The exhibition 'Bicycle and Society (1817-1960)' opens in Barcelona, highlighting the bicycle's transformative role in society. It coincides with the Tour de France festivities.
In a celebration of cycling culture, Barcelona has launched a significant exhibition titled ‘Bicycle and Society (1817-1960)’ at the historic Gothic courtyard of the City Hall. This event, which runs until July 6, features 57 original pieces and replicas, showcasing how bicycles have shaped social dynamics over nearly two centuries.
The exhibition is free to the public and coincides with the festivities surrounding the Grand Départ of the Tour de France, emphasizing not just cycling as a sport but its broader societal implications. David Escudé, Barcelona’s Sports Councilor, expressed pride in hosting such a collection during this pivotal moment for local cycling. He stated that this exhibition serves as an ideal cultural prelude to the Tour, reminding visitors that bicycles have historically been instruments of progress and freedom.
This unique collection was made possible through the generous contributions of six collectors from across Catalonia, including Tarragona and Lleida. Their passion for history and nostalgia has brought together an impressive array of bicycles that reflect various eras and uses. Notable contributors include Ramón Magriñà and Ismael García among others.
The exhibition is organized into eight thematic areas that explore how bicycles have been integrated into civil society, sports, and institutions throughout history. One highlight is the section dedicated to ‘Bicycles Made in Barcelona,’ which pays tribute to local manufacturers like Sanromá and Amat. This area features a monumental bicycle from the 1929 Universal Exposition in Barcelona.
Visitors can also learn about technological innovations in bicycle design, early cycling as a competitive sport globally and within Catalonia, as well as its role as a tool for liberation. The exhibit details adaptations for various professions and even highlights historical uses by military forces—such as when Barcelona established its first urban police cycling unit in 1908.
Accessibility is a key feature of this exhibition; it includes QR codes allowing visitors to translate content into Spanish, English, or French instantly. Additionally, there’s an interactive photo opportunity where guests can take pictures on a tandem bike similar to one used during official ceremonies involving city officials.
The Gothic courtyard at Plaça de Sant Jaume will be open daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, providing ample opportunity for both locals and tourists to engage with this remarkable collection before it closes on July 6.
You might also be interested in
