The Landek Park Mining Museum: History on display in Petřkovice
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the Horse, and the legend of his extraordinary
capabilities and empathy. Another unique aspect
of the museum is the clearly visible coal seams.
How similar are the premises to the original
conditions in the mines? For example, how deep are
the galleries located?
The Historical Work of Mining Art, as the exposition is
sometimes called, represents authentic premises very
similar to their original condition, even though they
are located merely eight meters below the earth’s
surface. The underground exposition is made up
of the Anselm Mine, which prides itself with a forty-
meter mining tower. 250 meters of galleries are
located underground. The captivating guided tour
reveals the history of coal mining operations between
1782 and 1990 and also includes a demonstration of
the mining equipment. The Landek Park area invites
guests not only to the underground premises, but also
entices guests to tour the surface grounds and coal
seams that extend above ground.
How many people visit the Landek Park annually?
Can the museum entertain guests of any age and,
specifically, how is it able to speak to modern youth?
The Landek Park program is very diverse. Families
with children may appreciate a ride on the historical
train, the exposition of Ferdinand the Horse, or the
so-called Mammoth Nature Trail. Sports enthusiasts
may be interested in the many bike trails in the area,
the modern workout field or the nearby lookout
tower. Not only members of the older generation, but
also many others, may want to experience the life of
a miner with our guided tours, during which they will
spend two hours in the mines. From spring to fall, the
Landek camp along with the Stellplatz are also open
to guests. The unique industrial architecture is also
a popular option for short-term renting and hosting
of prestigious sport and cultural events. Landek
Park therefore offers entertainment, which can be
appreciated by everyone, youthful or elderly. I would
say that it is precisely because of this that almost
305,000 people visited the area in 2019.
If someone visited the park ten years ago, would you
have anything new to show them now?
Our main goal is to always have new things to show
our visitors. The recent creation of the Fish Museum,
located near an oxbow lake of the Odra River, is proof
of this.
Our primary focus is still, however, the mining industry,
which we would like to present as authentically
as possible and continually expand with interesting
stories, an example of which is the Legend
of Ferdinand the Horse, which pays homage to all
of the “four-legged miners” that helped the conquest
of “black gold” for decades.
How do you think the mining museum could look in
the future?
The historical exposition allows guests to experience
a typical miner’s workday first hand, from a visit
to the chain lockers to entrance into the mineshafts,
including a ride in the mine train. Some enthusiasts
have said that, thanks to the tour, they would never
again confuse the terms “čelba” (coalface) and
“rubání” (cutting). Personally, I think that the museum
will always be a peek into history, and we would like
to maintain that in the future as well.
We would also like to ask you a personal question,
if you do not mind. What is your form of relaxation
in your free time?
I openly admit that I am a workaholic, and so my job
is my lifelong hobby, which is why I do not have much
time to relax. On the other hand, poetry and tourism
have become my other two great passions.
Thank you for the interview.