The attraction I feel towards abandoned or old industrial structures is hard to explain. If reincarnation existed, I would be absolutely certain that in a past life, my years were closely tied to one of these structures. Perhaps it was a textile mill, a steelworks, or maybe I spent countless hours assembling a Ford Model T. What I do know is that any of these constructions instantly spark fascination and leave me completely mesmerized.
The image I’m sharing today perfectly fits the type of structure that fascinates me the most. Nowadays, this old factory has been converted into a museum located in Ponferrada, called La Fábrica de Luz. It features several areas dedicated to coal storage, the thermal plant’s furnaces, and the electricity-producing turbines. The care and attention given to transforming it into a museum earned it the Europa Nostra Award in 2012, and I’m not surprised, the work done here is exceptional. The installation has been meticulously restored, including an incredible steam locomotive that reproduces authentic sounds and emits smoke just as it originally did. The brick structures are flawless, and the ambient lighting masterfully recreates the atmosphere of another era. Even the sound design is absolutely spectacular, the noise of the boilers resonates deeply.
Moreover, this audiovisual experience is thoroughly documented with testimonies from individuals who worked at the power plant. Interactive videos activate as you approach, offering simple yet personal explanations based on the workers’ own experiences. In my opinion, the museum is absolutely impeccable.
To top it off, the day I visited, the museum was entirely empty, giving me the chance to explore its rooms without distraction. I admit that was a relief, as I spent most of the visit open-mouthed with an astonished expression. By now, I probably don’t need to clarify that I highly recommend visiting, but just in case anyone missed my subtle hints: yes, you absolutely cannot miss it.
