The exhibition of history of Várpalota's coal mining opened in Thury Castle, Várpalota, on the 100th anniversary of starting coal mining in 1976.

The annexe, where the exhibition takes place and the exhibition itself was reconstructed and done by Várpalota Coal Mines Company. The exhibition is on 275 m2 and comprises four rooms. The exhibition was supported by the coal mine company and of its assign and was the part of these until 03. 31. 1994. Because of closing down Veszprém Coal Mines Company the museum is operated by the Central Museum of Mining Foundation as a branch of the Central Museum of Mining from 04. 01. 1994. Thury Castle containing the rooms of the exhibition is on the Main Square of Várpalota.

The castle, which is becoming more and more beautiful because of the continuous reconstructions, was voted as the part of the "National Heritage" in 1990. The Hungarian Chemical Museum is located also in the Castle, and is as well the administrant of the Castle. Originally late gothic castle was built between 1440 and 1480 and had four towers on its corners, then some parts of it was reconstructed in renaissance, baroque, classicistic. The remains of the exterior works are visible around the building. Thury György, constable defended the castle against the attacks of Turks in 1566.

The exhibition shows the history of the local coal mining under the name of "History of Várpalota's Coal Mining".