The Bici Lab positions Andorra as a cycling territory
The bicycle museum in Andorra, Bici Lab, is already a reality after the inauguration of the facilities this Wednesday at the hands of the country’s authorities, the head of state, Xavier Espot, the mayor of Andorra la Vella, Conxita Marsol , and the Riberaygua family, who have made possible the creation of the space in the heart of the capital, Bonaventura Armengol, thanks to the donation of their collection of 300 bicycles, some of them over 200 years old.
In this way, the museum center stands as a space that values the Principality as a cycling territory and seeks to be an international meeting point for lovers of two wheels. “We hope that it becomes a benchmark for people, that cyclists make the space their own and can enjoy this wonderful unique collection that we have,” said Marsol. Thus, the interactive museum shows that the bicycle is much more than a transport vehicle and plays an important role in the evolution of world history as an instrument that weaves narrative threads in relation to the armed conflicts that have shaped the evolution of history and the role of women and their rights.
Precisely, as explained by the area manager of Bici Lab Andorra, this is the main theme of the temporary exhibition that has opened the doors of the museum. With the name The woman and the bicycle, the exhibition explains how the vehicle has helped women in their emancipation and in the race to achieve equality in professional cycling. Going into detail about the equipment, the bicycles that are shown in the space will vary periodically so that the center is “dynamic and has life”.
In that line, the space is made up of two levels. The first is dedicated to temporary exhibitions and, in the second, located on the lower floor, is the permanent exhibition, which mixes the evolution of bicycles throughout history and its role within Andorra and professional cycling. In addition, visitors also have simulators that allow them to experience the sensation of pedaling through the valleys and mountains of the Principality, as well as being in the Vallnord – Pal Arinsal Bike Park, located in La Massana.
The inauguration of the Bici Lab was led by the comedian and stand-up comedian Javi Sancho and also featured a musical performance by Enric Bartumeu on piano and Xavi Bufa, who made music with a bicycle and a wheel.
The day ended with the show ‘On wheels’ with acrobatics and pirouettes by the artist Yldor Llach. The facility, which is located at Calle Prat de la Creu, 70, can be visited for free until this Sunday, October 9, and from then on people who want to access the facility must book and pay a ticket of five euros.
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