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Education

The Hidden Story of the School that Educated the Children of Barcelona's Metro

Discover how a school founded by the creators of the Barcelona metro became an educational symbol for entire generations.

Marta Sanz
Marta Sanz
· 2 min read
The hidden story of the school that educated the children of Barcelona's metro
The hidden story of the school that educated the children of Barcelona's metro

An Educational Legacy in the Heart of the City

In the vibrant Badal street of Barcelona, there is an educational centre that has not only been a pillar for the community but also holds a rich history linked to the development of urban transport. The Cavall Bernat school, with its impressive theatre featuring arches inspired by Gaudí's style, is a testament to the social commitment of the company that built the Transversal, one of the first private metro lines in the city.

Founded in 1945 under the original name of Montserrat Commercial Schools, this institution was born as an initiative of the social department of the metro construction company. Its goal was clear: to provide free education to the children of its employees. In its first academic year, it started with a modest number of students and basic subjects such as grammar and music.

As the years went by, the success of the educational project led to its expansion. In 1948, it moved to a new building on Badal street, where it continued to grow to accommodate up to 250 students during the 1960s. This growth was driven by the absorption of the Transversal and the Grand Metro by the city council in 1961, which significantly increased the number of families associated with the new public system.

The theatre within the school is not only a venue for school events; it also houses an invaluable historical piece: an OSSA VI projector. This artifact was fundamental to the development of cinema in Catalonia during past decades and represents a tangible connection to local culture.

In 1986, after more than four decades under the direct management of the metro, Cavall Bernat was handed over to the city council. Since then, it has maintained its educational mission but has evolved to adapt to contemporary needs. However, its essence remains that of empowering working families through access to free and accessible education.

Despite the passage of time and structural changes in Barcelona, Cavall Bernat remains a lasting symbol of social commitment to education and community well-being.

Marta Sanz

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Marta Sanz

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