Exhibition project in the Bochnia Salt Mine

Project 2019

"Sutoris" shaft is located in the city center. The shaft is one of the oldest in Bochnia.
The current arrangement of the shaft head "Sutoris" will be equipped with graphic elements to present the beginnings of the history of the oldest Bochnia shaft, the beginnings of the Bochnia Salt Mine and a projection showing the legend of St. Kinga's ring. The legend of St. Kinga throwing the ring into the depths of the shaft; showing the legendary beginnings of the Bochnia Salt Mine. The legend will continue on the Wernier level, where visitors will find the ring.

MAIN IDEA OF THE EXHIBITION:
The projected scientific historical route is to show the authenticity of the mine.
All designed elements serve to expose the beauty and uniqueness of the mine.
The exhibit will combine several sections such as:

ENVIRONMENT:
Highlighting the beauty of salt and the natural phenomena occurring in the mine such as water and air movement. This section requires the use of appropriate light and sound to create an atmosphere and bring out the authentic qualities of the mine. Using magnifying glasses and appropriate lighting, we can approximately see the salt creations: e.g. hair of St. Kinga, salt growths, stalactites.
The tour also features uv-light glowing halos. A corridor filled with pink and purple light will be one of the highlights of the exhibit.

KNOWLEDGE:
The tour includes facts about the history of the mine and the work of the miners.
● Some of the multimedia and interactive stations are educational.
● The large role of authentic artifacts, miners' work tools, mine cars, slider
● The theme of miners' work appears already at the Danielowiec level and continues throughout the Sobieski level; as you walk through the corridor, you will learn about the following topics: miners' work, transportation, dehydration and horses in the mine
● Emphasize authenticity by showcasing original artifacts - complementing natural salt corridors
● The largest chamber on the Wernier level designed as a salt laboratory, a place where, apart from multimedia, visitors will be able to do experiments related to salt and learn about its chemical and physical properties
● The knowledge is supplemented with a character gallery presenting the most important historical figures connected with Bochnia.
● An important element of the exhibition are the chapels of St. Joseph and Passionis showing the religiosity, beliefs and superstitions of miners

MULTIMEDIA:
● Multimedia highlights the beauty of nature and creates an appropriate mood, but does not dominate
● The effects used in the exhibition create an atmosphere of tension, e.g. the fear of flooding in the corridor
● Emotional character, they are supposed to make a big impression on visitors, break visitors out of their routine, focus their attention and keep them in suspense

LEGENDS:
The exhibition is supplemented by legends connected with the Bochnia Salt Mine. The stories are told with the use of multimedia, they introduce a "fairy tale" element to the exhibition - they are an interlude in sightseeing and break a certain monotony that may appear when walking along long corridors.

An attractive end to the tour is waiting for the electric train surrounded by already existing chapels and artifacts.

Authors studies:
PLASMA PROJECT s.c. A. Kozak, M. Pietras-Kozak
MAAG participated in the design work.