Blau Museum

The Museu Blau, part of the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona, is a symbol of modernity and architectural innovation located in the Parc del Fòrum. The museum is housed in a triangular building with sides of 180 meters designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, originally built to host the Universal Forum of Cultures in 2004. This iconic structure features a blue facade with deep vertical fissures contrasting with the stainless steel cladding, evoking the appearance of sea water and waves. Opened in 2011, the Museu Blau has revitalized this building, transforming it into a modern and multifunctional exhibition space. The museum houses a permanent exhibition called “Planeta Vida” that guides visitors through the evolution of our planet, from its origins to the present day. The exhibition is divided into three main sections: the first dedicated to the Big Bang and the formation of Earth, the second to the planet’s biography with a focus on geological transformation and the origin of life, and the third to present-day Earth, exploring biodiversity through a collection of 4,500 specimens including fossils, minerals, rocks, plants, and taxidermized animals. The design of the “Planeta Vida” exhibition is particularly engaging thanks to the use of multimedia and interactive installations that recreate lights, sounds, and panoramas of different geological eras. The dark environment and illuminated showcases emphasize the importance and rarity of the exhibited objects, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Renaissance cabinets of curiosities. This approach not only facilitates understanding of Earth’s history but also makes the visit an immersive and educational experience. In addition to the permanent exhibition, the Museu Blau features spaces for temporary exhibitions, an auditorium, a multimedia library, laboratories, and areas dedicated to children, such as the Niu de Ciència (Science Nest), where young visitors can explore the natural world through educational games. The museum’s auditorium, with a capacity of 3,200 seats, hosts conferences, shows, and other cultural events, making the Museu Blau an important center for scientific dissemination and culture in Barcelona. The museum is also accessible via various means of transportation, including the metro (Maresme-Forum station) and ample parking for those who prefer to arrive by car. The connection between indoor and outdoor spaces is a key element of the building’s design, with courtyards cutting through the structure and allowing natural light to enter, improving ventilation and creating a visual continuity between the museum and the surrounding environment. From a historical perspective, the museum is part of a tradition of over 140 years, beginning with the collections of naturalist Francesc Martorell i Peña. Other venues of the Museum of Natural Sciences of Barcelona, such as the Jardí Botànic de Barcelona and the Castell dels Tres Dragons, contribute to forming a rich network of educational and scientific resources throughout the city. The relocation of the museum to the Parc del Fòrum has also marked an important urban redevelopment of an area that was previously considered a “wasteland.” This transformation process has made the area one of the most significant districts of 21st century Barcelona, integrating public spaces, green areas, and cultural structures into a vibrant and dynamic urban environment.