Historical district Boneco in Entroncamento receives two million euros investment for a cultural center hub
In the heart of Entroncamento, Portugal, a significant transformation is underway. The once-abandoned Boneco neighborhood, once home to generations of railway workers, has been metamorphosed into a bustling cultural district [1]. This project, led by Adarq – André David Arquitecto, was completed in 2024, breathing new life into the area.
The revitalization effort has seen the emergence of a cultural hub, spanning approximately 2,960 sq m. This hub is home to several key facilities, including the National Railway Documentation Centre, a Railway Museum (Museum Centre), a Science Centre, an exhibition gallery, a municipal library, and a public square [1].
The hub replaces the former residential units, addressing long-standing issues of habitability and sanitation. The architectural heritage of the original Railway Workers’ Neighbourhood, dating back to around 1920, has been preserved, with its 18 dwellings arranged in two terraced blocks around a rectangular courtyard [1].
A distinctive artistic feature has been added to the district in the form of a tile panel designed by architect Álvaro Siza [1]. The hub serves as a support to the Railway Museum, providing visitors with an immersive experience into the rich history of the railways.
The municipal library and square are additional projects aimed at further enlivening Entroncamento. The Science Centre and exhibition gallery are components of the cultural hub, offering educational and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages.
The two million euro investment in Entroncamento is not limited to the cultural hub. It aims to enhance the city as a whole, bringing life beyond the cultural quarter. The investment is targeted at improving the quality of life in Entroncamento, making it a more attractive destination for residents and tourists alike.
This revitalization project recasts the historic neighborhood into a cultural quarter focused on railway heritage preservation alongside educational and communal spaces. It creates renewed social and cultural value while maintaining architectural authenticity, making Entroncamento a must-visit destination for anyone with an interest in Portugal's rich railway history.
[1] Adarq – André David Arquitecto. (2024). Boneco Neighborhood Revitalization Project. Retrieved from https://www.adarq.pt/en/projects/boneco-neighborhood-revitalization-project [2] Entroncamento Municipality. (2024). Entroncamento Cultural Hub. Retrieved from https://www.cm-entroncamento.pt/en/cultural-hub [3] Portuguese National Railway Museum. (2024). Entroncamento Cultural Hub. Retrieved from https://www.museudonacionaldoferroviario.pt/en/entroncamento-cultural-hub
- The revitalized cultural hub in Entroncamento's Boneco neighborhood offers a unique lifestyle experience, blending the preserved architectural heritage with educational facilities like the Science Center, exhibition gallery, and National Railway Documentation Centre.
- Beyond the cultural hub, the two million euro investment in Entroncamento extends to home-and-garden projects and travel initiatives, aiming to make the city a vibrant destination for residents and visitors, immersing them in the rich historical context of Portugal's railways.
