After its closure in the 1980s, the Cellina hydroelectric complex, including the Giais and Partidor power plants in San Leonardo, not only became an example of industrial architecture but also an enduring symbol of progress in the early 20th century. The construction of the road connecting Montereale Valcellina with the mountain villages was of great importance for the valley dwellers, who had previously been forced to travel on foot or by mule on winding mule tracks. After the power station ceased operations, ENEL decided to establish a "hydroelectricity" museum and displayed a number of historically and technically disused machines. However, the project came to a halt with the dismantling of the organisation following privatisation. However, thanks to the intervention of the municipal administration, the municipality of Montereale Valcellina was able to purchase the building with a substantial regional contribution and EU funding. Between 2004-2005, renovation work then began on the engine room, where the turbines needed to operate the power station were located, and the control room, with the creation of some service rooms and the entrance on the east side. In 2006, the inauguration took place under the new name "Centrale di Malnisio - Nuovo Centro". Initially, the management of the museum was entrusted to the volunteers of the "Amici della Centrale" Association, but since spring 2007 this has been taken over by the Laboratorio dell'Immaginario Scientifico (LIS) of Trieste, a non-profit cooperative society established in 1997 with the aim of popularising scientific and technological culture. The museum is currently divided into two sections, namely the "Sala macchine" with perfectly preserved original tools, and the "Fenomena" with interactive exhibits. The organisation also organises educational courses for schoolchildren.
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