Museum of Ethnology and World Cultures

The Ethnological and World Cultures Museum of Barcelona, born from the merger of the Ethnological Museum and the Museum of World Cultures in 2017, offers a fascinating journey through the diverse cultures of the world. Located in two venues, one in Montjuïc Park and the other on Carrer de Montcada, the museum is a reference point for understanding the social and cultural dynamics of global communities. The origins of the museum date back to the 20th century, with the creation of two distinct museums: the Museum of Industries and Popular Arts in 1942 and the Ethnological and Colonial Museum in 1949. These museums have played a crucial role in the study and promotion of ethnology, collecting objects and materials that testify to the traditions and daily life of different cultures. The merger of these institutions in 1962 led to the creation of the Ethnological Museum, inaugurated in 1973 in a specially built building in Montjuïc. The Montjuïc venue, after a significant renovation completed in 2015, hosts the permanent exhibition “Sentir el patrimoni,” which explores how objects are imbued with the character of the communities that created and used them. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the traditions and cultural practices of different populations, with a particular focus on the anthropological and social dimension of the objects on display. The Montcada venue, located in the historic Nadal and Marquès de Llió palaces, offers an overview of non-Western cultures with approximately 530 pieces from Africa, Oceania, Asia, and the Americas. This collection is enriched by interactive and audiovisual supports that contextualize the objects in their original cultural environment, facilitating a deeper understanding of the societies they come from. The importance of the Ethnological and World Cultures Museum also lies in its ability to preserve and restore objects of invaluable cultural value. The main goal of the museum is to make this heritage accessible to the public, promoting cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue. The collections, which include over 70,000 objects, are the result of ethnographic campaigns conducted worldwide, from Morocco to Nepal, from Latin America to sub-Saharan Africa. An emblematic example of the museum’s approach is the collection of ethnographic objects collected in the Philippines and Spanish Guinea, reflecting the history of Spanish colonial explorations. These objects not only represent a tangible testimony of local cultures but also offer a window into the historical interactions between Spain and its former colonies. The interest in ethnology is also evident in the museum’s international collaborations, which have established links with other public and private collections to expand its heritage. One of the most significant collaborations is with the Folch Foundation, which has allowed for the integration of a wide range of non-European objects, further strengthening the museum’s global vocation.