America's Cup Experience aims to enlighten public about historic yacht race

The America's Cup, the world's oldest continually contested international sporting competition, has arrived in Barcelona. 

The teams are setting up bases along the Catalan capital's waterfront in preparation for next year's America's Cup, equipping their vessels with the latest technology to find every last edge. 

But it's not only arrived in Barcelona for the competitors – it's now here for spectators too, with the opening this week of the America's Cup Experience museum, located in the old IMAX theatre building on the city's port, just beside the aquarium. 

With the new museum, organizers hope to bring the America's Cup closer to the locals, to let Catalans get to know the historic tournament a little better before the full event comes to our shores next August. When the teams are racing in the sea next year, fans will be able to watch the event live, in person, from the shore for free.

The first thing visitors are met with upon arrival is a lifesize replica of the famous old trophy that nations have battled for since 1851. 

After that, in a section of the museum that will be free to all visitors, there are information panels explaining the competition format, showing off the uniforms and gear the sailors compete with, and introducing the teams. 

The section of the museum that is ticketed features a nine-minute America's Cup film highlighting the emotion that all athletes put into their efforts, as well as touching on the elite level of technology needed to win the boat race. Indeed, the America's Cup is like Formula One on the water. 

There is also an exhibition space with dozens of screens surrounding visitors, showing images of past editions of the competition, as well as an immersive experience, allowing the public to be surrounded by artistic maritime projections.

Natàlia Via-Dufresne, a silver medalist in the 1992 Olympic Games in the Europe Class sailing event, presented the museum to members of the media on Tuesday. 

All in all, the museum has seen an investment of around €7 million and will remain open to visitors 7 days a week until May 2025, meaning it will be open for some months after the competition concludes.