Exhibitions

As the port has evolved over the centuries to meet the ever-changing needs of the city, many objects have survived as evidence of this transformation and, as such, form an integral part of the history of both the city and the country. We are committed to protecting this heritage and promoting its conservation and accessibility, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to discover and appreciate it.

In conjunction with the Barcelona History Museum, we are holding a dual exhibition on the Barceloneta I shipwreck. This 15th-century vessel was discovered in 2008 near the France train station during an excavation that revealed part of the south bastion of the old sea wall and the city's first artificial quay. 

The wreck, believed to be of Cantabrian origin and likely Basque, is exceptional. No other ship of this type has ever been found in the entire Mediterranean, highlighting the commercial importance of Barcelona as one of the principal ports for maritime trade and legislation in the Mediterranean since the 13th century.

To demonstrate our commitment to preserving this heritage, we have undertaken a project to conserve and exhibit the wreck, which will be on display from 23 May 2021 to 31 December 2022, in an exhibition at the MUHBA Barcelona, port mediterrani entre oceans. El testimoni del vaixell Barceloneta I in the antechamber of the Palau Real Major, between the Saló del Tinell and the chapel of Santa Àgata

A virtual exhibition "El Port, la porta oberta a Barcelona: el testimoni del derelicte Barceloneta I", is available alongside the on-site exhibition. This online exhibition will connect the testimony of the shipwreck with the history and evolution of the port, spanning from antiquity to the present day.

The decision to create a fully online and dynamic exhibition reflects our commitment to utilising new technologies and forms of communication to remove barriers to the dissemination of our heritage. The digital resources will include a 3D reconstruction of the ship and an interactive map of the 15th-century trade routes. In addition to the engravings, lithographs and images from different periods in the port, visitors will be able to watch videos about the restoration process, the construction technique used to build the shed and the cartographic evolution of the coastline and seafront, as well as films made by the Lumière brothers in the Port of Barcelona

FOTOFars

A Look at Lighthouses through Contemporary Photography 
Department of Cultural Heritage. Port of Barcelona

The era of digitisation and technology has revolutionised the traditional concept of exhibitions in museums and cultural centres, leading to more innovative and digital approaches. The Port of Barcelona is committed to embracing new methods for sharing knowledge and heritage and has consequently integrated virtual visits into its programme of activities.

The aim is to promote research and raise awareness about heritage through new technological resources that make it more accessible to all audiences, especially those who cannot attend exhibitions in person but want to learn more about maritime culture.

The Department of Cultural Heritage is launching this new initiative with an exhibition that features a straightforward presentation created using in-house resources.

Fotofars is a series of 13 photographs by different contemporary artists, showing 13 of the 15 lighthouses managed by the Port of Barcelona, from the border with France to Vilanova i la Geltrú, all of which form part of the maritime province of Barcelona.

The exhibition aims to introduce viewers to the lighthouses through the artistic lens of photography and the unique perspective of the photographer.

As such, rather than providing further explanation, we encourage you to immerse yourself in the art and enjoy the experience. Welcome!