SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 29 September (EUROPA PRESS) –
Following an extensive display lasting over five months, the Museum of Nature and Archeology of Tenerife (MUNA) bids farewell to the temporary exhibition ‘The smoke of progress. Correillo La Palma, its era and recovery’ with a series of special activities that coincide, in part, with the celebration of a new edition of ‘Plenilunio’.
The Minister of Culture, José Carlos Acha, has emphasized that the Museums of Tenerife, in collaboration with the Canarian Correillo La Palma Foundation, has curated a specific programme that comprises three lectures, scheduled for October 1, 2, and 3 at the MUNA assembly hall, along with a selection of free guided tours—subject to registration—of Correillo La Palma and the exhibition itself on October 4, 5, and 6, in line with the festivities of ‘Plenilunio 2024’.
Closing its doors on Sunday, October 6, this exhibition has been possible through the partnership with the Fundación Canaria Correillo La Palma, aiming to transport visitors back to the Canarian ports of the early 20th century and honouring the significant role that this steam vessel played in enhancing connectivity among the islands.
Throughout this period, approximately 47,000 individuals have visited the exhibition, allowing them to rediscover the historical milestone associated with the launch of the El Correillo La Palma service and the five steamers that constituted its original fleet, which transformed island life and, subsequently, the maritime landscape.
CYCLE OF LECTURES
The opening talk, titled ‘The Canary Islands face the challenge of the arrival of steam navigation’, will be held on October 1, featuring Juan Pedro Morales Chacón, captain of the Merchant Navy and president of the Canarian Correillo La Palma Foundation, as the speaker.
The expert will explore the inception of these steamships, which were key players in the advancement and progress catalysed by the revolution in maritime transport in the Islands, showcasing remarkable moments from the maritime history of the Canary Islands.
On Wednesday, October 2, the focus will shift to the lecture ‘The Correillo La Palma restoration project’, presented by Jesús Alarcón, naval and ocean engineer from LRL Engineering and Naval Consulting.
During this talk, he will discuss all phases, both anticipated and unexpected, regarding the evaluation and refurbishment of the Vapor Correillo La Palma. He will delve into the technical obstacles faced, the solutions applied, and the adherence to historical authenticity throughout each stage of the process.
The conference on Thursday, October 3, will cover ‘The Muelle Norte-Correillo La Palma Interpretation Centre: A Content Proposal’, presented by José Manuel Padrino Barrera, who holds qualifications in Geography and History, is a graphic design technician, and serves as a senior technician in Museum Activities at the Museums of Tenerife.
The speaker will provide insights into the contents being formulated for the establishment of a Visitor Centre, which is proposed to be situated in the “Ventoso warehouse” (former Tasca Abordo), a distinctive property adjacent to the historical shipyard of the Puerto de Santa Cruz Works Board of Tenerife, near the North Pier. This structure possesses significant heritage value, and its unique location makes it a pivotal architectural space to commemorate the Santa Cruz coastline and its connections to other noteworthy elements such as the North Pier and the Correillo La Palma.
All lectures are free of charge until capacity is reached and will commence at 6:00 p.m. in the MUNA assembly hall.
GUIDED TOURS
Guided tours of the temporary exhibition will be conducted on Friday, October 4, at 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.; on Saturday, October 5, at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.; and on the final day of the exhibition, Sunday, October 6, at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. These tours require prior registration via the website museosdetenerife.org
THE CORREILLO LA PALMA
The narrative of this vessel also encompasses those who commissioned, designed, and constructed it, the crew who navigated it, those who fought against its dismantling, and the individuals involved in its restoration.
Moreover, this exhibition has afforded visitors the opportunity to appreciate a selection of unique artefacts belonging to the Correillo La Palma, in addition to a small assembly of artworks and items emblematic of this period from the early 20th century, enhanced by several audiovisual presentations.
The exhibition project, born from the collaboration between the Autonomous Organisation of Museums and Centres of the Island Council of Tenerife and the Canarian Correillo La Palma Foundation, has also aimed to underscore the heritage significance of the vessel, along with the intricate recovery process that the Foundation has championed for several decades.
