Information about Silesia at your fingertips – the opening of the Upper Silesia Pantheon in Katowice

On June 19, the opening ceremony of the Upper Silesia Pantheon took place in Katowice. One of the main Pantheon’s goals is to commemorate people of merit for the Polishness of the Upper Silesia region, with particular emphasis on creators, artists, scientists, politicians, soldiers and people of the Church. The new cultural institution is to conduct cultural, scientific and educational activities in the field of the history of Upper Silesia after the end of World War I.

The establishment of the Upper Silesian Pantheon and its activities are aimed at restoring and introducing an objective and reliable historical facts, taking into account the figures that are important for Upper Silesia.

The Pantheon built into the underground of the cathedral in Katowice aims to socialize the building by adding educational and upbringing values to the institution. It is also about increasing the attractiveness and diversity of access to the culture and history of Upper Silesia, as well as the tourist attractiveness of Katowice and the region, and also enabling the inhabitants of the city and the surrounding area to spend their free time in an interesting way, increasing the level of knowledge of residents about the history and famous people of the region.

“It is like an open encyclopedia of Silesia”, said Minister of Culture and National Heritage Piotr Gliński, during the opening ceremony of the Upper Silesian Pantheon.

The exhibition is divided into five groups. The first presents outstanding figures related to culture, science, art, and sport. The next part introduces the characters related to Silesia. The participants of the Silesian Uprisings are particularly highlighted. The third group is devoted to social activists, local government officials and politicians. When it comes to the fourth part, it is the zone of heroes and victims of World War II and communist totalitarianism. Last but not least, the fifth part of the exhibition tells about the people of the Church connected with Upper Silesia: priests, monks, nuns, saints and blesseds.