National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

ACCIONA Cultura has taken part in the renovation and modernization of the first phase of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center – currently ranked as the second-best history museum in the state of Ohio.

The museum is located on the banks of the Ohio River in a striking, emblematic building in Cincinnati, whose design is inspired by the movement of water. This renovation aims to present a more modern and updated retelling of a crucial chapter in American history: the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by African American slaves to escape to free states in the North and to Canada during the early 19th century.

ACCIONA Cultura has overseen the museographic and graphic implementation, as well as the installation and programming of lighting and hardware equipment, working closely with the audiovisual team of the designer to ensure seamless integration of the exhibition space. The project’s technical development was carried out in collaboration with both American and Spanish specialists.

Designed by RAA, the exhibition features lighting effects that evoke the movement and colors of water—so deeply tied to the identity of the city—as well as dynamic audiovisual projections that interact with the room’s lighting. Alongside the audiovisual narrative, the space includes graphic panels, texts, and original objects that offer a unique perspective on history. Notable items include Muhammad Ali’s gloves, original shackles from the era, a camera from 1855, a segregated waiting room sign, and several buttons with anti-racism messages.

This space of memory and learning is a small yet powerful preview of what is yet to come.