Barcelona City Council has started a €2.3 million project to restore the Umbracle, a historic shade house in Ciutadella Park. The work began this week, aiming to return the 1883 building to its original appearance.
The restoration will take approximately one year to complete, according to the Ajuntament. This initiative forms part of the larger Ciutadella del Coneixement (Citadel of Knowledge) project. This wider plan involves a €433 million investment to create a science and innovation hub around the park.
The City Council states the updated Umbracle will become "a scientific dissemination space open to citizens." This will offer new educational opportunities for Barcelona residents and visitors. The Umbracle is a significant landmark within Ciutadella Park, a major green space in the city centre.
Restoring a Historic Structure
Architect Josep Fontseré designed the Umbracle, which opened in 1883. It is catalogued as a local cultural heritage asset. The building houses plants from across the globe, offering a unique botanical experience.
The restoration work focuses on several key areas. Crews will restore the facades and their perimeters, along with the building's access points and interior paths. They will also review the structural and roof elements. This ensures the long-term preservation of the historical structure.
Enhancements and Accessibility
Additionally, the project includes improvements to the interior furniture, paving, drainage, and signage. Outside, workers will recover wooden pieces from the main facades and iron grilles from the secondary facades. Maintenance tasks on other heritage elements are also planned.
The works will ensure the space meets current safety, accessibility, and fire protection requirements. The City Council also plans to improve the irrigation system. Officials guarantee that all work will respect the unique plants and trees within the Umbracle. This careful approach protects the park's biodiversity.
Ciutadella del Coneixement Vision
The Umbracle restoration aligns with the broader vision for the Ciutadella del Coneixement. This ambitious project aims to transform the park area into a leading scientific and innovation centre. It will bring new research facilities and public engagement spaces to Barcelona.
Once finished, the restored Umbracle will offer a revitalised green space. It will also serve as a new public venue for scientific engagement within Barcelona's central park. This contributes to the city's cultural and educational offerings.
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Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.
