Centre Martorell d'Exposicions
Centre Martorell d'Exposicions stands in Barcelona's Parc de la Ciutadella, beside the route connecting the park with the Born district. Its neoclassical façade presents four Doric columns carved from Montjuïc stone beneath Barcelona's heraldic relief. Three rectangular sections shape the building, with long side halls and an elevated interior walkway.
Francesc Martorell i Peña provided natural science and archaeology collections, along with funds for construction. Antoni Rovira i Trias designed the museum, which opened in 1882 as Barcelona and Catalonia's first public museum. Archaeology moved elsewhere in 1891, while geology became central and received a 12,000-piece European palaeontology collection. The institution helped establish Barcelona's zoology, geology and botany museums through its scientific work.
After restoration, the former museum reopened in 2023 for temporary exhibitions about climate, biodiversity and scientific discovery. The central pediment carries plant motifs around Barcelona's coat of arms, while sculptures honour Jaume Salvador Pedrol and Félix de Azara. Four pilasters and a staircase echo the entrance on the building's rear side.
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