Museo de la Energía
Museum in the former thermal power station of Minero Siderúrgica de Ponferrada (1920–1971), tracing the path from coal to electricity.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum occupies the former thermal power station of Minero Siderúrgica de Ponferrada (MSP), which operated from 1920 to 1971 beside the River Sil. It opened to the public on 14 July 2011 after a restoration that kept the plant's original elements. That work received a European heritage conservation award (Europa Nostra, 2012, according to the regional tourism portal).
The visit follows the process of electricity production: the coal wharf, the boiler hall, where coal was burned, and the turbine hall. More than 200 contributors helped reconstruct the history of the site, and several former workers appear in videos explaining their work in each space. The museum presents the relationship between coal and energy from both a technological and a social point of view.
The museum is run by the Fundación Ciudad de la Energía (CIUDEN). Its exhibits include steam locomotive number 8, to which a restored railway signal light was added in July 2026. Besides guided visits, the museum organises workshops, courses, lectures and other events.
Highlights
- Former thermal power station (1920–1971), restored
- Route through the coal wharf, boiler hall and turbine hall
- Videos with testimonies from former workers
- Steam locomotive number 8
- Guided visits of the former power station
Permanent exhibition
- Recorrido por la central térmica – Coal wharf, boiler hall and turbine hall, with videos of former workers and steam locomotive number 8.
- Founded
- 2011
- Operated by
- Fundación Ciudad de la Energía (CIUDEN)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €1.50 |
| Guided visit | €5Reduced rate: €3. |
Unguided visit €3 (reduced €1.50). Guided visit €5 (reduced €3).
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum is next to the Puente del Centenario (Centenary Bridge) over the River Sil.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided visits go through the former power station and explain how it worked. In September 2026 they were offered Tuesday to Sunday at 11:00, 13:00 and 16:30 (in summer, according to the tourism portal, also at 18:30). There are also themed visits by prior booking, subject to availability. |
