Elektrownia Contemporary Art Gallery

The Elektrownia Contemporary Art Gallery is housed in the brick building of the former power station of the Saturn mine in Czeladź. Besides contemporary art exhibitions, original machines from the early 20th century can be seen here.

A building from 1902-1908

The power station was designed by Józef Pius Dziekoński and built in 1902-1908. The building has a rectangular plan with an entrance on the axis and an extended form. It is distinguished by a tower styled as Gothic, with arrow-slit openings, and the façade is formed of unplastered brick walls with cornices and brick details.

Machines in the Main Hall

The original machines and equipment of the former power station have survived inside. The greatest impression is made by the "Wanda" generator, produced in 1903 by Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon in Switzerland: from 1924 it worked as a motor, and the steam engine as a compressor. Next to it stand a compressor, large converters, a control desk with dial indicators and an 8-tonne overhead crane.

From the Industrial Monuments Route to a gallery

The gallery arose on the initiative of the Cultural Initiatives Association, which has organised more than 30 exhibitions here since 2005. In 2010 the building was added to the Industrial Monuments Route of the Silesian Voivodeship. The adaptation and conversion of the building began in September 2012, and since 1 September 2016 it has been managed by the Saturn Museum in Czeladź. The exhibitions are on the upper floor and in the cellar, and the museum space is in the Main Hall. The gallery also organises art workshops and takes part in Industriada.

Beside the building a passage was created with a themed park and a permanent exhibition on 12 panels about the industrial heritage and the history of the Saturn mine.

Practical information

• Address: ul. Dehnelów 45, Czeladź.
• The entrance is on the southern side, with steps and a ramp; the displays are on three levels, reached by stairs or a lift, with a toilet adapted for people with disabilities.
• Getting there: the Czeladź Saturn stops (lines 100, 723, 911 and minibus M), red cycle route 492 and the green 25th Anniversary of PTTK Trail.
• Two free car parks, 83 spaces in total.
• Current opening hours and ticket information are listed on the gallery's website.