FROM FACTORY TO A CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY
The Wilson Shaft Factory is tucked away in the historical industrial heart of Katowice, Poland. The buildings were designed by cousins Emil and Georg Zillmann, and the glass windows of the gallery were initially called “Richthofen” and “Hulda”. In 1935, they were renamed “Wilson” after the president of the United States. After the war, the area belonged to the Wieczorek Mine.
When the glass factory closed, a team of enthusiasts began to adapt this historic building into a contemporary art gallery. The renovation was also associated with the social revitalisation of the immediate vicinity of Katowice.
“What the industry took away, culture must regain”
That was the guiding principle of establishing a gallery of contemporary art in a former mine shaft. For over ten years, the symbol of hard work, effort and mundanity has been intertwined with the world of culture, beauty and spirituality. This harmony between the cultural area and the economy is also maintained thanks to the offices of modern companies hidden between the exhibits.
The gallery has a unique collection of contemporary art – paintings, sculptures and installations. Here, guests can admire the works of Karol Wieczorek, Andrzej Urbanowicz, Marek Kamieński, Lech Kołodziejczyk, Andrzej Tobis, the Eco-Industri-Art Group, Erwin Sówka and the old Janowska Group as well as foreign artists.
Transforming the industrial face of Silesia
One of the central cyclical events organised by Galeria Szyb Wilson and the Eko-Art Silesia Foundation is the Art Naif Festival. This joyful and colourful event brings together works of artists from all over the world in one place. This extraordinary undertaking that breaks stereotypes and barriers has been attracting thousands of lovers of this art for many years.
The unique area of the venue is also available to organisers of numerous concerts, festivals, balls, performances, lectures, conferences and exhibition events. The Wilson Shaft is often chosen as a location for film shoots, music videos, artistic photo sessions, fashion shows and various events. The combination of a post-industrial interior and works of art creates an unforgettable atmosphere.
GET IN TOUCH
The Wilson Shaft Gallery
Oswobodzenia 1 Street
Katowice, Poland
T: 32 730 32 20
E: galeria@szybwilson.org
W: http://www.szybwilson.org/en
