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It was the location of the St. George workshops, later to become Breda Ferroviaria-Pistoiese; carriages for trains and buses were made there. For the past twenty years, the place of the abandoned factory has been home to Pistoia's main public library, one of the largest in Tuscany. There is no lack of reading and study rooms, a newspaper and film library, plus a projection room and toy library, but what really makes the difference are the architectural bays designed to recall those of the workshops of the past, and the provision of contemporary artwork.
On a wall of the Department Hall on the first floor Die Grosse Fracht ("The Big Load") stands out, a giant acrylic and cast lead panel made by Anselm Kiefer, depicting the relentless and daring navigation of a book-laden submarine. Other valuable exhibits can be found in the southern garden and between the ground and first floors. Next to the library, there is a large indoor public space for fairs and exhibitions that has retained the old overhead crane of the disused production department, but also its nickname.
When it comes to railways, Pistoia also boasts an impressive collection of historic steam, diesel and electric locomotives owned by the Fondazione FS Italiane. It can be found in the nearby Piazza Dante Alighieri, next to the station. In fine weather, guided tours are offered, and historical train journeys along the Porrettana are organised, the old and famous line that crosses the Apennines to join Bologna.
