Palau de Mar

Palau de Mar is a museum in La Barceloneta with two rectangular brick structures connected by a central corridor leading toward the harbor. The building contains multiple floors with exhibition space, while the fourth floor includes a library, media center, and a café with views over the port.

The building was constructed between 1880 and 1890 as storage warehouses for Barcelona's port and officially opened on July 1, 1902. This originally industrial structure survived urban changes and was later transformed into a museum dedicated to Catalonia's history.

The building tells the story of Catalonia's past through exhibitions that explore different periods and how people lived across centuries. You see how the region developed and changed through displays that connect visitors with local heritage.

The location sits waterside with easy access to the harbor and surrounding promenades for exploration. The café terrace on the upper floor provides a peaceful spot to rest with views of the sea and port activity.

The building still displays its original cast iron columns and brick walls from the 19th century with minimal alteration. These details are rarely seen elsewhere in the modern city and give visitors a genuine sense of what the old port industry looked like.

Location: Barcelona

Location: La Barceloneta

Architects: Maurici Garrán, Elies Rogent

Official opening: 1900

Architectural style: arquitectura industrial catalana, eclectic architecture

Address: Plaça Pau Vila, 1-5.

GPS coordinates: 41.38094,2.18573

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:45