Presó de Mataró

Presó de Mataró is a prison building with a semicircular layout and rectangular front section that blends fortress elements with palace architecture in brick-stone construction. The structure now houses artistic workshops, exhibitions, and educational programming for visitors of all ages.

Construction began in 1851 under architect Elies Rogent, introducing Spain's first panoptic surveillance system in a correctional facility. The prison operated until its closure, after which it was repurposed as a cultural institution.

The former prison cells now serve as creative spaces where contemporary artists work and share their practice. This transformation shows how a place tied to confinement has become a center for artistic expression and dialogue.

The building is open to visitors and offers art exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs throughout the year. It is advisable to check specific hours and any special events before planning your visit.

The structure incorporates trapezoid-shaped exterior cells with dual-sloped roofs, accessed through a gallery of rounded arches at the lower level. This distinctive design was integral to the innovative surveillance approach of its era.

Location: Mataró

Inception: 1851

Architects: Elies Rogent

Architectural style: historicist architecture

GPS coordinates: 41.54167,2.44361

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:06