In the heart of Granollers, a vibrant city in the Vallès Oriental region of Catalonia, lies the Roca Umbert Fàbrica de les Arts, a cultural beacon that has transformed the city's artistic landscape. This sprawling complex, once a bustling textile factory, now serves as a dynamic hub for creativity, innovation, and community engagement. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or someone looking to explore the cultural pulse of Granollers, Roca Umbert offers an experience that is both enriching and inspiring.
The story of Roca Umbert begins in 1871 when Josep Umbert i Ventura founded the original factory in Sant Feliu de Codines. The factory quickly expanded, and by 1904, it had relocated to Granollers, where it became a significant player in the textile industry. Specializing in the production of pisanes, colorful fabrics used for women's and children's clothing, the factory thrived through the early 20th century.
However, the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1936 brought turmoil. The factory was seized by workers and renamed Espartacus, only to suffer severe damage from a fire in 1939. After the war, the original owners regained control and worked diligently to restore its former glory. The 1950s saw the construction of the Tèrmica, a facility that ensured the factory's energy independence, allowing it to modernize and flourish once more.
Despite its successes, the factory faced challenges in the following decades. By 1991, the factory had closed its doors, marking the end of an era. In 1993, the Granollers City Council acquired the site, setting the stage for its transformation into a cultural landmark.
In 2002, the city embarked on an ambitious project to revitalize the old factory. The vision was to create a space where culture, art, and technology could coexist and thrive. The first step was the establishment of an educational workshop, the Centre Tecnològic i Universitari. This marked the beginning of Roca Umbert's new chapter as a cultural epicenter.
The project gained momentum with the opening of the Biblioteca in 2005, followed by la Troca, the Centre of Popular and Traditional Culture of Granollers, in 2006. These spaces provided the community with access to knowledge, traditions, and the arts, fostering a spirit of creativity and learning.
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Today, Roca Umbert Fàbrica de les Arts is a tapestry of diverse spaces, each dedicated to a different aspect of cultural expression. The Espai d'Arts, inaugurated in 2008, is a cornerstone of contemporary artistic production. It houses the Sala Zero, a 140 m² exhibition space, and the Miranda, a versatile room for various events. Artists can also take advantage of ten production workshops, supporting the development of creative projects.
The Centre Audiovisual, opened in 2009, is a state-of-the-art facility offering resources and services to the audiovisual sector. With nearly 3,000 square meters of technologically equipped space, it serves as a vital resource for both public and private enterprises in the industry.
Music enthusiasts will find a haven in the Nau B1, a venue for musical performances that also supports emerging artists. This space provides a platform for young musicians to hone their craft and gain exposure. Additionally, it offers training and support activities for musicians, sound technicians, and music educators.
A visit to Roca Umbert would be incomplete without exploring the Tèrmica. This space serves as an interpretation center, showcasing the evolution of industry in Catalonia and its social impact. Through immersive visits, guests can delve into the region's industrial past and gain insights into the workings of energy production.
Roca Umbert Fàbrica de les Arts is more than just a cultural center; it is a living testament to Granollers' resilience and adaptability. By preserving its industrial heritage while embracing modern artistic endeavors, Roca Umbert stands as a symbol of transformation and renewal. It continues to be a place where history and innovation meet, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the past, present, and future of Granollers.
Whether you're attending an art exhibition, participating in a workshop, or simply wandering through its historic corridors, Roca Umbert invites you to be part of its ongoing story. It's a place where creativity knows no bounds, and every visit promises a new discovery.
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