The Silesian Museum in Katowice, Poland, was created to display the material, artistic and spiritual culture of this historic region, which encompasses parts of Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic. This guide showcases the highlights of the Museum's extensive collection, which includes not only one of the world's most valuable collections of Polish paintings but also important archaeological, ethnographic and historical artefacts. It is also home to the Centre for Polish Scenography, which displays paraphernalia from Poland's modern theatre scene. These objects, taken from both public and private life, reflect the religion, industry and unique culture of the region. This publication coincides with the opening of a bold new Museum complex, located in one of the former coal mines that have so shaped the region's identity. This cutting-edge new building breathes fresh life into the underground space. It is the first to appear in what will become the Cultural District - the new centre of cultural life for the city.
