Julia Glassworks is a museum of a workshop of exquisite glassware from the late 19th century, located in Piechowice. Until the end of the 20th century, the plant was famous for the highest quality glass products. In its heyday, they were distributed to wealthy families both in Europe and in the United States.
An inseparable element of this place and its history is a direct connection with the Josephine steelworks from Szklarska Poręba. Built in 1866 Julia Glassworks in Piechowice, initially specialized in the processing of glass parts of chandeliers or in the production of crystal mirrors. In this way, the Friedrich Wilhelm Heckert Steelworks in Piechowice became a huge competition for the Josephine Steelworks in Szklarska Poręba. The latter operated in the Karkonosze Mountains from 1851. This plant was famous for the highest artistic quality of its products, known in Europe and the United States, and innovative glass techniques.
In 1923, the steelworks ceased to compete with each other and merged into one entity, since then known as the Josephine Steelworks. From that moment on, together they had no competition in the glass products market. After the war, in 1958, in order to make its history more Polish, the Huta was renamed "Julia". In the 90s. Julia Glassworks is taken over by an American company, which ultimately leads to the bankruptcy of the plant in 1999. In 2006, the glassworks found a new owner who resumed its operations.
Julia Glassworks - information for tourists
Julia Glassworks it is open to the public from Monday to Sunday from 9:30 to 17:00. Visitors are admitted every half hour. Sightseeing takes place in groups led by guides. During the tour, you can learn about one of three glass forming methods: blowing, pressing or slow-forming.
Entrance tickets to Julia Glassworks it costs PLN 27 - a normal ticket and PLN 19 - tickets for children aged 3-15. For children under 3 years of age, admission is free. It is also worth taking part in the activities carried out in the area Julia Glassworks workshops, such as: glass engraving, painting on glass or "the world of beads" for PLN 40 - a child and PLN 65 - a parent with a child.