The Spanish blockade of their border with Gibraltar was ordered by the Spanish fascist dictator General Franco in 1969 and lasted 16 years, continuing even after Franco’s death. It is an important part of Gibraltar's modern history and national identity.
The exhibition at the John Macintosh Hall will be open to the public from 15th to 26th September 2025. Opening times are 9:00am to 4:15pm Monday to Friday, and admission is free.
The frontier finally reopened fully in February 1985, against the backdrop of Spain’s desire to join the European Economic Community. The exhibition is divided into four sections:
- Section One examines the UK and Spanish positions on the frontier and the history of cross-
frontier workers. - Section Two covers the 1969 closure and its impact on Gibraltar and the surrounding region.
- Section Three explains the diplomatic background leading to the frontier’s full reopening in
1985. - Section Four looks at the present context of Gibraltar’s departure from the EU and this
year’s historic political agreement for Gibraltar’s future relationship with the bloc.
The Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Joseph Garcia, said: “The closure of the border had profound consequences in Gibraltar and the surrounding area. It was an inhuman act of coercion designed to bring Gibraltar to its knees. However, Franco’s plan failed and the Gibraltarians, with the support of the United Kingdom, bravely resisted whatever the dictator threw at them. The closure proved to be a nation-building moment, which together with other events like the wartime evacuation of civilians, was to cement the sense of identity of the people of Gibraltar further still.
“I want to thank Archivist Gerard Wood and his team, and everyone who has worked to bring together rare and previously unseen material for this very special exhibition.”