The plant, which permanently closed its doors back in the 1980s, is now a museum open to the public.
Part of the Cellina hydroelectric complex that also included the Giais plant and the Partidor plant in San Leonardo, the Malnisio plant is not only an example of industrial architecture but also an indelible symbol of progress at the beginning of the 20th century. The construction of the hydroelectric complex is closely linked to the building of the connecting road between Montereale Valcellina and the mountain villages: it was hugely significant for the locals, who previously had to travel on foot or mule-back along winding mule tracks.
Inside the Malnisio plant, following its closure in the 1980s, ENEL decided to establish a “hydroelectric” museum and placed various decommissioned machines of historical and technical interest there. The dismantling within the Authority after its privatization almost derailed the project but, thanks to the intervention of the Municipal Administration, the building was purchased by the Municipality of Montereale Valcellina with a substantial regional grant and EU funding. In 2004-2005, renovation work began on the main building, including the machine hall, which houses the turbines necessary for the hydroelectric plant’s operation, and the control room, with the creation of some service rooms and the entrance on the East side. The inauguration took place in 2006, under the new name “Malnisio Power Plant – New Center”.
Initially, the museum activities were managed by volunteers from the “Friends of the Plant” Association; since spring 2007, the Scientific Imaginary Laboratory (LIS) of Trieste has taken over. This is a non-profit cooperative established in 1997 aimed at the dissemination of scientific and technological culture and the sole manager of activities within the Science Centre museum, Immaginario Scientifico (IS) of Grignano near Trieste.
Currently, the Power Plant museum consists of two sections: one called “Machine Hall,” with the original perfectly preserved instruments, and the other “Fenomena,” with interactive exhibits. The museum also organizes specific tours for school groups that, in addition to the classic visit, include interactive educational workshops on science.
Information on Malnisio Power Plant Museum, New Center
Via Volta, 23
33086 Montereale Valcellina (Pordenone)
0427798722
affari.generali@com-montereale-valcellina.regione.fvg.it
Source: MIBACT
