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The Plastic Museum, the first 100% recyclable plastic museum in the world, has been a great success and has received visitors of all ages who have learned about the essential role that plastics play in our lives. In addition, various cultural and political personalities have also come to see in person this initiative promoted by EsPlásticos, the platform that brings together companies working in the manufacture, reuse and recycling of plastic.
As it could not be a typical museum, The Plastic Museum has taken the form of a pop-up exhibition that could be seen in a temporary installation located in the Plaza de Juan Goytisolo in Madrid, in front of the Reina Sofia Museum, from May 8 to 16. The Plastic Museum is the first museum designed and built entirely out of plastic to be recycled.
A museum created to be recycled
The museum, with a modern and avant-garde design, was designed by the Delavegacanolasso architectural firm, which specializes in modular prefabricated architecture and the use of plastic elements for the design and construction of structures and furniture.
The entire museum was built with plastic materials (polyethylene, methacrylate, polycarbonate and PVC), and the most surprising thing is that on May 17, World Recycling Day, everything was dismantled (walls, ceilings, doors, exhibitors…) and moved to a plastic recycling plant in order to extend its life cycle and give it another use in the form of new products. The event was sponsored by the popular Mario Vaquerizo
A positive view of plastic
It is common to hear that plastic is the biggest enemy to the environment, however, this museum is designed to prove otherwise. Plastic is part of the solution to many of today’s challenges, and The Plastic Museum wants to show the world that it doesn’t have to be a problem if it is used, managed and recycled responsibly. We are all part of the problem and that is precisely why we can all be part of the solution.
The problem arises when waste is used irresponsibly or not well managed. However, these difficulties can be overcome by adopting good practices at all stages: eco-design, use, reuse and recycling.
Plastics, key in medicine, food and transport
The objective is to invite reflection and show in a visual way the important role that plastics play in many areas of our daily lives when they are used correctly. The museum emphasizes the advances that society has achieved thanks to the innovative capacity of these materials, the changes that their use has brought about in our daily lives, and the advantages they offer in terms of health, food and transport safety.
Among the pieces on display are the Michelangelo bionic arm, made of PVC and silicone elastomer, the flexible and adaptable White Breath oxygen mask and the recycled plastic 3.0 Yelow bike.
“I used to be a museum.”
Finally, The Plastic Museum will also feature an amazing souvenir store. The souvenirs will be made by recycling the plastic used in the construction of the museum itself. The “I used to be a museum” collection will soon be available in the online store at www.theplasticmuseum.com.
A virtual tour of the exhibition is available on the same website for anyone interested in visiting the museum.