El Born Centre Cultural. El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria. Museum and cultural centre in the Born area in Barcelona's old city. This is a modernist iron and glass structure that formerly housed the Born wholesale food market. It was built by Josep Fontserè in 1876.
This was the first food market in Barcelona designed in this style. Later more food markets were built including the famous
La Boqueria market on La Rambla street. The Born market then became a wholesale market but was closed in recent decades. Well preserved archaeological remains of the area called "Vilanova de Mar" were found under the market that dated back to the year 1700.
The entire Vilanova de Mar neighbourhood was destroyed by Spanish King Philip V, after Barcelona's defeat in the Spanish war of Succession in 1714 and a new citadel fort was built on the area. Part of the old fort area is where the
Ciutadella park is today.
Today the area under the former market has been excavated and a new permanent exhibition called Ciutat del Born showcases the spectacular ruins of the Vilanova de Mar city streets and houses prior to their destruction in 1714.
Free admission every Sunday from 15.00 to 19.00.
Free admission first Sunday of every month all day
Free admission on 11th September
Catalonia's National DayFree admission on 12th February Santa Eulàlia
Free admission on 18th May International museum day
Free admission 24th September
Mercè festival Free admission 30th November Sant Andreu