The authorities of Walbrzych, Poland decided on an extraordinary conversion and transformed the “Julia” mine into a modern science and art centre that redefined the post-industrial area.

The history of the Julia coal mine from the Bialy Kamien (White Stone) district dates back to 1770. The black gold was mined here until 1996.

The revitalisation project started in 2009, and the first visitors came to the centre in early 2015. The area of the old mine for the science and art centre covers about 4.5 hectares. Visitors will find a total of 16 buildings with different functions.

The brick tower hoistways of the “Julius” (now “Julia”) and “Ida” (“Sobotka”) shafts have also been preserved to this day. However, the 25-metre-high glass tower, which originally had a cooling function, stands out the most. Today it houses an exhibition.