Does this building whisper tales of dragons? Actually, the Laboratori de Natura has a different story. It is a vital part of Barcelona’s Museu de Ciències Naturals.
The Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona boasts a rich history. It was established in 1882. A local business broker named Francesc Martorell Peña bequeathed his collections to the city. This act of generosity led to the creation of the museum. Initially, it was named Museo Martorell de Arqueología y Ciencias Naturales. It was Barcelona’s first building designed specifically as a museum.
Today, the Museu de Ciències Naturals has five sites. The Laboratori de Natura is one of them. It is housed in the Castell dels Tres Dragons in the Parc de la Ciutadella. The Castle of the Three Dragons was built for the Barcelona Universal Exposition in 1888.
The Laboratori de Natura once served as the Zoology Museum. It exhibited zoological collections starting in 1920. It remained a popular attraction until its closure in 2010. Now, it is known as the Laboratori de Natura. It focuses on documenting and increasing the understanding of the natural world.
Lluís Domènech i Montaner designed the Castell dels Tres Dragons. Originally, it was a café-restaurant. Its architectural and artistic value is evident. During the early 20th century, the building had many uses. One was natural sciences. It was dedicated solely to zoology until March 2011. Many still call it the Museu de Zoologia.
Inside the Laboratori de Natura are important collections. Zoology and geology collections reside here. The museum also houses the Fonoteca Natura Sonora. It contains a documentation center and a specialized library. These resources aid scientific research. They also help to preserve cultural heritage.
Scientists use the collections for research. Technicians and naturalists use them for environmental management. The Laboratori de Natura also creates biodiversity databases. These databases are accessible online. You can find a significant portion of the museum’s collection data on the GBIF portal. It is the Global Biodiversity Information Facility.
The Museu de Ciències Naturals aims to share knowledge. It wants to create a society. This society should be informed and connected. It should also be responsible toward nature. The museum maintains collections of Catalonia’s natural heritage. It researches biological and geological diversity. It encourages people to explore, learn, and participate.
So, while dragons may not roam here, a different kind of magic does. The Laboratori de Natura safeguards knowledge. It inspires a deeper connection with our planet.