“What was once old is new again” perfectly describes our next stop. This is MUHBA Oliva Artés. It bridges Barcelona’s past and future.
MUHBA Oliva Artés began as a factory workshop in 1920. The workshop focused on machinery production and repair. Now, it is a vibrant laboratory. It belongs to the Barcelona History Museum in Poblenou.
This space acts as both a laboratory and a participatory museum. It explores the history of Barcelona. It examines the legacy of this contemporary city. MUHBA Oliva Artés collaborates with local groups. These include the Taula Eix Pere IV and the Poblenou Historical Archive. The Poblenou Neighbours’ Association also participates.
MUHBA Oliva Artés hosts educational activities too. Schools enjoy visits, itineraries, and workshops here. You may have heard of Patrimonia’m or Service Learning, also known as Ciceró Bcn. These programs also take place here.
Currently, MUHBA Oliva Artés features a permanent exhibition. It is called “Questioning Barcelona. From Industrialization to the 21st Century”. This exhibition studies Barcelona’s development. It spans from the 18th century to today. The exhibition explores the city through different lenses. These include labour, demographics, and immigration. Social conflicts, territory, and industrial development also feature.
MUHBA Oliva Artés also displays temporary exhibitions. “Protegir Barcelona. Bombers i prevenció d’incendis, 1833-2022” explores firefighting. “Habitar Barcelona. Reptes, combats i polítiques al segle XX” examines housing. “Darrera els murs del mental, vida quotidiana dintre del manicomi” looks at mental health. “La memòria pictòrica del Poblenou” showcases local art. “Barcelona & Futbol. El gran joc social del segle XX” celebrates soccer.
You can find MUHBA Oliva Artés at C. d’Espronceda, 142-146. It sits in the Parc del Centre del Poblenou. Take the metro to Poblenou or Selva de Mar, both on L4. Buses H14, V27, and B25 also stop nearby. The Fluvià tram stop on T4 is another option.
MUHBA Oliva Artés welcomes visitors. From October to May, it is open Wednesday from 10 am to 2 pm and 3 pm to 6 pm. Saturday and Sunday hours are 11 am to 3 pm and 4 pm to 6 pm. From June to September, it opens Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm. MUHBA Oliva Artés closes on January 1st, May 1st, June 24th, and December 25th.
Tickets are very affordable. Standard admission is 2.10 €. Concessions are available for 1.60 €.
MUHBA Oliva Artés is more than just a museum. It is a dynamic space. It encourages learning and reflection. It connects us to Barcelona’s past. It also inspires us to think about its future. As you leave, consider how the city’s history shapes its present.