As the city gears up for the Tour de France's grand departure on July 4, Barcelona unveils a captivating exhibition featuring 57 historic bicycles. This initiative aims to celebrate the bicycle's profound impact on society and culture.
In anticipation of the Tour de France starting from Barcelona on July 4, the city has kicked off a series of cultural events with an exhibition showcasing 57 historic bicycles. The exhibition, titled ‘Bicicleta i Societat (1817-1960)’, opened at the Gothic patio of the City Hall and will run until July 6, coinciding with one of the race’s key stages.
The event is part of what is being called the Fiesta del Tour, designed to enhance public engagement with this major sporting event. Six local collectors have generously lent their bicycles for this display, which includes both original pieces and replicas that highlight the evolution of cycling over nearly two centuries.
The exhibition is free to visit and aims to provide a fascinating journey through time, illustrating how bicycles have transformed from mere transportation tools into symbols of freedom and social progress. According to city officials, it showcases how each era has integrated bicycles into civil society, sports, and institutions.
Among its eight thematic sections is a dedicated space for ‘made in Barcelona’ bicycles, honoring local manufacturers such as Sanromá and Amat. A striking centerpiece is a recreation of a bicycle from the 1929 International Exposition, underscoring Barcelona’s historical connection to cycling innovation.
This exhibition also explores technological advancements in bicycle design and traces the origins of cycling as a sport across various countries, including Catalonia. Notably, it commemorates significant milestones such as the establishment of Barcelona’s first urban cycling unit in 1908.
The informative panels feature QR codes that allow visitors to access translations in Spanish, English, and French. Additionally, there’s a photo opportunity set up where attendees can capture moments on a tandem bike previously used by Mayor Jaume Collboni and Tour director Christian Prudhomme during their announcement about Barcelona hosting this year’s Grand Départ.
The city’s Sports Councillor David Escudé remarked that this collection serves as “the perfect cultural prelude” for welcoming the Tour de France. He emphasized that bicycles are not merely elite competition tools or recreational items but have historically been vehicles for progress and societal cohesion.
This celebration not only honors cycling’s rich history but also sets an exciting tone for what promises to be an exhilarating start to one of cycling’s most prestigious events. Visitors can explore this unique exhibition daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, leading up to an unforgettable weekend filled with racing excitement.
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