Tecla Sala Metropolitan Cultural Centre

Tecla Sala Metropolitan Cultural Centre is a cultural center in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat that combines multiple institutions under one roof. It houses art exhibition spaces, a central public library, a contemporary art center, and a local studies center.

The building started as a paper mill in 1854 along a stream, before being converted into a textile factory in the early 1900s. The Sala family operated it from 1913 until 1973, after which the structure was transformed into a public cultural venue.

The center takes its name from a family that shaped the building for generations. The exhibition spaces present art works regularly, while the library serves as a gathering place for readers across the city.

Access varies by department, with most areas open on certain weekdays. It is best to visit the public library first and explore the exhibition areas, which serve as entry points into the center.

The building displays a striking combination of architecture: an original 19th-century structure with exposed brick is paired with a modernist main building that uses large windows for natural light. This blend of industrial and design history makes the building itself a significant part of the collection.