El Born bookshop revival begins this December as Barcelona’s municipal bookstore moves to the historic market building.
The cultural facility El Born – Museu d’Història de Barcelona will regain its commercial space after seven years without a shop, marking a significant transformation for the iconic location.
Mayor Jaume Collboni’s government has chosen to relocate the municipal publications outlet from its current home in Sala Ciutat at City Hall.
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This strategic move brings official Barcelona publications back to one of the city’s most important cultural landmarks. Furthermore, the new space will serve as a showcase for local creative talent.
El Born Bookshop Revival Creates Cultural Hub
The cooperative architecture firm LaCapell has won the management contract for the new 127-square-metre space in Sala Castellví. This location previously housed the Bestiari bookshop until its closure in 2018. The contract, valued at nearly one million euros over 40 months, represents a major investment in the city’s cultural infrastructure.
LaCapell already manages seven other cultural retail spaces across Barcelona, including the COAC architecture bookshop and the Design Hub store. Their expertise in creating engaging cultural retail experiences makes them ideal for this important project. The firm will pay a 5% royalty on annual turnover to the city council.
The interior design comes from Varis Arquitectes, the same team responsible for El Born’s original museum project that won the 2013 Ciutat de Barcelona award. Their familiar touch will ensure continuity with the existing space while creating an inviting new retail environment. The design features glass walls, exhibition tables, resting chairs and a dedicated children’s area.
This development represents another step in Barcelona’s ongoing cultural transformation, similar to other recent initiatives like the city’s urban improvement projects that have revitalised public spaces. The integration of cultural and commercial elements reflects a broader strategy to enhance Barcelona’s appeal to both residents and visitors.
According to official documentation, the new space will extend beyond books to include institutional merchandise, posters, gift items and accessories. The management contract requires developing a cultural programme with regular book presentations and reading clubs, plus creative merchandise lines for temporary exhibitions.
The emphasis on promoting Barcelona talent through collaborations with local designers and artists aligns with other cultural developments across the city, such as the creative resurgence happening in neighbourhoods like El Raval. This approach ensures the El Born bookshop revival becomes a genuine showcase for the city’s creative potential.
Mayor Collboni is scheduled to inaugurate the new space on December 11th, just before the Christmas period. This timing positions the new bookshop as both a cultural destination and seasonal shopping opportunity. The project represents a significant step in Barcelona’s ongoing commitment to supporting its cultural infrastructure and creative economy.
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