today close
today close
We have officially opened the Modena Chamber – a space where one of the most important achievements of historical mining technology, the Polish treadmill, is presented in a unique way. The ceremony brought together more than 150 guests and provided an opportunity to showcase the results of the completed works, as well as the new form of exhibition of this remarkable technical monument.
The Polish treadmill, introduced to the mine in the mid-15th century by mining administrator Mikołaj Serafin, marked a breakthrough in salt extraction. By harnessing the power of horses, it became possible to lift loads weighing up to 2 tons, significantly increasing efficiency and contributing to the development of the mine.
To this day, original wooden mining machines have been preserved, which—thanks to the conserving properties of salt—have survived for centuries. Among them is the Polish treadmill, most likely the oldest preserved device of this type in the world. This monumental structure, measuring 16 meters in length, 9 meters in height, and weighing approximately 18 tons, stands as a testament to the sophistication of early engineering thought and forms a foundation of the mine’s development.
The new version of the Modena Chamber offers a completely fresh perspective on this extraordinary machine. A multimedia mapping inspired by archival engravings presents the operation of the treadmill and the everyday life of people and horses underground, while new lighting emphasizes the scale of the structure and reveals the details of the exhibition.
As part of the ceremony, an official segment was held with the participation of the Museum Director, Jan Godłowski, his Deputy, Zbigniew Jawień, as well as the creators of the mapping: Jacek Złoczowski, Aleksandra Rodobolska-Dudek, and Mariusz Czarnecki. The event was hosted by Agnieszka Prytek. The second part of the event was an expert panel titled: “The Polish Treadmill: The Wooden Giant that Revolutionized the Wieliczka Mine”. The discussion featured Marek Skubisz, Szymon Pawlikowski, and Rafał Zadak – heads of the Museum’s research departments.
To this day, original wooden mining machines have been preserved, which—thanks to the conserving properties of salt—have survived for centuries. Among them is the Polish treadmill, most likely the oldest preserved device of this type in the world. This monumental structure, measuring 16 meters in length, 9 meters in height, and weighing approximately 18 tons, stands as a testament to the sophistication of early engineering thought and forms a foundation of the mine’s development.
The new version of the Modena Chamber offers a completely fresh perspective on this extraordinary machine. A multimedia mapping inspired by archival engravings presents the operation of the treadmill and the everyday life of people and horses underground, while new lighting emphasizes the scale of the structure and reveals the details of the exhibition.
As part of the ceremony, an official segment was held with the participation of the Museum Director, Jan Godłowski, his Deputy, Zbigniew Jawień, as well as the creators of the mapping: Jacek Złoczowski, Aleksandra Rodobolska-Dudek, and Mariusz Czarnecki. The event was hosted by Agnieszka Prytek. The second part of the event was an expert panel titled: “The Polish Treadmill: The Wooden Giant that Revolutionized the Wieliczka Mine”. The discussion featured Marek Skubisz, Szymon Pawlikowski, and Rafał Zadak – heads of the Museum’s research departments.