Centrale dell’acqua di Milano

Gazing upon Centrale dell’acqua di Milano, can you hear the echoes of Milan’s past? This imposing structure, designed in 1906, the same year as the Milan World Expo, isn’t just a building. It’s a time capsule, whispering tales of Milan’s thirst and the ingenuity that quenched it. Centrale dell’acqua di Milano stands as one of the oldest pumping stations in Milan’s water supply system. Originally designed by the city’s own Technical Office, it served as a vital “water factory” for decades. In 2018, MM spa, Milan’s public engineering company, breathed new life into Centrale dell’acqua di Milano. They transformed it into a vibrant cultural and educational hub dedicated to water and sustainability. Today, Centrale dell’acqua di Milano thrives as a dynamic museum. It welcomes school groups of all ages, engaging them with environmental and scientific topics. The museum also fosters a sense of community, offering exhibitions, cultural events, expert talks, and interactive workshops. The museum’s permanent collection showcases historical tools and machinery, maps, photos, original documents, and project blueprints from the late 19th to the mid-20th century. The heart of Centrale dell’acqua di Milano pulses within its machine room. This space retains its original character, displaying electric control panels, workbenches, and equipment once used to manage the city’s water supply. A star of this collection is the magnificent 1920 screw turbine with a horizontal axis, manufactured by the renowned firm Costruzioni Meccaniche Riva. Equally impressive are the elegant Venturi meter, used to measure and record the plant’s flow, and the imposing bridge crane suspended from the ceiling. Centrale dell’acqua di Milano also hosts temporary exhibitions, including “The Water Factory,” which chronicles the Milan Aqueduct from 1888 to the present day. Another exhibit, “The Fantastic Clippings of Claudio Onorato,” explores the theme of water through contemporary art. Furthermore, the museum participates in the “World Water Day Photo Contest,” showcasing global perspectives on the climate crisis and the importance of sustainable water management. Centrale dell’acqua di Milano stands as a testament to Milan’s history, its evolving relationship with water, and its commitment to a sustainable future.