Modern shopping centres are increasingly becoming more than just places to shop. They are also spaces where local communities can pursue their interests, expand their knowledge and spend time together. Gemini Park Tarnów has consistently embraced this approach, with its latest example being the “Kolejka na Kasprowy” exhibition, open to visitors since 10 October. The project brings the heritage of the Polish Tatra Mountains closer to the public, combining history and engineering with nature, art and educational entertainment for the whole family.

– I have been connected to the Tatra Mountains since childhood. But Kasprowy Wierch holds a particularly special place in my heart, as it was where I trained as a skier in my youth. It is a sacred mountain for many skiers, Tatra mountain guides and travellers. For the past 18 years, we have organised an annual gathering of the Podhale community there, accompanied by a Mass. This “Gathering of Friends on Kasprowy Wierch” is an opportunity to build a sense of community and strengthen the bonds between people, especially in difficult times. It is also worth discovering the 90-year history of the cable car itself, and particularly the extraordinary people who have built a unique community around it and Kasprowy Wierch. I am delighted that this exhibition gives us the opportunity to share these stories and bring them to life for visitors to the shopping centre – says Rafał Sonik, CEO of Gemini Holding.

An Engaging Format

The centrepiece of the exhibition is a restored cabin from the Kasprowy Wierch Cable Car, displayed alongside archival materials, memorabilia and technical components, including a section of the original cable. The exhibition is complemented by stories about the Tatra Mountains and Podhale culture, works of art and mountain photography, creating a multifaceted narrative about the region’s heritage and the “sacred mountain” of skiers.

Visitors can not only learn about history but also actively explore it through play. One of the attractions available throughout the exhibition is a family treasure hunt called “Poszukiwacze Górskich Wyzwań” (Mountain Challenge Seekers). An additional incentive is the prize awaiting the winner: a family weekend in Zakopane, including a cable car ride to the summit of Kasprowy Wierch.

On the opening day, the exhibition was accompanied by a programme of workshops and interactive activities attended by approximately 600 people. Guests had the opportunity to experience a VR zone featuring a virtual ski slope and participate in creative workshops entitled “Budujemy kolejkę” (Building a Cable Car) and “Retro Bilety” (Retro Tickets).

– We want the events organised at Gemini Park Tarnów to stand out for their originality and go beyond conventional activities. We often draw inspiration from the region’s heritage and its unique cultural achievements. “Kolejka na Kasprowy” is a perfect example of this approach, combining history, art and education with attractions that engage entire families. Another important aspect of our projects is collaboration with partners who contribute their knowledge and experience. This enables us to develop initiatives with substantial educational and cultural value that not only attract local residents but also strengthen the recognition of Gemini Park Tarnów as a place where exceptional and meaningful experiences for the local community regularly take place – says Joanna Rzepecka-Zienko, Marketing Director at Gemini Park Tarnów.

Expert Knowledge and Collaboration Across Different Sectors

Preparing the exhibition required the involvement of numerous organisations and individuals representing different fields of expertise. The project was developed under the patronage of Polskie Koleje Linowe (PKL), with expert consultations involving specialists associated with institutions including PZL Mielec, Tatra National Park, the Tatra Museum, the Clean Poland Association and the Museum of Engineering and Technology in Kraków. The project was also carried out under the supervision of heritage conservation specialists.

– The cabin on display, which comes from our affectionately named “grandmother cable car”, so called because of its age, is truly one of a kind. The original cable car system was replaced with new cabins following a comprehensive modernisation in 2007. However, it had already completed 70 years of continuous service, and it was thanks to this cable car that Kasprowy Wierch became a mountain accessible not only to the most dedicated mountain hikers but to people from all across Poland. We are therefore particularly proud that this exhibition allows people from outside the Podhale region to discover its remarkable history – says Marian Szewczyk, Technical and Operations Director at PKL.

Tenants of the shopping centre, including Castorama, Reporter and Prezent Marzeń, also contributed to the project. The event received media patronage from “Gazeta Krakowska”.

The official opening brought together representatives of the business community, partner institutions and organisations associated with the culture and history of the Tatra Mountains, highlighting the collaborative nature of the initiative.

The exhibition is open to visitors at Gemini Park Tarnów until 20 November.