Exhibitions

Exhibition description

This is the Museum’s largest permanent exhibition spanning three halls, which illustrates Tarnowskie Góry’s rich history through a diverse array of artefacts.

The earliest artefacts, documenting the early settlements and the town’s birth, are displayed in the first hall. They are accompanied by exhibits related to the local mining and metallurgy. In addition to old tools and commemorative items, there is a nearly 100-year-old model of a steam engine from the Tarnowskie Góry mining school. Another noteworthy exhibit is a feretron painting depicting St. Barbara against the background of the mining landscape of Tarnowskie Góry.

The section dedicated to town authorities highlights recently acquired portraits of Anton Klausa, a former mayor of Tarnowskie Góry, and his wife, Paulina. Below these paintings, visitors can explore copies of the town’s official documents and learn about the circumstances of visits by notable personalities to Tarnowskie Góry. Also featured are items associated with the Henckel von Donnersmarck family, who made significant contributions to the town and its region. Among the notable exhibits are rare memorabilia from the now-defunct Donnersmarck palaces in Świerklaniec and Repty (presently Repty Śląskie, a district of Tarnowskie Góry), including a Portrait of Guido Henckel von Donnersmarck by Franz von Lenbach.

Following this is a presentation of former Tarnowskie Góry businesses and establishments, including the ‘Sedlaczek’ wine hall, which continues to operate on the ground floor of the museum building. The hall also displays a collection of tin wares and items connected to the town’s historic craft guilds.

The second hall, preceded by the exhibition entitled ‘Hail John III Sobieski’, opens with a section on railways. Established in the mid-19th century, the railway, alongside industry, played a pivotal role in the town’s development. Further sections feature memorabilia from local social and cultural organizations, notably a large collection of artefacts associated with the Tarnowskie Góry Rifle Fraternity, founded in 1780. These items include commemorative shields, trophies, and other historical objects.

The last hall opens with a display dedicated to the Tarnowskie Góry Masonic Lodge Silberfels. Here, an invaluable collection of freemasonry memorabilia is presented. This is followed by an area celebrating the town’s multicultural character in earlier centuries. Separate showcases feature items related to the Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish communities. Highlights include a substantial domestic altar reflecting the deep Catholic piety of Upper Silesians, rare artefacts connected to Evangelicalism, and ritual vessels from the Tarnowskie Góry synagogue – the sole surviving remnants of the temple.

Another significant part of the exhibition showcases memorabilia from the Silesian Uprisings, the plebiscite, and the 1922 incorporation of Tarnowskie Góry into the newly reborn Polish state. The concluding section focuses on military history, displaying items of particular interest from the interwar period, such as artefacts left by the 3rd Silesian Cavalry Regiment and the 11th Infantry Regiment stationed in the town. The Second World War collection includes memorabilia of Fr. Ignacy Siwiec.

Owing to space limitations, many other crucial aspects of Tarnowskie Góry’s history, particularly from the latter half of the 20th century, cannot be included in the exhibition. However, plans for a more comprehensive presentation of the town’s history are underway, with a central exhibition envisioned for the Museum’s future premises.