Imagine standing before a building steeped in history a neoclassical gem nestled in Parc de la Ciutadella. This is the Centre Martorell d’Exposicions Barcelona’s oldest public museum reborn.
Originally inaugurated in 1882 as the Martorell Museum it was the brainchild of Francesc Martorell i Peña. He was a naturalist and archaeologist. His donation of collections and funds led to Barcelona’s first public museum.
For years the Centre Martorell d’Exposicions served as a geology museum becoming a reference point for science popularization. But in 2010 it closed its doors awaiting a transformation. After 13 years of silence the Centre Martorell d’Exposicions has emerged anew. A meticulous renovation costing millions has breathed life back into its historic walls.
The reopening of the Centre Martorell d’Exposicions marks a significant moment. It coincides with the unveiling of the renovated Hivernacle. Both are vital components of the ambitious Ciutadella del Coneixement project. This initiative seeks to transform the area into a leading hub for research and scientific dissemination.
Now the Centre Martorell d’Exposicions stands as the second facility open to the public within this knowledge hub. Its purpose is to bridge the gap between science and the community. The Centre Martorell d’Exposicions aims to solidify the Ciutadella Park’s scientific presence.
Step inside the Centre Martorell d’Exposicions and you will find exhibitions that tackle pressing issues. The climate crisis and biodiversity loss take center stage. The museum does not shy away from exploring the frontiers of scientific knowledge.
Currently the Centre Martorell d’Exposicions hosts two temporary exhibitions. “Nature or Culture? A view from the natural science museum” offers a historical journey. It explores the evolving relationship between humans and nature.
You will encounter emblematic collections. Among them is the skeleton of Avi. Avi was a beloved elephant from the Barcelona Zoo who died in 1914.
The second exhibition is “WOW. Animals de museu: Ciència, tècnica i art”. Here the innovative taxidermist Antonio Pérez Rodríguez showcases his work. He has pioneered a unique technique of “taxidermy in movement”.
The Centre Martorell d’Exposicions is more than just a museum. It is a space to contemplate our place in the natural world. It challenges us to confront the urgent issues of our time. It seeks to combat climate change denialism through knowledge and education.
Mayor Jaume Collboni envisions the Centre Martorell d’Exposicions as a key tool in this fight. He hopes to inspire a new generation with the wonders of science.
The Centre Martorell d’Exposicions stands as a testament to legacy and renewal. It honors its past while embracing the challenges of the 21st century. It invites us to explore the beauty and fragility of our planet. The Centre Martorell d’Exposicions is a place where science art and culture converge. It is a reminder of the importance of preserving our natural heritage.