This summer, taking advantage of the fact that we were on the Mediterranean coast, one day we approached the Railway Museum of Vilanova i la Geltrú, since Jon, like many other children, is quite fond of "Thomas and his friends" and we thought it might be fun and especially curious for him to see trains like the ones he has, in toy, but in real size.
There he hallucinated, as we also did, seeing trains of the beginning of the last century of an enormous size and with the typical form of steam locomotive that we usually draw to children. We all played for a while in the park and in the interior area, where we could see a working model, cartoons explaining a little the history of the museum and play with children's toys, among other things.
Where is
He Museum It is located on the premises of the old steam locomotive depot of Vilanova i la Geltrú, which is right next to the RENFE train station. As we went by train, it came to us great, since it is to leave the station and run into almost the entrance of the museum.
Roundabout
The roundabout is the most emblematic building. In it we find a semicircular building in which are the vehicles that best illustrate the history of the railway and its technological evolution. On the outside of it there are many other locomotives from different eras.
One of the largest collections in the world
He Railway Museum It has more than eighty vehicles of all kinds: electric locomotives, diesel, passenger wagons of many types, among which a replica of the first train that circulated in the Spanish State in 1848 stands out. I, however, do not remember seeing so many like eighty trains ...
Among all vehicles, the most valuable set is the collection of 28 steam locomotives, since It is one of the most complete collections in the world, some of them being unique pieces.
Other related objects
In addition to the vehicles in the museum, other elements of the railroad world can be seen, such as bells, telephones, first aid kits, clocks and even models of trains and railway installations.
One of the things we liked the most was a real-size representation of the track controls with all their levers ready to change the directions of the crossings.
We also sat in a Talgo from the 50s and we could see that they are not so different from the current trains (and that even the smell of the carpet reminds us of the trains a few years ago).
Family activities
Every Sunday there is a different activity focused on families. It is an initiative aimed at making the visit to the museum more active so that everyone is a participant. In our case we went on a Saturday, so we could not enjoy these activities and I cannot, therefore, give my opinion.
Schedule
He Museum It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and on Saturdays, in addition, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Prices
Ticket prices are 5 euros per person from 18 years old, with the possibility of re-entering for free on the same day and another day, within 30 days of purchase (children up to 5 years do not pay entry).
There is a reduced fare to 4 euros the entrance, for children between 6 and 17 years old, large families, students or with a young card, ... which has the same conditions as the normal fare and also a super reduced rate at 2 euros for retirees , railway company workers, etc.
There are also special prices for groups with different prices depending on whether the visit is free or guided.
Conclusion
A good resource to spend an entertaining morning watching trains and huge locomotives and being able to enter some of them. There are areas for children to play both indoors and outdoors and even some tables for those who want to sit down and eat something.
If you ask, they give you a cut-out so that you believe at home, with scissors and glue, a model of the roundabout of the Museum with some trains and a shop with various articles related to the exhibition is available, so, in general, the visit to the Railway Museum We found it entertaining and enriching.
