Frederic Marès Museum

The Museu Frederic Marès, located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, is a fascinating temple of sculpture and collecting, founded by the renowned Catalan sculptor Frederic Marès, born in 1893. Marès, besides being a prolific artist, was also a passionate collector, amassing an incredible variety of objects and artworks ranging from antiquity to the 19th century throughout his life. The museum was inaugurated in 1948 in a section of the ancient Palau Reial Major of the Counts of Barcelona, thanks to Marès’ generous donation of his collections to the city in 1946. This act of patronage has allowed the preservation and display of an extraordinary collection that reflects the richness of Spanish and international culture and art. One of the main sections of the museum is dedicated to sculpture, with a wide range of works spanning from the Roman period to the 19th century. Here, visitors can admire splendid polychrome religious sculptures, such as statues of the Virgin Mary and crucifixes, representing devotion and artistic skill of past eras. This segment of the museum offers an in-depth view of the evolution of sculpture through the centuries, highlighting the importance of religious art in Spanish history. Another significant part of the museum is the Gabinet del Col·leccionista, a fascinating treasure trove of everyday objects and curiosities that Marès collected throughout his life. This space is a unique testimony of the habits and customs of the 19th century, with a collection including fans, pipes, clocks, jewelry, photographs, toys, keys, and even pharmacy jars. Each object tells a story, offering visitors an immersion into Marès’ personal universe and the daily life of Catalan bourgeoisie at the time. Particularly interesting is Marès’ study-library, located inside the museum, where many of his modern sculptures are displayed. This space not only celebrates Marès’ artistic talent but also reflects his collecting spirit and passion for art in all its forms. During the summer months, the museum courtyard hosts a small café, offering a peaceful oasis where visitors can relax and reflect on the wonders they have just seen.