Mine Hlubina, blast furnaces and coke plant of Vítkovice Ironworks. A complex that was declared a national cultural monument exactly twenty years ago (effective from 1 August 2002). It creates a completely unique technological flow from coal mining to iron production. And also an unmistakable panorama of the city. There is no doubt that it is a significant landmark and symbol of Ostrava.
Now it is 2022, we have two years of COVID behind us, inflation is rising, energy prices are frightening. And COVID is returning again. It is not easy basically anywhere, savings are being made. However, there are still those who think about supporting monuments even in difficult times. They don't have to, but they want to. They have respect for the giants in whose bowels generations of ancestors found their livelihood. At least that is true in Ostrava's Dolní Vítkovice.
This giant unique industrial complex is alive even now. Although in a completely different way. And we would bet that fifty years ago, no one would have even thought that they would be looking out from the superstructure of a blast furnace, that they would be riding to a café in an elevator that diligently carries the charge to the furnace, or that they would be looking forward to a concert in a wet gas holder. Now, cultural events, conferences, and informal education take place in the same place. And this is happening thanks to the long-term support of the city of Ostrava, the Moravian-Silesian Region, private companies, and other institutions and individuals. The area was able to open up to the world also thanks to the diligent work and bulldog determination of Jan Světlík and architect Josef Pleskot.
Now we admire the former Blast Furnace No. 1 with its glass superstructure in the shape of a screw, known as Bolt Tower. It also has a café with a fantastic view. Next to Bolt stands the former gas holder, now the Multifunctional Hall Gong with all the necessary equipment. Inside Gong, a new Information Centre of Dolní Vítkovice has been built, as well as a new gallery. Smart entertainment for all age groups opens up to visitors in the Great World of Technology, the only newly built building in the brownfield site. It includes the Children's World for children aged two to six, this year with completely new elements of play and fun. In sight of the Great World of Technology stands the former VI. Energy Central, now the Small World of Technology U6. It hides various technical inventions, including the original giant blowers of Vítkovice Ironworks!
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Tomáš Šiřina, Executive Director of Dolní Vítkovice[/caption]
“A great story lies behind Hlubina. The black coal underground mine was founded in 1852 by Salomon Mayer Rothschild in close proximity to the blast furnaces. Now you will get acquainted with the history of coal mining, its processing into coke, and subsequent use in the blast furnaces. You will have a tour of the spaces under the winding tower, the coal face, and the coke plant,” adds the current picture of Dolní Vítkovice the Executive Director of the area, Tomáš Šiřina.
“There is quite a lot, isn’t there? It is amazing, unique. And it is so thanks to you. We cannot thank everyone individually, but we all believe that you know that we think of you and greatly appreciate your help and support,” says Tomáš Šiřina and continues,
“we really value both the support of visitors and, for example, the organizers who return and bring great small and large events, as well as companies that are already planning Christmas parties and meetings with us in the spring or summer. I must not forget the veterans who have helped us and continue to help, and also our employees, for most of whom this work is a heartfelt matter,” concludes the Executive Director of the area. In the future, there are plans in Dolní Vítkovice for the renewal of exhibitions in the Small World of Technology U6 and work is also underway to build new tour routes, especially around the coke plant and batteries.
PARTNERS OF DOLNÍ VÍTKOVICE - THANK YOU!!!
Dolní Vítkovice – tips for everyone every day!
- Great World of Technology, which also includes the Children's World and the temporary exhibition Baník expo (Mon-Sun, 10:00-18:00)
- Small World of Technology U6 (Mon-Sun, 10:00-18:00)
- Gallery Gong with exhibitions Op-art, Kineticism, Czechoslovak Graphics, Bridget Riley and Milan Dobeš, Neuropolis by Krištof Kintera (Mon-Sun, 10:00-18:00)
- Bolt Tower and guided tours (Mon-Sun, 10:00-18:00)
- Bolt Café (Sun-Thu 10:00-20:00, Fri-Sat 10:00-22:00)
Tickets available online and on-site. The new Information Centre of Dolní Vítkovice, located in Gong, is also in operation. It is open daily from 9:00 to 18:00. Phone 724 955 121.
