Old Noguera Factory

The Old Noguera Factory, originally known as the Fábrica Miró and previously a martinete, has undergone several transformations throughout its history. It began operating in the 18th century as a martinete run by Tomás Royo, but within less than two decades it underwent an important transformation, changing its focus and becoming a paper mill.

After the Spanish Civil War, the Noguera family, engaged in paper production, rented the Taragaña paper factory and subsequently acquired the Fábrica Miró in 1940. They also later purchased the Taragaña factory. In 1954, Ernesto Noguera began conducting trials of agglomerated or reconstituted leather at this factory, marking the start of a new period in the building’s history. In 1960, the firm “Industrias del Cuero Artificial, S.L.” was founded, which, in 1968, absorbed the remaining paper and card production of the complex.

In 2001, the building underwent another transformation when its activity was redirected towards the cultural sector, becoming the art gallery “Old Noguera Factory,” under the direction of artist Gema Noguera, who subsequently passed away. Today, the gallery has become an exhibition space promoted by the town hall of Beceite, dedicated to the promotion of art in its various forms, as well as the organisation of cultural, craft and design activities.

In this space, temporary exhibitions are held throughout the year, and a permanent exhibition room dedicated to the work of artist Gema Noguera is also housed here. The facilities are used for a variety of cultural events, such as courses, conferences, book presentations and more. In general, the Old Noguera Factory is a versatile and charismatic cultural space, reflecting the rich history of Beceite.