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The Great World of Technology in Ostrava introduces visitors to the world of chemistry, physics, biology, and many other scientific disciplines! Located in the post-industrial Dolní Vítkovice complex, this site left a great impression on us, and I guarantee that both children and adults will have fun here!
Location and access
The Great World of Technology is situated in the southern part of Ostrava, within the historic industrial complex Dolní oblast Vítkovice (DOV). The area is well connected to the city center and major transport hubs. From Ostrava’s main train station, you can take tram lines 1, 2, or 10 – get off at the “Důl Hlubina” or “Vítkovice – Dolní oblast” stop.
Getting there by car is just as easy – it’s a 10-minute drive from central Ostrava, and free parking is available on site. The proximity to the D1 motorway makes DOV easily accessible for visitors coming from Poland – the drive from Katowice or Cieszyn takes about an hour. Remember, you don’t need a motorway vignette to reach Ostrava, as this part of the D1 is toll-free.
Tickets and opening hours
The Great World of Technology is open all year round, except on a few public holidays. Current opening hours (as of 2025):
Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Mondays: Closed (except for select holidays and during summer seasons)
Ticket prices:
- Regular ticket: 290 CZK
- Discounted ticket (children, students, seniors): 230 CZK
- Children under 6: Free entry
- Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): 850 CZK (2+3: 980 CZK)
Combo tickets are also available, allowing access to other attractions within the DOV complex, such as the Small World of Technology U6, housed in a historic power plant hall. Tickets can be purchased on the DOV website.
What’s Inside the Great World of Technology?
The Great World of Technology is a modern science and education center housed in the revitalized industrial site of Dolní Vítkovice. With 14,000 m² of space, it offers interactive exhibits that blend education with fun. The center is designed for visitors of all ages.
Permanent Exhibits
- Children’s World – a space designed for the youngest visitors, where they can explore the basics of science and technology through play.
- World of Science and Discovery – interactive stations that help explain the principles of physics, chemistry, and other hard sciences in an accessible way.
- World of Civilization – an exhibition focused on the development of societies, technology, and human impact on the environment, with emphasis on current challenges like decarbonization and the circular economy.
- World of Nature – the largest exhibition, occupying an entire floor and an adjacent garden, showcasing biodiversity and natural environmental processes.
- 3D Cinema – a modern cinema with an 18 x 10 meter screen, offering educational and documentary films. We watched a film about Tyrannosaurs, which our youngest dinosaur fan absolutely loved!
The Great World of Technology also hosts many interesting events and temporary exhibitions. During our visit, these included:
- ZooM – An interactive exhibit enhancing critical thinking and media literacy by showing how easily visual information can be manipulated.
- Living Normally – An educational program that allows visitors to experience the everyday challenges of people with disabilities, fostering empathy and understanding through interactive activities.
- Formula Student Ostrava – An exhibition showcasing achievements of students from the Mechanical Engineering Faculty of VŠB-TUO, including a racing simulator and a segment of the Vector 04 car used in international competitions.
Is It Worth Visiting the Great World of Technology?
Absolutely! The Great World of Technology in Ostrava is a fantastic destination for a day trip, a school excursion, or a family outing. It successfully combines entertainment and science in a way that actively engages visitors. It’s a chance to touch science, understand how the world works, and – most importantly – have a great time.
If you’re planning a trip to Ostrava or already in town, make sure to reserve a few hours for this unique attraction. It’s an investment in curiosity and knowledge that you won’t regret.
Dolní Vítkovice and the Small World of Technology
The Dolní oblast Vítkovice (DOV) complex is one of the most fascinating post-industrial areas in Central Europe. For decades, it was home to a major ironworks and coal mine. Today, it’s a center for culture, science, and education. The entire complex is listed as a Czech cultural heritage site and is open to visitors interested in the region’s industrial past.
At the heart of DOV is the Great World of Technology – a modern building designed by renowned architect Josef Pleskot. It contrasts beautifully with the raw, industrial architecture of the surrounding buildings, symbolically connecting the past with the future.
Also worth mentioning is the Small World of Technology U6, located in a neighboring building – the former power plant workshop. U6 is an exhibition inspired by the works of Jules Verne and his vision of future technology. It features steam engines, ship models, trains, early combustion engines, and interactive stations related to energy, transport, and 19th-century inventions.
Other attractions within the DOV complex include:
- Bolt Tower – a panoramic viewing tower atop a blast furnace, with a café and a view over Ostrava
- Gong Hall – a repurposed gas holder turned into a modern concert and conference hall
- Technical Tour of the Ironworks – a guided tour through the former ironworks, where you can see the blast furnaces and learn about the steel production process
