The factory shut down in 1992 and was later turned into Balmaseda’s boldest museum.

The complex – erected in the 19^th century – comprises a stunning building and the adjoining workers’ apartments, together with a small chapel and an elementary school. And so, as was the norm at the time, a whole district emerged around the factory – including the manager’s house, who lived next to the employees.

The museum has preserved and now exhibits the machinery used to manufacture the berets. A water turbine controlled the mechanism, powering the pulleys and straps – which, besides keeping the machinery running, helped the factory generate its own electricity.

La Encartada Beret Foundation came into being in 2006 from an effort to preserve, manage and spread the history of the former factory, located in the outskirts of town. The museum opened a year later after a thorough restoration, along with a café and a contiguous recreation area that make up a pleasant scene.