Ambiguous role of post-industrial ruins in the cultural landscape of Poland

The paper deals with the issues related to protection of industrial heritage. Authors focused on the problem of derelict industrial objects in the state of disrepair, which might be considered as historic ruins. The discussed subject was settled in the historical and socio-cultural context. The importance of perception and identity was underlined as crucial factors for successful heritage protection, including former industrial sites. This is followed by the critical analysis of selected cases of ruined factories. Various approaches to the post-industrial ruins ware identified. The location type as well as local society approach to the industrial pasts were identified as the most important aspects determining adopted heritage protection scenarios. The role of contemporary pop- and digital cultures was also identified in respect of experience authenticity.