The Mining Museum

Located on the former Anselm Mine (one of the first to be established at the end of the 18th century in what is today the Petřkovice District of Ostrava), the Mining Museum was opened in the early 1990’s. It is the largest mining museum in the Czech Republic. In 1993, a group of enthusiasts opened the first part of the museum, which has become a popular tourist destination for foreigners and Czechs alike.

The coal seams of the former Anselm Mine surface at the Landek National Nature Reserve, a world famous site in terms of geology, archaeology, history, natural sciences and mining. Man was using black coal here more that 25 000 years ago! The Venus of Landek probably made the site most famous – it is a small, carved figure of a woman, probably the thinnest Venus in Europe. An ancient Mamoth Hunters’ camp has also been reconstructed.

A unique exhibition of the Mining Museum highlights the evolution of coal mining in the Ostrava-Karvina region, as well as mining technology, and rescue services. In fact, it is the largest exhibition of its kind in the world. With the collection of miner’s lights and hand tools, visitors get a real taste of the hard work and dedication the men of the mines had. The tour includes a view of mining in the original seams with wooden braces, mining machines and belt conveyors. The seams were often so narrow, that miners had to work lying down.

The museum is slowly growing. One of the old halls – the compressor room – is today used as an unusual concert hall or conference hall. Outdoor space is also used to hold social events all year round. In addition to the annual Miner’s Day celebrations, the Mining Museum is a popular site for Children’s Day and other holidays. The site includes sports and recreation facilities, bowling, cycling trails and a children’s corner. The Harenda Miner’s Pub is a great place to sit down for a cool beer and period food. The interior is decorated with all kinds of mining memorabilia.