Galeria Magiel

The Department of Urban Ethnology of the Katowice History Museum, known in older materials as Galeria Magiel, is a branch of the museum in the heart of Nikiszowiec. Its permanent exhibitions show how the workers of the company housing estate built for the “Giesche” mine lived and worked.

From gallery to museum branch

Galeria Magiel was founded in 1996 on the initiative of the Social and Cultural Society of Giszowiec, Nikiszowiec and Janów. Keepsakes connected with the eastern districts of Katowice, industry and culture were gathered in it from residents. In 2003, because of financial difficulties, the premises were leased by the Katowice History Museum. After a renovation in 2010-2011 it was reopened on 8 April 2011, and the ethnology department was moved here from the museum's main building.

Three permanent exhibitions

“U nos w doma na Nikiszu” (“At Our Place in Nikisz”) presents the interior of a workers' flat with its original furnishings, arranged as a kitchen and a first and second room. “Woda i mydło najlepsze bielidło. W pralni i maglu na Nikiszowcu” (“Water and Soap Are the Best Bleach: In the Laundry and Mangle Room in Nikiszowiec”) shows the equipment of the estate's old laundry and mangle room. “Wokół mistrzów Grupy Janowskiej” (“Around the Masters of the Janów Group”) presents works by non-professional artists associated with Janów. The museum also organises temporary exhibitions.

A bebok at the entrance

At the entrance to the building stand two bebok figurines, Sztef and Erwinek, commemorating Stefania Blaut and Erwin Sówka.

Practical information

• Address: Rymarska Street 4, Katowice-Nikiszowiec.
• Current opening hours are listed on the museum's website, mhk.katowice.pl.
• Guided tours of the exhibitions only by prior booking by telephone.
• The Nikiszowiec estate lies literally next door, and the main branch is the Katowice History Museum.