Bombas Gens Centro de Artes Digitales

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The factory was originally built in 1930 to house the 'Bombas Carlos Gens' company, specializing in hydraulic pumps.

2. 2

   The buildings exhibit a signature sawtooth roof architecture designed to maximize natural ventilation and light for factory workers.

3. 3

   Excavations during the site's restoration unearthed a 15th-century farmhouse and wine press, now integrated into the visitor route.

4. 4

   The facility contains a reinforced underground air-raid shelter constructed during the Spanish Civil War to protect employees from bombardment.

5. 5

   The center's transformation was led by the Per Amor a l'Art Foundation, which prioritized the adaptive reuse of industrial heritage.

6. 6

   The site was officially repurposed as a digital art center to shift focus from traditional static exhibitions to immersive audiovisual experiences.

Overview

Bombas Gens Centro de Artes Digitales is a digital-focused art center housed within a restored 1930s Art Deco industrial complex that formerly manufactured hydraulic pumps. The site preserves original sawtooth roofs and historical architectural elements while integrating cutting-edge immersive digital installations. It emphasizes the intersection of heritage preservation and technological innovation. The facility includes an archaeological area featuring a 15th-century wine cellar and an air-raid shelter from the Spanish Civil War. Unlike traditional galleries, the space utilizes projection mapping and interactive media to engage visitors. The complex is part of a larger industrial rehabilitation project located in the La Saïdia district.

Insider tips

• Check the official website's exhibition calendar before arriving, as digital displays change frequently.

• Allocate extra time to explore the underground archaeological ruins, which are often overlooked by visitors rushing to the digital screens.

• Wear comfortable shoes, as the industrial flooring and large site footprint require significant walking.