Tarnobrzeg Sulphur Basin

TARNOBRZEG SULPHUR BASIN – is an exhibition presenting the sulphur mines and processing plants operating in the second half of the 20th century – both open-pit mines in Piaseczno and Machów, and borehole mines (also called underground sulphur smelting mines) in Grzybów, Jeziórko, Baszń, Machów and Osiek.

The exhibition opens with a tribute to Prof. Stanisław Pawłowski, the discoverer of the sulphur deposits, with probe samples (drill rods) from the open pits, as well as numerous striking specimens of native sulphur, including its crystalline forms. Against a backdrop of enlarged photographs of the giant excavators used in open-pit mines, two dioramas recall the open-pit sulphur mine in Machów – one showing the extent of the Machów-Baranów deposit, the other a panorama of the open-pit mine with models of various types of excavators, conveyor belts, etc. This part of the exhibition is complemented by enlarged archival photographs from the open-pit sulphur mines in Piaseczno and Machów and the processing plants associated with them.

Also on display are models of machinery and equipment, excavator diagrams, numerous original information and warning signs from the mine site, mining telephones, work clothing, protective helmets, lamps that lit the largest excavators, and pure sulphur, refined and processed, produced in various forms (ground, crushed, granulated, pelletised, etc.).

The second part of the exhibition is devoted to borehole mines (underground sulphur smelting). It features an original extraction siphon, as well as a cross-section of the mining field and a typical extraction borehole. Numerous samples of sulphur smelted alongside models of rail tank cars adapted for transporting liquid sulphur, together with a model and photographs of ships carrying sulphur, illustrate the export of Polish sulphur to several dozen countries around the world. A special wheel displays various products that require sulphur in their manufacture – from building and explosive materials to household chemicals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, dyes, laundry powder, and more. The exhibition is complemented by a diorama and production diagram of the largest Polish borehole sulphur mine, which operated in Jeziórko from 1972 to 2001.

The next part of the exhibition, devoted to mine rescue services, presents suits and breathing apparatus unique on a national scale, as well as other equipment in their possession.

The section devoted to modern sulphur mining concludes with a segment featuring mining uniforms, banners, swords, decorations, and beer mugs from the mining taverns and beer feasts of “Siarkopol”. Of particular note are the first chronicles of the sulphur mine’s construction, commemorative medals issued by the mint, and medals cast from sulphur. This part ends with a model of the castle in Baranów Sandomierski, known as the “Little Wawel”, restored and for many years exemplarily maintained by the sulphur combine, an unsurpassed model of industrial patronage of a high-class monument.