Museu d'Història de Catalunya (MHCAT) | Catalonia History Museum

About History Of Catalunya Museum

The Museum of History of Catalonia, Museu d'Història de Catalunya (MHCAT), is a leading museum of the history of Catalonia, located in the iconic Palau de Mar, a beautifully restored former dock warehouse in Plaza de Pau Vila. This Barcelona historical museum offers a journey through time, from prehistoric settlements to the Catalonia civil war museum galleries. Opened in 1996, the museum presents the story of Catalonia from its earliest hunter-gatherer tribes to the present day. Located in the Port Vell area, on the edge of the Barceloneta Neighbourhood and the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic), it offers a dynamic and engaging experience for all ages—including families with children.

Redevelopment of the façade began in 1991 ahead of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. The museum is housed in the historic General Warehouses of Commerce (MGC), known as the Palau de Mar, the only preserved building from Barcelona’s old industrial port.

Designed in 1881 by engineer Maurici Garrin, the Palau de Mar was inspired by English dock architecture of the time. Its resemblance to the warehouses of London or Liverpool is unmistakable, blending maritime heritage with industrial elegance.

Construction began in 1885 on what was once the fishermen’s beach, and the building officially opened on July 1, 1902. Contemporary reports praised its modern features, including elevators and conveyor belts—cutting-edge technology for the era. Railways were laid around the building to streamline the movement of goods through the port.

Today, these historic dock warehouses have been transformed into a vibrant space that includes offices, restaurants, and the Museum of History of Catalonia. The museum’s interactive exhibits and spacious galleries make it especially welcoming for families, offering children a chance to explore Catalonia’s past through hands-on displays and immersive storytelling.

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Why Visit the Museu d'Història de Catalunya with Children?

It’s one of the most family-friendly museums in Barcelona, with wide galleries and interactive museum exhibits that make history fun for kids. If you’re looking for a Barcelona free museum, MHCAT offers free entry on select days and is a great stop for families exploring the museum near Port Vell or Barceloneta.

Rocks, Minerals & the Land Beneath Our Feet

Step into the world of ancient Catalonia by starting with the very ground it was built on. This section of the museum introduces children to the rocks, minerals, and geological forces that shaped the region. Interactive displays let kids touch real stone samples, explore how mountains formed, and even see how early humans used natural materials to build tools and shelters. It’s a tactile, sensory-rich experience that turns geology into a treasure hunt.

Neolithic Tribes & Life in Prehistoric Catalonia

In the next gallery, children are transported back thousands of years to the time of hunter-gatherers and early farmers. Life-size reconstructions of Neolithic huts, complete with clay pots, woven baskets, and animal hides, help kids imagine what daily life was like. They can peek inside a prehistoric kitchen, learn how fire was made, and discover how early Catalans hunted, cooked, and cared for their families. The museum uses multimedia storytelling and hands-on exhibits to make ancient history feel alive and relatable.

Knights, Castles & Medieval Warfare

In this section, children come face-to-face with the armored heroes of Catalonia’s medieval past. A life-sized knight on horseback, clad in chainmail and carrying a lance, stands proudly on display—perfect for sparking imaginations about battles, bravery, and chivalry. Kids can learn how armor was made, how horses were trained for war, and what life was like inside a medieval fortress. The exhibit includes replica weapons, shields, and heraldic symbols that help bring the age of castles and crusades to life. Children can explore the Catalonia Roman Empire history, step into medieval kitchens, and learn about the Catalonia industrial revolution through real textile looms and vintage machinery.

Life in the Camp: Tents & Tactics

Step inside a reconstructed medieval military tent and discover how soldiers lived while on campaign. Children can explore the striped canvas shelter, see how supplies were stored, and learn about the strategies used in battle. It’s a great way to understand the human side of war—how people ate, slept, and prepared for conflict far from home.

Rebellion & the Peasants’ Revolt

Not all stories from the Middle Ages are about knights and kings. This gallery explores the lives of ordinary people—farmers, laborers, and villagers—who sometimes rose up against unfair rulers. Through dramatic scenes and storytelling panels, children learn about the causes of peasant revolts, the hardships of medieval life, and the courage it took to stand up for justice. A fallen knight surrounded by arrows and shadowy figures adds theatrical flair to the exhibit, making history feel like a living drama.

Cannons & the Changing Face of War

As the medieval period gave way to the Renaissance, warfare changed dramatically. In this part of the museum, children can see a real cannon setup complete with cannonballs, barrels, and a backdrop of a besieged city. Multimedia screens show how battles evolved with new technology, and kids can imagine what it was like to defend a fortress or storm a castle wall. It’s loud, bold, and full of action—perfect for young minds fascinated by epic stories.

From Soil to Supper: Farming in Old Catalonia

Children can walk through a life-size vegetable garden filled with cabbages, carrots, and tomatoes, learning how families grew their own food centuries ago. The exhibit includes a working model of an ancient irrigation system, showing how water was lifted and channeled to nourish crops. Kids will love seeing how clever engineering helped farmers survive in dry seasons—there’s even a wooden water wheel that demonstrates how water was raised from wells.

Nearby, a rustic kitchen and dining area recreate the warmth of a traditional Catalan home, complete with baskets, herbs, and wooden utensils. It’s a cozy glimpse into how people cooked and ate together before supermarkets and electricity.

Cotton, Leather & the Rise of Craft Industries

In the next gallery, children discover how raw materials like cotton and leather were turned into clothes, shoes, and tools. A recreated leather workshop shows hides hanging from beams, workbenches covered in tools, and barrels used for tanning. Kids can see how craftspeople shaped everyday items by hand—no machines, just skill and patience.

There’s also a traditional market stall filled with baskets, pottery, and textiles, giving children a feel for what shopping was like in a time before plastic and packaging. It’s a great way to understand how communities traded and supported each other.

The Industrial Boom: Mills, Machines & Electricity

As Catalonia entered the industrial age, everything changed. Children can marvel at a real textile loom weaving red-and-white cloth, surrounded by a mural of a bustling factory floor. The clatter of gears and belts brings the scene to life, showing how machines replaced manual labor and transformed cities.

Next to the loom is a display of early electrical generators—big, noisy machines that powered factories and homes. Kids can trace how energy moved from steam to electricity, and how this revolution made lights, trams, and modern life possible.

To complete the journey, a horse-drawn cart sits on cobblestones, reminding visitors of how goods were transported before trucks and trains. It’s a powerful contrast to the machines nearby, showing how fast Catalonia evolved in just a few generations.

Life at Sea: Sailors, Ships & Survival

Step aboard the world of Catalonia’s seafaring past, where children can explore the lives of mariners, merchants, and explorers who shaped the region’s coastal culture. Mannequins dressed in historic sailor uniforms stand beside barrels, crates, and anchors, showing how ships were loaded and prepared for long voyages. Kids can learn how sailors navigated the seas, what they ate, and how they stored cargo in the belly of wooden ships—there’s even a full-size cross-section of a cargo hold packed with sacks and pine branches for insulation.

The Submarine That Changed Everything

The museum’s maritime wing showcases the Ictíneo submarine Barcelona exhibit, a pioneering submarine built by Catalan inventor Narcís Monturiol highlighting Catalonia submarine invention and naval engineering. Children can see a full-scale replica of this wooden vessel, complete with a circular viewing window and mechanical parts. A nearby model and diagram explain how the submarine worked—perfect for young minds fascinated by engineering and underwater exploration. It’s a story of invention, courage, and the dream of diving beneath the waves long before modern technology made it possible.

Trade, Travel & the Power of the Port

Barcelona’s port was once a bustling hub of trade, and this gallery brings that history to life. Kids can explore how goods like grain, wine, and textiles were packed and shipped across the Mediterranean. Interactive panels and realistic props show how cargo was stored, labeled, and protected during long journeys. There’s even a recreated dock scene with ropes, barrels, and maritime tools that help children imagine the daily work of sailors and dockhands.

Everyday Life in the 20th Century

Step into the homes, schools, and workplaces of Catalonia during the 1900s. Children can explore a recreated vintage kitchen filled with pots, pans, and patterned curtains, showing how families cooked and gathered before microwaves and smartphones. Nearby, a retro classroom invites kids to sit at wooden desks and imagine what school was like when lessons were written in chalk and globes hung from the ceiling.

There’s also a classic bar setup with stools, beer taps, and a tiny black-and-white TV—perfect for understanding how adults relaxed and socialized. A vintage car and motorcycle round out the scene, showing how people traveled and how technology evolved over the decades.

Communication & Innovation

Children fascinated by gadgets will love the display of early telephones, radios, cameras, and typewriters. These chunky, mechanical devices helped people stay connected long before mobile phones and the internet. Kids can see how rotary dials worked, how photos were taken with bellows-style cameras, and how typing was done on clacking metal keys. It’s a hands-on look at how ideas and messages were shared across generations.

The Spanish Civil War: Conflict & Courage

This gallery introduces children to one of the most difficult chapters in Spain’s history—the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939). Through carefully curated exhibits, kids can see a street fighing with sandbags, helmets, and a mounted machine gun, helping them understand the harsh realities of war. Multimedia screens show black-and-white footage of soldiers and civilians, while photographs and flags tell stories of bravery, division, and survival.

The museum presents this history with sensitivity, focusing on the human experience—how families were affected, how communities responded, and how the country eventually rebuilt. It’s a powerful way to teach empathy and resilience while honoring the past.

Note: The History of Catalunya Museum (MHCAT) should not be confused with the Barcelona City History Museum (MUHBA) in the Gothic centre.

History of Catalunya Museum (MHCAT) opening hours

Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00h am to 7:00 pm.
Wednesday: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Sunday and public holiday: 10:00h to 2:30 pm.
Entry permitted until 30 minutes before closing time.
Closed: Non holiday Mondays, 1st and 6th January, 1st May, 25th and 26th December
Free days: 12 February (Santa Eulalia); 23 April (Sant Jordi); May 15th, 16th and 18th; September 11th (dia nacional de Catalunya); 24th September (virgin de la merçe); 24th December; First Sunday of each month

Restaurant Brisa Restaurant La Gavina Restaurant B-ONE Restaurant Cal Pinxo Restaurant Merendero de la Mari Restaurant MOLO 39 (italian) BlackLab craft beers & snacks

Accessibility & What to Bring

The Museu d'Història de Catalunya is fully accessible from street level, with step-free entry and elevators connecting all floors. The galleries are wide and spacious, making it easy to navigate with wheelchairs, mobility aids, or pushchairs. It’s also a very child-friendly museum, with interactive exhibits and plenty of room for families to explore together.

Bicycle parking is available in Plaça de Pau Vila, just outside the museum entrance—ideal if you're arriving by bike or combining your visit with a ride along the waterfront.

Dress code: While Barcelona is relaxed, beachwear (swimsuits, bare feet, etc.) is not permitted inside the museum or on city streets. Please dress comfortably and respectfully.

Bag policy: Before entering the galleries, larger bags and rucksacks must be placed in the lockers. Small daypacks (like a 10L museum rucksack) are usually allowed, depending on how busy the museum is. Staff may ask you to check your bag if the galleries are crowded.

We recommend bringing a camera or smartphone to capture the exhibits, and a light jacket if visiting during cooler months—the stone interiors can feel chilly. Most of all, bring your curiosity—there’s a lot to discover!

Tickets for History Of Catalunya Museum

Getting to History Of Catalunya Museum

Address: Plaça de Pau Vila, 3 – Barcelona, 08003

The museum is just a short walk from Barceloneta metro station on the Yellow Line (L4), making it easy to reach from anywhere in the city. For public transport, grab a T-Casual ticket for single journeys, or opt for the Hola Barcelona Travel Card if you're planning to explore more of the city in one go.