The Museu d'Història de Barcelona (MUHBA) has opened a new site at the Fabra i Coats industrial complex in Sant Andreu, dedicated to showcasing Barcelona's rich work history. This marks the first time the specific Nave F space, once a highly toxic thread dyeing area, hosts public exhibitions.

The new museum features two permanent exhibitions: "Barcelona, City and Work" and "Fabra i Coats of Sant Andreu: Company, Work and Memory." The latter focuses on the former factory, which closed in 2005 and now serves as a cultural and contemporary art centre.

Carles García Hermosilla, director of MUHBA, stated that the museum aims to explain the city globally. He added that the topic of work is "absolutely transversal and important" for understanding its evolution, according to MUHBA Wikipedia article. The project represents an investment of 4.3 million euros.

Exploring Industrial Heritage

The new site also includes a visible heritage reserve. It comprises over 4,000 pieces from the museum's collections and donations. These objects include machinery, tools, production items, and documents linked to various sectors. While not directly visitable, the reserve allows a view of these historical artefacts.

The opening of this new cultural space faced several delays. Works to adapt the large industrial area began in late 2022. Officials planned an initial opening for spring last year. Sant Andreu, a district with a strong industrial past, will benefit from this new focus on its heritage.

MUHBA's Expanding Reach

This expansion continues MUHBA's growth. It follows the integration of the former El Born market into its structure in 2025. El Born, once known as the Centre de Cultura i Memòria, became El Born. Museu d’Història de Barcelona. This integration sparked debate at the time.

Mr García Hermosilla justified the changes at El Born to "transform the paradigm of absorption by the paradigm of fusion." He aimed for the integration itself to reshape MUHBA. They originally conceived El Born to commemorate the events of 1714. This marked the tricentenary of Catalonia's defeat in the War of the Spanish Succession.

The Barcelona City Council addressed concerns about the integration. They assured the public that culture and memory concepts would continue to guide El Born's work. This new Fabra i Coats site further diversifies MUHBA's offerings across the city.

The Fabra i Coats site offers residents and visitors a deeper understanding of Barcelona's economic and social development through the lens of its working past. This new museum strengthens the city's commitment to preserving and interpreting its industrial heritage for future generations.

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Originally published by El Nacional. Read original article.