Hydropolis
Dolnośląskie
Hydropolis, located in Wrocław, Poland, is a one-of-a-kind ecological education center focused on water. It is housed in a historic 19th-century neo-Gothic underground water reservoir that spans 4600 square meters and was originally built as a clean water tank. The building itself is a registered monument since 2002 and was revitalized from 2011 to 2015 to serve as an interactive museum. The center offers modern exhibitions combining education with innovative presentation methods, exploring various aspects of water including its role in nature, technology, and human culture. Visitors can experience interactive displays such as a replica of the Trieste bathyscaphe, a snowstorm simulator, and a water vapor flame attraction that is safe and visually striking. The architecture preserves the original brick walls and vaulted ceilings, covered externally with layers of clay and earth, blending historical industrial heritage with modern design. Hydropolis is accessible to people with disabilities and serves as a major educational and tourist attraction in Wrocław, highlighting the importance of water for life and the environment.
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Tip: Visit Hydropolis during weekdays or in the morning hours to avoid crowds, as tickets can sell out quickly. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during holiday seasons or weekends. The center offers discounts for groups, students, and seniors. The best time to visit is spring through autumn when the outdoor water curtain installation is active. Accessibility features ensure comfortable visits for people with disabilities.
Interesting facts
- •Hydropolis is one of the few centers of its kind worldwide, uniquely combining ecological education with modern exhibition techniques.
- •The underground reservoir was originally designed as a covered water filter, a rarity compared to the typical open filters of the time.
- •Visitors can explore a faithful replica of the Trieste bathyscaphe, which descended to the deepest part of the ocean, the Challenger Deep, in 1960.
- •The building's thick brick walls, up to 126 cm, and earth layers up to 160 cm provide natural insulation and preserve the historic structure.
- •Hydropolis has been awarded the Crystal of Tourism in the category of tourist attraction, recognizing its educational and cultural value.
History
The building housing Hydropolis was originally constructed between 1890 and 1892 as a covered water filtration reservoir (Filter No.
V) for Wrocław's waterworks, replacing earlier open sand and gravel filters.
It served as the main clean water reservoir for the city, capable of holding 12 million liters of water.
Despite damage during World War II and the 1997 flood that submerged the tank, it continued functioning until 2011.
After being decommissioned, the reservoir was listed as a historic monument and underwent extensive renovations to transform it into the Hydropolis ecological education center, which opened in December 2015.
Place Guide
Trieste Bathyscaphe Replica1960
A life-sized replica of the bathyscaphe Trieste, the submersible that reached the Challenger Deep, the deepest known point in the ocean, allowing visitors to imagine the experience of descending 11 kilometers underwater.
Snowstorm Simulator
An immersive exhibit simulating a snow blizzard under controlled conditions, offering a magical and surreal experience of a snowstorm's power and beauty without the cold or danger.
Water Vapor Flame Attraction
A unique interactive display where visitors can see water vapor transform into flames that are safe to touch and photograph, delighting both children and adults.
Water Curtain Entrance
During spring and summer, visitors enter through a curtain of water patterns and inscriptions created by a water printer, enabling them to pass through dry despite the water display.
Contact
Phone: 71 340 95 15
