Electricity Museum (Lisbon)

The Museu da Electricidade ( German: Electricity Museum ), a quintessential example of Portuguese industrial buildings in Lisbon, sees itself as a cultural center and museum of science for everyone. In its showrooms past, present and future of energy are shown, while in addition to thematic and experimental exhibitions take place most varied cultural and commercial events. The museum, which has such an integral part of the cultural life of the city.

Location

The museum is located in the Belem district of terrain on which Lisbon at the end of the 19th century could abgewinnen the Tagus. In close proximity are important historical sights, including the Jeronimos Monastery (Mosteiro de Jerónimos ), the Belém Cultural Centre (Centro Cultural de Belém ), the Tower of Belem ( Torre de Belem ), the Monument to the Discoveries ( Padrão dos Descobrimentos ) and the Palace and the Museum of the President of the Republic of Portugal, the coach Museum (Museu Nacional dos Coches ) and the former Nationalseilerei ( Cordoaria Nacional).

History

The building complex of the museum is the " property of the public interest " listed building and extends to the site of the previous thermo -electric power plant - Central Tejo, which caused more than four decades for the lighting of Lisbon. His opening as a museum was made in 1990. Ten years later, the building and equipment of the " Museu da Electricidade " another phase of renovations were subjected to then completely overhauled in 2006, with a new design and museological concepts to open its doors again. Because of its cultural and multi -disciplinary design the visitor a variety of events on offer; of the main exhibition of the museum, the operation and the working conditions of the power plant factory explained on the basis of the original machinery of the former " Central Tejo" to different star term temporary exhibitions (paintings, sculpture, photography ...) next didactic niches with educational games about energy, or demonstrations of solar energy outdoors, theater performances, concerts, conferences, etc.

Carrier

The museum is owned and structurally broken down to the foundation EDP, which in turn to the consolidated EDP - Energias de Portugal, SA. heard.

Architecture

The whole complex of " Central Tejo" consists of a former thermo-electric power plant that supplied Lisbon and its surroundings with electricity. It is a building with no architectural same in Lisbon cityscape, and one of the finest examples of industrial design in the first half of the 20th century in Portugal; therefore, it was in 1986 declared by Government 's Decision on "Building public interest ".

The establishment of the " Central Tejo " lasted from 1908 to 1951. During that time many different enhancements have been made. Structurally, it follows the western European construction with iron and brick, which adorns the exterior facades in various art styles and designed by Art Nouveau of the older buildings (low- pressure boiler rooms ) to the classicism of contemporary buildings (high pressure boiler rooms ). For the expansion of the plant adjacent properties and adjacent structures were integrated. The result was always against the background of the Tagus river, after which it was named, today's large industrial complex, the versatile stage for cultural event purposes.

Due to its renovation state between 2001 and 2005 construction works were carried out to strengthen the structure to overtake the walls, but also the machinery inside, and with a new museological concept was from what can be seen today.

Virtual Tour

Everything starts at the so-called coal Square ( Praça do Carvão ), where visitors are received, but also take place exhibitions and demonstrations; earlier been here tons, on the Tagus cargo of coal for steam boiler discharged. At this point you can also visit the sieve, the silos and paddle wheels, which mixed the coal and managed up to the high pressure boiler coal feed carpet on the upper floor.

The access to the interior of the industrial complex through the exhibition hall, the former building of the low pressure boiler. Nowadays there is a free space where temporary exhibitions take place. Even today, you see here the steam pipes and coal silos no longer existing old boiler.

From here you get to the boiler room, where once stood the high-pressure boiler. Four imposing complex, about 30 feet high tank, and the corresponding switching valves, air and fuel supply pipes, fans, etc. to impress the visitor. Particularly striking the boiler number 15, which was adapted museum moderately, while you can go to the structure and Accessories ( shoot grates, inner lining ( Bailey ), Teerbrenner, Wasserheizrohre etc. ) to be able to explore. Besides the drums is in this hall the history of the establishment of the " Central Tejo" described with references to the harsh working conditions at that time.

In the basement there is the " Sala dos Cinzeiros " (ash area), where the ashes of the burnt or to be burning coal was intercepted. Be emphasized strongly the difficult prevailing working conditions because of the heat and inhaling the damages caused by coal combustion ash particles. In addition, here are some examples issued by forging and carpentry, as well as versions in terms of transport, type and origin of coal.

Next you come to the " Sala do experimentar " ( experimental room ), divided into three sections: while a dedicated energy sources (renewable as well as fossil), directs the next attention to those scientists who in the course of history on the progress of the have contributed electric power generation, wherein the third section " learn through play " from various educational modules compiles with games about electricity. The tours end at this place of learning and fun, so that everyone 's energy and acquired knowledge can implement the same.

After experimenting, you enter the " Sala da Água " (Water Hall). In this hall, and in the next, the " Sala Máquinas " (engine room ), the museological episode takes us back to the boilers where the different colored tubes between machines on the walls and the ceiling stand out. Each color corresponds to its specific content: dry steam, wet steam, water, etc. In the " Sala da Água " is to treat the water demonstrated to be able to then use this in the boilers can. There are machines like electric pumps, cleaning systems, filters, or stills from the 40s of the 20th century.

Subsequently, the " Sala dos Condensadores " (capacitors space ), where the capacitors are seen for steam cooling, as well as pumps for drainage of the river water, the cold source required for the functioning of the power plant. At the end of the room where the switch of the main generators of the center can be visited, is in honor of the workers, under the title " Rostos as Central Tejo" ( Faces of the power plant ), a collection of photographs and audiovisual recordings, the activity and then illustrate working conditions issued.

On the floor above the capacitors, the " Sala dos GERADORES 'lies ( generator room ), where two of the five alternators headquarters is. The structure of one of the two was laid open to show the internal components and to allow visitors a better understanding of power generation.

Finally, on a raised platform, the " Sala de Comando " ( control room ), from where the generators was passed the intermediate station and the distribution of electricity to the powered from the central network. Here is another experimental area where the museum guide explained using practical, everyday examples such as the "lemon battery ", the story of the generation of electrical energy, simplifies the operating principle of renewable energy or the production process of the power plant based on a gas cylinder and a pressure cooker, always in the visitor customized educational presentation.

Facilities and technical resources

The collection of the electricity museum consists not only of his exhibition, but from his great technical total stock. During the restoration, as well as in the acquisition and absorption of new objects from other institutions or from private donations, will be given to those objects priority for the integration are after appropriate recovery in the exhibition.

Currently, the museum is home to a large number of exhibition elements such as boilers, alternators and capacitors from the decades 1930-50, and overlaid museum pieces as parts and equipment from the late 19th century to the present. Particular importance shall be the collection of household appliances, electric machines, objects and molds made ​​of wood and iron for the road and room lighting, laboratory facilities, Glühröhren, models, etc.

Archives

The archive of the electricity museum sees itself as a specialist archive in the field of knowledge and research for energy, especially electricity. It consists of about 60 000 volumes of documents a wide variety of formats ( documents, plans, books, videos, etc.) that include a period from 1848 to the present day. About 90 000 photographs, about 15 000 volumes, mainly from the field of electricity ( in all its aspects: technical, economic, historical, or social), as well as monographs on industrial goods and industrial archeology, museum studies, topics of general education, encyclopedias and newspapers.

The archive cataloged and integrated document can be viewed over the Internet or presentiell in the reading room, as well as his publications of monographs on the history of electricity in Portugal.

Events

During the year, takes place in the Museu da Electricidade a variety of events taking place inside as well as outside, such as traveling exhibitions, the " Month of science", concerts, conferences, etc. Therefore, the " Praça do Carvão " not only lobby for the visitors, but turns into an open-air stage for a whole series of events.

Month of science

In May will be held at the " Praça do Carvão " the month of science, day programs with various activities. Although most have already been held in the past, 2009, the first edition was in the form of an annual conference events. Among the events of the month of science include the Olympiad of Physics ( competition for young students), a nationwide presentation of Sciences, the Children's Festival, the Festival Solar and the solar rally. With the exception of the Olympiad in physics, held by the Portuguese Physical Society ( Sociedade Portuguesa de Física ), everything is organized by the museum itself.