The Gasworks Museum in Paczków

The Paczków Gasworks, built between 1898 and 1901, began supplying gas to the city on December 31, 1901, and continued to develop its infrastructure over the following years. Initially, gas was primarily used for street lighting, as well as for powering water pumps and cooking. In the 1930s, the number of household customers grew to 700. After World War II, the gasworks quickly resumed operations, and in the 1950s and 1960s, it underwent modernization, significantly increasing its customer base. In 1977, coke production was discontinued, and the facility was transformed into a museum. The Museum of Gas Engineering in Paczków, opened on November 23, 1991, is a unique site in Poland that has preserved original equipment for the production of town gas. The museum exhibitions showcase old gas technologies and industrial architecture, featuring over 3,000 exhibits, including the largest collection of domestic gas meters in Europe, numbering 600 pieces. The museum also serves cultural functions, organizing exhibitions, concerts, and outdoor performances, while its modern conference facilities enable the hosting of training sessions and events. Gas lamps illuminate the grounds, giving the museum an authentic atmosphere from 100 years ago and creating a unique blend of history, culture, and education.