, with 18 halls and a multifunctional hall for around 8,000 people.

Calendar and practice

The Congress Centre has hosted the UN climate summit COP24, the European Economic Congress and Intel Extreme Masters tournaments, so beyond concerts the city pulses with events here. Access is provided by the Katowice Zawodzie station and stops along al. Korfantego, and after the visit one can head to Nikiszowiec or the Silesian Museum for industrial exhibitions.