Fire Brigade Museum | Espai Bombers: Parc de la Prevenció

About Espai Bombers: Barcelona Fire Brigade Museum

The Barcelona Fire Brigade Museum, officially known as Espai Bombers: Parc de la Prevenció, is housed in a historic fire station museum in Montjuïc. Originally built for the 1929 International Exhibition, it is the only surviving historic firehouse in Barcelona. More than a museum, Espai Bombers functions as a fire safety education center, offering training, exhibitions, and public outreach focused on fire prevention and emergency services.

Renovation of the building took place from 2014 to 2017, transforming the disused fire station into a modern interactive fire prevention museum. The structure features brick and stone walls, with steel beam spans supporting the roof and floors. After its closure in 2000, the building was briefly used for the World Police and Fire Games in 2003, and later served as temporary offices for the Policía Nacional until 2013. That year, Ajuntament de Barcelona acquired the site to create the current Espai Bombers fire museum.

The museum’s permanent exhibition on the history of the Barcelona Fire Brigade traces its origins to 1825, with its formal incorporation as a municipal service in 1839. The brigade’s motto, Vetllem, protegim i salvem ("We watch over, protect and save"), is prominently displayed inside the museum, reflecting the enduring mission of Bombers Barcelona.

Barcelona Fire Brigade Facts

Current force: 425 firefighters
Fire stations: 7 across Barcelona
Fleet: Up to 10 firefighting vehicles per station
Milestone: 200th anniversary in 2025

Espai Bombers Homepage

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What to See at Espai Bombers: Fire Museum Barcelona

The museum is divided into themed sections that showcase historic firefighting vehicles and equipment from different eras. This fire truck museum in Montjuïc offers a fascinating look at the evolution of fire response technology in Barcelona:

Two horse-drawn, steam-powered pump carriages: These Merryweather steam pumps, manufactured in London, used coal-fired boilers to generate pressure for water hoses. A full crew of six was required: a stoker to feed the boiler, a mechanic to manage the valves, and four firefighters to operate the hoses.
Two petrol-powered 1920s ladder and pump trucks: The smaller Delahaye 84 PS featured a 400L water tank, while the larger Delahaye 59 was acquired in 1921. Both were part of the Barcelona Fire Brigade’s early motorized fleet.
Horse-drawn hand-cranked pump: Operated manually by two firemen using a large overhead swing arm to drive the pump mechanism.
Ford Model A sedan: A four-door vehicle from the early 1920s used to transport firefighters to emergency scenes.

Surrounding these vintage fire engines is a compelling collection of historic photographs and stories documenting famous fires in Barcelona and the city's emergency response history:

1971 IberiaRadio factory fire: A devastating blaze that destroyed the Poble Nou factory.
2005 Carmel sinkhole: Caused by tunnel boring for the L9/L10 metro lines, resulting in a major infrastructure collapse.
2007 Barcelona blackout: A transformer fire left nearly 10% of the city without electricity for months.

These events are part of a broader narrative that highlights the heroism and legacy of Bombers Barcelona. The museum also features firefighting equipment, first aid tools, helmets from various decades, and street furniture like hydrants and alarm boxes, making it one of the most family-friendly museums in Barcelona for learning about public safety.

Upon entering the courtyard, visitors are greeted by a memorial wall with plaques honoring Barcelona firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty—a solemn tribute to their service and sacrifice.

Fire Brigade Museum Opening Hours

Tuesday: 10:00 am to 14:00h
Wednesday: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm & 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Thursday: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Friday: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm & 16:00h to 8:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm & 16:00h to 8:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Closed: Mondays and most public holidays

Accessibility & What to bring to Fire Brigade Museum

The Barcelona Fire Brigade Museum is located at ground level and features a shallow interior ramp, making it an accessible museums in Barcelona for visitors with reduced mobility. The layout is spacious and easy to navigate, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.

For security and preservation reasons, you may be asked to leave large bags or rucksacks at reception before entering the exhibition areas. A small 10L backpack is generally acceptable and convenient for carrying personal items during your visit.

These Espai Bombers visitor tips help ensure a smooth experience while exploring the museum’s collection of vintage fire engines, historic equipment, and educational displays. Whether you're attending a guided tour or visiting independently, it's best to travel light and wear comfortable shoes.

Fire Brigade Museum Summary of Prices

Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Adult Zone 1 T-casual € 2.50 Child € 1.25 FREE for Under 6 years. Group/Family Ticket? Groups: €60 per group (up to a max. of 12 people) Notes Guided Tours first Saturday of the month 12:00h Free Entry? 12th February

How to Get to Espai Bombers: Fire Museum in Montjuïc

Address: Carrer de Lleida, 30, Sants-Montjuïc, 08004 Barcelona

Espai Bombers is located in the Montjuïc district of Barcelona, just a short walk from Plaça Espanya. It’s easily accessible by public transport, making it simple for visitors to reach this historic fire station museum.

Nearest Metro: Plaça Espanya station, served by the Green (L3), Red (L1), and FGC Anoia-Llobregat lines. From the metro, it’s a 5-minute walk to the museum entrance.

For convenience, use a T-Casual or Hola Barcelona Travel Card to navigate the city’s transport system.

Whether you're planning a family day out or exploring Montjuïc’s cultural attractions, Espai Bombers is a must-visit stop for those interested in Barcelona’s emergency services history.