Museu del Ferrocarril de Catalunya
Railway museum housed in the steam locomotive sheds of Vilanova i la Geltrú, with some fifty historic vehicles.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museu del Ferrocarril de Catalunya occupies the former steam locomotive depot of Vilanova i la Geltrú, a complex of buildings dating from 1881 next to the station. Since the early 1990s the site has been transformed into a 21st-century museum, with buildings refurbished in recent years.
The collection brings together some fifty vehicles, historical objects and other railway heritage. La Rotonda, the former circular engine shed, houses most of the historic vehicles. The itinerary “Viaje en el Tren del Tiempo” runs through the 1881 buildings and tells the history of the railway through people and technology.
The museum completes the visit with a Sala Panorámica for temporary exhibitions, presentations and talks, a specialised archive and library, and a range of activities for families and schools, with audio guides, games and collaborative projects. It is part of the mNACTEC territorial system.
Highlights
- La Rotonda, with most of the historic vehicles
- Some fifty vehicles and objects of railway heritage
- Itinerary “Viaje en el Tren del Tiempo” through the 1881 buildings
- Children's spaces: “La Petita Estació” and the “Vall de Núria” park
- Audio guides for the whole visit and for families
Permanent exhibitions
- Viaje en el Tren del Tiempo – Itinerary through the 1881 buildings that tells the history of the railway through people and technology.
- La Rotonda – Former circular engine shed that houses most of the historic vehicles in the collection.
- Founded
- 1990
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €6Children and young people aged 5 to 17, general public groups of 10 or more people visiting freely, and school groups |
| Children & teens | €6free up to age 4 · Children and young people aged 5 to 17: reduced admission; under-5s enter free. |
| Seniors | €5Super-reduced rate for pensioners aged 60 or over. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €5Super-reduced rate for people with recognised disabilities. |
| Students & apprentices | €5Super-reduced rate for students and holders of the Carnet Jove aged 18 or over. |
| Groups (10+ people) | –Guided groups of 10 to 25 members of the general public: monitoring service for €30. Groups of fewer than 10 people: exclusive guided tour for €90. |
| Families | €5Super-reduced rate for large or single-parent families. |
| Two-day ticket | €10Valid for two days within the current year, from the date of purchase. |
| Combined ticket with Rodalies (adult) | €13.50€11.50 for children aged 4 to 11, seniors and groups of 10 or more people. |
| TicketMuseusVNG | €10Access to all the city's museums. |
Free admission: Free admission on the museum's open days.
Super-reduced rate (€5) for all visitors on Sundays from 12:00. Free admission for children aged 0 to 4, ICOM members, accredited journalists, teachers with a Generalitat card, members of the Super3 club and subscribers to Cavall Fort, employees of railway companies (Renfe, Adif, TMB, FGC and others) and volunteers of the Voluntaris per la Llengua programme, with accreditation. There are discounts for members of the Club d'Amics.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials
- Audio description
Physical accessibility is partial because the building is being refurbished; some spaces and vehicles are accessible. A ramp to the right of the main entrance allows access for wheelchairs and pushchairs, and another ramp leads to the outdoor collection. Wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge, and there is an accessible toilet next to reception. One audiovisual has audio description and sign language (LSC and SSI); there is a multisensory module with Braille and Braille panels, and an easy-read route of ten stops in Catalan, Spanish, English and French. Dogs are admitted in accordance with the museum's access rules.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €5 · Super-reduced rate for large or single-parent families. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Stroller-friendly
- Playground / play area
There are two children's areas: “La Petita Estació de Vilanova”, indoors, and the “Vall de Núria” park, outdoors. At reception, 360° 3D glasses with a virtual trip to Paris are lent free of charge, along with a bag containing an easy-read story and family audio guides with games. The routes marked in pink on the map are suitable for pushchairs. There is a programme of activities and collaborative projects for families.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Estación de Vilanova i la Geltrú
Rodalies R2 Sud from Barcelona and Sant Vicenç de Calders, and medium-distance trains. Urban buses L1, L2, L3 and L4, and interurban buses to Sitges, the airport and Barcelona, Tarragona and Vilafranca.
By car
Parking available
Municipal car park very close to the museum. Visitors who buy at least two general tickets have free parking and other benefits.
The museum is next to the Renfe station. By car, via the AP-7 and the C-32.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Lockers
Free lockers with keys near reception and a drinks vending machine. Museum online shop.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | A printed guide in Catalan, Spanish, French and English is available, as well as online audio guides for the whole visit and for families. Guided tours and activities are offered by prior booking; the museum has an educational service for schools. |
