Mining and the making of iron and steel were the principal economic activities from in Asturias from the mid-19th century until the closing years of the 20th century.
The Museum of the Steel Industry (MUSI) complements the mining museum at El Entrego (MUMI) and uses a variety of modern techniques to demonstrate the importance of iron and steel in the region where Pedro Duro (1811-86) established the first blast furnaces in 1857. The firm that he founded became a public company in 1900 and from 1902 was quoted on the stock market. By 1920 it was not only a large-scale producer of steel, but also mined more coal than any other company in Spain.
Visitors enter the museum through a reception area in a 45 m high cooling tower (refrigerante), where they can examine displays about the technology of iron- and steel-making and about the social history of the iron-making communities in Asturias, and also see films, one about steelmaking the other showing the demolition of the blast furnaces in Langreo. Exhibits include a Bessemer Converter, collections of minerals and many spectacular engravings and photographs of the industrial concerns in the area. The museum acts as a focus for trails through which visitors can explore the housing, schools, hospitals and parks created by the paternalism of the Duro company.
Asturian Museum of the Steel Industry
Museo de la Siderurgia de Asturias
Ciudad Tecnológica Valnalón
C/ Hornos Altos s/n
33930 Langreo
Spain
+34 (0) 985 - 678477
Homepage
Recommended duration of visit: | 1,5 Hours |
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Duration of a guided tour: | 60 Minutes |
Admission: | Charge |
Access for persons with disabilities: | For details see website |
Infrastructure for children: | |
Catering: | |
Gift and book shop on site: | yes |
Tuesday - Saturday 10am-2pm, 4-6pm
Sunday 10am-2pm