La Cárcel Vieja in Murcia set to reopen as restoration work finally wraps up

After years of restoration, Murcia's 'old prison' will reopen on March 26 with extra exhibition space, better accessibility, and a newly opened courtyard

Murcia's La Cárcel Vieja or old prison, is finally ready to open its doors, and it's looking bigger, brighter, and better than ever. The reopening comes after years of careful restoration work, and the building now has an extra 480 square metres of exhibition space, 285 on the ground floor and 195 upstairs.

And there’s more than just extra floor space. Two new multipurpose rooms will be ready for cultural activities and talks, an additional lift improves accessibility, and the western courtyard, facing Calle Torre de la Marquesa, now has a pergola and is open to the public. It's definitely a place worth checking out in Murcia for its history and cultural events that will take place there.

 

 

 

 

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The reopening will kick off with a Jaume Plensa exhibition, and Mayor José Ballesta describes it as more than just a gallery saying, “It defines a place from which to think, create and project.”

Vice Mayor and Heritage Councillor Rebeca Pérez called the reopening of this part of the building, which has been closed since 1981, “a great opportunity for Murcia.” She pointed out how the restoration has preserved the architecture and over 100 unique features, keeping the building’s historic spirit intact.
After years of waiting, La Cárcel Vieja isn’t just reopening, it’s becoming a great new venue for exhibitions and events for the city, and one that’s definitely worth a visit this spring.

See also: March 7 commemorative recreation of the Entierro de la Sardina parade in Murcia

Image: CC/Pedro J Pacheco