At the mouth of the Kościeliska Valley there is a place that takes you back millions of years in time. The Tatra Archive of Planet Earth (TAPZ) is a modern educational center of the Tatra National Park, hidden underground and perfectly integrated into the landscape of Podhale. It is an attraction that delights both adults and children – because instead of a traditional exhibition, there is an interactive story about the formation of the Tatras and the life that developed in this part of the world.
The tour lasts about an hour and takes you through seven multimedia thematic rooms. Each of them gradually shows a different aspect of the history of the Tatras:
- Mountain formation – exhibitions explaining the forces of nature: water, pressure, and temperature.
- Encounter with prehistory – life-sized dinosaur and cave bear make a huge impression.
- Modern narration – an interactive guide that leads visitors to the last room, where there is an encouragement to embark on a trail and explore the Tatras in person.
TAPZ is located at the mouth of the Kościeliska Valley. The address is Dolina Kościeliska 3, Kiry, Kościelisko 34-511
Opening hours:
From June 1 to August 31, Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
(first entry at 8:10 AM and last entry at 4:40 PM)
From September 1 to May 31, Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
(first entry at 9:10 AM and last entry at 3:40 PM)
The exhibition tour takes place only in groups. Entries possible approximately every 30 minutes, the tour lasts about 60 minutes.
Attention: TAPZ is closed every Monday and on holidays.
TAPZ does not have parking for visitors, but there are private parking lots at the valley entrance that can be used.