Roca Umbert Arts factory: the Creative Enginy of Granollers
Immersive Visit: "Protagonists of Technology" at the Thermal Power Plant + Tour of Selected Artistic Production Spaces
PRICE: 143 €
NUMBER OF VISITANTS PER GROUP: Maximum 25. If there are more, additional groups will be required.
LANGUAGES: Guided tours available in Catalan, Spanish, English, and French.
DURATION:The activity is planned to last the whole day. The guided session lasts 2 hours.
We will commence with an immersive visit to the Thermal Power Plant, delving into the pivotal technological advancements that have shaped the evolution of energy. From humanity’s earliest efforts to harness fire to the groundbreaking innovations that led to the development of steam engines, this journey will highlight the transformative power of energy. We will examine how steam, generated from high-pressure water, revolutionized industry, driving profound social and economic changes that have left a lasting impact on our world. This space also pays tribute to the visionary figures whose expertise and ingenuity played a crucial role in this technological evolution.
Following this, we will explore the rest of the former industrial complex, which, since 2005, has been repurposed into a distinguished hub for artistic creation: Roca Umbert Fàbrica de les Arts. Dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation, this center serves as a dynamic platform for artistic training and interdisciplinary exchange across the visual, performing, and musical arts. During the visit, we will be introduced to three key facilities that actively support contemporary artistic expression and production.
- Centre d’Arts en Moviment: A space dedicated to the performing arts, where artists refine their choreographies and stage productions.
- Espai d’Arts: An area devoted to the creation and exhibition of visual artworks, where imagination takes shape through a variety of techniques and materials.
- Bucs d’Assaig Musical: Rehearsal rooms where musicians practice and perfect their compositions, preparing for upcoming performances.
This tour offers visitors the opportunity not only to explore the spaces where these creative processes unfold but also to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between the factory’s industrial past and its present role as a cultural hub. Guests will witness firsthand how Roca Umbert’s legacy continues to resonate in contemporary artistic production, with spaces that continuously evolve to meet the needs of creators.
This is a unique opportunity to discover both the key figures of the factory’s industrial past and the contemporary artists who keep its history alive, seamlessly blending tradition and innovation within the same space.
The accessible spaces may vary depending on the ongoing creative processes of the artists.
After a morning of discoveries, participants will have free time for lunch, with the option to consult a list of restaurants at visitgranollers.com.
In the afternoon, the visit is complemented by a self-guided tour, allowing participants to explore the various activities available in the city.
SCHEDULE
If you are arriving by coach, drop-off is available at Roca Umbert Fàbrica de les Arts, entering via C. Lluís Companys 1-5. If you arrive on foot, you can access the site through any of its five entrances.
OPTIONAL de 10:30 - 11:00 AM: Participants may choose to start the visit with a coffee break at the Roca Umbert bar before the tour begins.
11:00 AM – Meeting with the guide at the façade of the Thermal Power Plant.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Immersive visit exploring the energy history of the Roca Umbert factory and its role in the industrial development of Granollers.
12:00 PM – Visit to selected artistic production spaces.
1:00 PM – End of the visit and farewell with the guide.
2:00 PM – Free lunch break. Participants can choose to dine at local restaurants, Roca Umbert bar or enjoy a picnic at Roca Umbert.
4:00 PM – Afternoon visits. Information on available activities in the city can be found at visitgranollers.com
AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES
After exploring Granollers' industrial heritage through the visit to the Thermal Power Plant and Fàbrica de les Arts, we invite you to make the most of your afternoon by discovering the city's museum and cultural spaces:
Museu de Granollers
Located in the heart of the city, the Granollers Museum offers a comprehensive journey through local history, art, and archaeology. Its permanent collection spans from antiquity to the present day, while temporary exhibitions frequently explore contemporary and relevant themes. As you walk through its galleries, you will gain a deeper understanding of Granollers' history, social transformations, and cultural evolution.
This museum provides an ideal complement to your visit, offering valuable insights into the city's heritage and its diverse historical narratives.
Audioruta pels murals de Roca Umbert
The Roca Umbert Mural Route offers an immersive experience showcasing the urban art found within this former factory, now transformed into a cultural and creative hub in Granollers.
Spanning over a decade, these murals—created by both local and international artists—explore a wide range of themes, conveying emotions, reflections, and social messages. Through this tour, visitors can discover the evolving artistic expressions that shape the identity of this dynamic space.
With these proposals, you can complete a day full of knowledge, transitioning from industrial and artisanal history to culture and nature, while discovering everything Granollers has to offer.
If visiting during the winter season, you can conclude your visit at Roca Umbert by watching the projection mapping show on the façade of the Thermal Power Plant, scheduled at 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM. Be sure to check the schedule, as this event only takes place in winter.
For bus pick-up points, we recommend the following locations:
- C. Roger de Flor 64 – if you are departing from the city center.
- Av. St. Esteve – if you have visited the Museum of Natural Sciences of La Tela.
- C. Lluís Companys – if departing from Roca Umbert.
