About Dolní Vítkovice
Dolní Vítkovice is a unique area in Ostrava, where coal was mined, coke was produced, and raw iron was manufactured from 1828 to 1998. Today, the former industrial complex serves as an educational, cultural, and social centre. This page presents its history and transformation.
Industrial architecture, education, culture, connecting communities in the heart of Europe
Allow us to introduce the world-unique area Dolní Vítkovice, where from 1828 to 1998 coal was mined and raw iron was produced. In 1828, the Archbishop of Olomouc, Rudolf Habsburg, issued a decree to establish an ironworks in Vítkovice. This led to the creation of a unique complex of heavy industrial production, from coal mining through processing and coke production to raw iron production, which does not exist elsewhere in Europe. This industrial complex has now transformed into a unique educational, cultural, and social centre with international significance.
History
establishment of the Vítkovice Ironworks
beginning of deep coal mining at Landek (Mine Anselm)
ignition of the first coke oven in the Habsburg monarchy
beginning of the sinking of the Hlubina shaft
new type of furnace put into operation
completion of the gas holder construction
installation of a 900-ton gas piston blower in the VI energy centre
record achieved (1.7 million tons of raw iron at the first blast furnace)
general overhaul of the first blast furnace
last coal wagon from the Hlubina mine
Landek mine transformed into a museum
after 162 years, the last tapping and end of raw iron production in Dolní Vítkovice
establishment of the Dolní oblast VÍTKOVICE Association… transformation begins
raising the gas holder bell and starting reactivation
new life; VP1, Gong is born, construction of the Great World of Technology begins
welcoming the millionth visitor, reconstruction of Hlubina begins
opening of the Great World of Technology
Hlubina comes to life again, opening of the High Furnace No. 1 extension (now known as Bolt Tower)
annual attendance reached 1,301,639 visitors
opening of the Milan Dobeš Museum in Gong
revival of the Children's World in the World of Technology
expansion of the Milan Dobeš Museum's scope, renamed to Gong Gallery
closure of U6, beginning of major renovation of U6
U6 exhibition underwent extensive renovation after 10 years
new cycle bridge connecting Dolní Vítkovice with the centre of Ostrava
number of visitors to Dolní Vítkovice in 2023: 1.48 million people
improvement of gastro services - opening of the L'Osteria restaurant in U6 (ground floor), a hotel with a restaurant VP1 ART was also opened, created according to the project of AP Atelier of Josef Pleskot
celebration of the 10th anniversary of the World of Technology
winter Lights tell stories with a large public attendance, the light park extended the visiting period
new concept of winter decoration of Dolní Vítkovice, LED lights adorned the entire Gong, a great Scary DOV took place, in the Mining Museum Hell Mine
U6 - new platform for wheelchair users, improvement of the entrance, adjustments
despite the floods that affected the MS and OL regions, annual attendance in 2024: 1,534,321 people
the year began with the opening of the exhibition Professor and Student: Max Švabinský and Helena Salichová at Gong Gallery
new concept of birthday celebrations and educational programs in the World of Technology
award from the Minister for Regional Development for an inspiring monument with effective operation
Bolt Tower celebrated 10 years, the elevator machine room was opened to the public for the first time
Kofola began the rescue of the New Bathrooms building in the Hlubina mine area, in addition to offices, an interactive museum of the traditional Kofola brand will be built here
the bridge connecting the city centre with Dolní Vítkovice is officially named after Jan Balabán
MUSEum+ in progress
exhibition Summer Salon – Something for Everyone at Gong Gallery
thanks to the support of the Moravian-Silesian Region, 3 drinking fountains with drinking water (free) installed in the area – for people, dogs, and other animals
Gong Gallery: Closing the year of Helena Salichová with the exhibition Helena Salichová – Shapes Hidden in Wood
it is not a race, but for the year 2025 we report the best attendance figures in the entire history, estimate for 2025: 1,757,541. Thank you all!
OKD closes the last active hard coal mine not only in the MSK but in the entire republic. The ČSM mine in Stonava. Miners from the Mining Museum at Landek will participate in the parade. Thank you, friends! Godspeed!
Gong Gallery: exhibition Godspeed, friends! We will never forget what we could not do without...
SpaceBuzz is heading to Dolní Vítkovice. A special 18-meter rocket. The Czech path to space also in Ostrava and for the public!
10 hectares
Area of the National Cultural Monument
1998
Last tapping
2002
National Cultural Monument
90 million tons
Of raw iron