Barcelona, always full of surprises and unique cultural activities, has managed to capture the attention of more than 10,000 visitors in just under a week with an incredibly fascinating exhibition. This exhibition, dedicated to historic trains restored in honor of the metro’s centennial, is not only a journey into the past, but also a celebration of the railway history of this vibrant city.
A journey through the past of the Barcelona subway
Since last Saturday, the trains have become the star attraction on the esplanade in front of the Cultural Center La Farinera del Clot.
These carriages, which have meandered beneath the streets of Barcelona since 1924, have been meticulously restored so that the public can admire their elegance and functionality. And it’s not just a static exhibit; people can walk inside and appreciate the design and engineering of these trains that once served thousands.
Details that make a difference
TMB has thought of everything when setting up this experience.
Always concerned with providing an inclusive experience, they have added Navilens codes that allow visually impaired people to access information in 24 different languages. This not only democratizes access to information, but also emphasizes the organization’s commitment to inclusiveness and innovation.
The laborious restoration of a historic jewel
The trains that visitors can admire today have undergone a meticulous restoration process that began in 2024. The approval of the project by the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage of the Generalitat highlights the cultural and historical importance of these trains.
It was no easy task: thorough cleaning, repair of damaged structures, restoration of lighting and, not least, asbestos removal. All at a total cost of 2.1 million euros. But the result has been worth every penny; the trains now look as they did the day they left service.
A space steeped in history
The choice of location for this exhibition is not accidental. The esplanade in front of the La Farinera del Clot Cultural Center, formerly occupied by works in Plaça de les Glòries, has a rich railway past. Visitors are confronted not only with historic trains, but also with a place that was once the center of railway activity in Barcelona.
The old train tracks and workshops of the Tarragona, Barcelona and France Railway Company, which once populated this area, now serve as the historical backdrop to this exhibition. This link to the past is reinforced by the newly constructed bases supporting the trains, a perfect fusion of history and modernity.
An attraction not to be missed
For those who have not yet experienced the exhibition, there is time until January 10. Doors are open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and on weekends from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, with admission completely free. They are only closed on Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
This exhibition is more than just a display of vintage trains; it is an opportunity to reflect on the impact of public transportation on urban life and to celebrate the technical and cultural achievements that these trains have contributed over the course of a century.
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