Museu d’Historia de Catalunya

Within Barcelona’s Museu d’Historia de Catalunya is 2,000 years of Catalonian history told through exhibits, artefacts, models, activities and more. There are even some interactive elements as you journey in time from pre-history to modern day.

Museu d’Historia de Catalunya history

The Museum of the History of Catalonia is located in a section of the former General Warehouses of Commerce (MGC) and is the only preserved construction in the old industrial port of Barcelona. The MGCs were designed in 1881 by the engineer Maurici Garrán who was inspired by the English port buildings of the time.

As part of the urban improvement actions in preparation for Barcelona hosting the Olympic Games in 1991, the Port Board commissioned the restoration of the exterior elements of the building. The remodelling project for the museum was ultimately awarded to architects Josep Benedito Rovira and Agustí Mateos Duch in December 1994.

The Museu d’Historia de Catalunya opened in February 1996 with the goal of becoming a place to celebrate and further knowledge about the area’s history and collective heritage. Over the years the museum has developed an impressive collection, the result of donations of objects and documents.

Since 1997, the Center for Contemporary History of Catalonia (CHCC) and its important library have been located in the same building.

Museu d’Historia de Catalunya today

Thousands of people visit the museum each year. On the first floor there is a 1,200 square metre space for temporary exhibitions.

The permanent exhibition offers an interactive account of the history of Catalonia from the most remote times to the present day and is complemented by a series of educational and leisure activities, workshops and temporary exhibitions.

The current building combines the port tradition with the dynamism of contemporary architecture. Visitors can also enjoy beautiful views over the port and the city of Barcelona from the terrace.

The Museum of the History of Catalonia is part of the Network of Museums and Monuments of the History of Catalonia and depends on the Catalan Agency for Cultural Heritage (ACdPC).

Getting to Museu d’Historia de Catalunya

The museum is easily accessible by public transport and is on a number of different bus routes. The nearest train station is Barcelona Estació de França. There are three car parks nearby which all charge a fee, Passeig Joan de Borbó, Moll d’Espanya and Moll de la Fusta.