Hydropolis is a place where multimedia technologies, interactive installations, faithful replicas and models, and information-rich touchscreens serve one purpose: to show water from different, fascinating perspectives. In one of the 9 thematic zones, you can, among other things, watch a film on a 360-degree panoramic screen, enter the legendary Trieste bathyscaphe – the first manned ship to reach the deepest place on the planet – or test the operation of ancient water inventions yourself. Hydropolis – the Center for Environmental Education has only been in operation since December 5, 2015, but has already been visited by more than half a million visitors! Dynamically developing its offer, it has managed to develop a reputation as one of the most interesting science centers in Poland and has been recognized by independent expert groups – the Lower Silesia Key of Success for the best educational initiative and the title of Wonder of Poland 2016 in the National Geographic poll are just some of the titles won by Hydropolis in its first months of operation. In addition, Hydropolis has also gained two prestigious Ambassadors – Don Walsh and Ryszard Horowitz. The former is a prominent oceanographer and the first man to reach the deepest place on Earth, while Horowitz is a world-renowned Polish photographer.

Workshop offerings

Education is an important branch of Hydropolis’ activities. The center offers a number of activities adapted to the age of students. Workshops implement selected topics of the current core curriculum. One of the associates of Hydropolis is Joanna Urbanska, Teacher of the Year 2016 in Poland. She is the author of one of the didactic scenarios created exclusively for the center.

The full educational offer includes 9 workshop activities (from preschool groups to high schools), 3 thematic tour paths (historical, ecological and geographical) and 2 types of project activities. In addition, a guided tour of the exhibition is also on offer.

A monument that has been given new life

Hydropolis is also a unique example of the revitalization of a post-industrial facility. The exhibition devoted to water is housed in a historic underground pure water reservoir – the structure was built in 1893 and is one of the monuments of Wroclaw’s water supply architecture.
The interior of the reservoir consisted of four chambers, which for the exhibition function were connected by creating passages in the walls. An important element of Hydropolis is the exhibition entrance area added to the tank on the south side. Its copper facade harmonizes with the historic brick exterior of the historic building.

Full list of awards and prizes:

– Copper in Architecture Awards 2017 Audience Award;

– The Wonder of Poland 2016 National Geographic Traveler;

– Honorable mention in the Beautiful Wroclaw competition in the category. Modernization of a historical object;

– Honorable mention in the competition Zabytek Zadbany of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage;

– Lower Silesia Key of Success for the best educational initiative;

– An honorable mention from the prestigious online magazine Merit Award for the water curtain;

– Honorable mention in the Best Places Wroclaw 2016 competition of the Local Life guide;

– 2017 quality certificate from Tripadvisor;

– The title of the best attraction for children 2018 according to the portal dzieckowpodrozy.pl;

– The best event venue of 2017 in the Uniqe MP Power Awards category;

Actively

For your health

Heritage

Out in nature

Gallery