Frederic Mares was a sculptor and later also an important collector. He was born in Portbou in 1893 and died in Barcelona in 1991. He arrived to Barcelona at the age of ten and started to attend classes at La Llotja, the School of Fine Arts, where he receives training as a sculptor. Several works of Mares are spread in Barcelona and two examples are the sculptures of Barcelona and Emporion, which can be seen today in Plaça Catalunya.
Mares had also a strong passion as collector and started to purchase many kind of objects from antiquarians and auctions in Paris back in 1911. He expanded his collection to such a point until he decided to donate it to the city in 1944. The inauguration of the museum and its gradual growth played an important role in the decision of Mares to dedicate to collecting as his main activity.
The museum was opened in 1946 in part of the former royal palace which was once home to the Counts of Barcelona, located in the heart of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. The collection is divided into two main sections: the sculpture collection and a collection of everyday objects and collectors’ items.
The sculpture collection features works of art from around Spain from the pre-Roman period to the 19th century, and includes important exhibits from the Middle Ages and polychrome religious carvings. Spanish sculptures from the Renaissance and baroque periods are also represented. You can also see examples of works from the main Spanish schools of sculpture, from the medieval period to modern times.
On the other hand, the collectors’ item area showcases a series of handcrafted objects of the everyday lives of our ancestors from the 15th to 19th centuries, which is divided into three galleries. The women area, where you can see the women’s lives during the romantic era. Here you will see a collection of fans, combs, jewellery, clothing and other fashion accessories.
The area of entertainment features toy theaters, automata, toys and retains all the charm and evocative power of the entertainment of the past. The smoker area features a wide variety of pipes, made of diverse materials and the most curious shapes.
Regular Price: 4.20€
Opening Hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 7pm
Sun and holidays: 11am - 8pm
Closed: Mon (except public holidays), Jan 1, May 1, Jun 24, Dec 25
Address: Plaça de Sant Iu, 5
Transport: Metro: L4 (stop Jaume I), L3 (stop Liceu)
Bus: V17 and 45
Bus Turistic (stop Barri Gotic)
Tips & Secrets!
Discount with Bus Turistic: 20%
Discount with BCN Card Express: 1.80€
Discount with Barcelona Card: 100%
Special Price
2.40€ with the Barcelona Card Express
100% OFF with the Barcelona Card
Free?
With the Barcelona Card
Festivities of Santa Eulàlia, Corpus Christi and La Mercè (Sep 24)
International Museum Day (May 18)