Jelenia Góra Energy Museum

The Jelenia Góra Energy Museum in Szklarska Poręba, housed in a historic building of an old water power plant from 1900, is an attractive destination for tourists and enthusiasts of history and technology. The facility was originally built for a roofing felt and cardboard factory, established in 1872 by Otto Opitz, and after World War II, it was transformed into a museum on the initiative of engineer Ludwik Szczepaniak, who long served as the curator of the institution. The museum opened on May 15, 1975, and to this day, it collects around 600 exhibits related to the history of energy. Among them are important devices such as electricity meters, transformers, a power generator from 1912, and uniforms of energy sector workers. A particular attraction is the opportunity to observe a working hydroelectric power plant from 1922, equipped with Francis turbines, making the museum not only an educational site but also a showcase of functioning technology. The museum is located in the Kamienna Valley, near popular hiking trails and winter sports facilities, which further enhances its tourist appeal. It is open on selected weekend days during the summer, and admission is free. Interestingly, the old water power plant was converted into a museum while retaining its energy function, highlighting both its historical and contemporary value.