In the western part of the extensive parkland on Montjuïc is the Poble Espanyol, laid out for the 1929 World Exhibition, it displays the building styles which are typical of the various provinces of Spain. Many well-known artists were involved in choosing, modeling and planning the lay-out.
The Poble Espanyol numbers among the most popular places to visit in Barcelona.
As in most Spanish country towns, the houses are grouped around the main square, the "plaça maior", near the massive entrance gate. Near the entrance are information kiosks, the branch of a bank, book and souvenir shops. Open-air events are also held here from time to time.
West of the main square lie a number of picturesque little streets and alleyways, with glimpses of some beautiful little courtyards. A surprisingly large number of craft-workers have been established here and offer for sale some fine examples of their art; glass, ceramics, enamel-work, textiles, leather goods, prints and so on will be found in colorful abundance and at reasonable prices. Visitors are usually welcome to look around the workshops.
The village is now owned by a private company and has been extensively renovated. A new entertainment center was added in 1988 with bars, restaurants, clubs and a theater tent, as well as a children's theater. A popular attraction is the "Barcelona Experience", a 22-minute audio-visual presentation of the city with commentary in English (through headphones).
A section of the Archeological Museum is devoted to the Balearic Islands (Balearic cave culture, Talayot culture). A large model depicts the Greek city of Empúries (on the Costa Brava in what is today the province of Girona) and there is a rich collection of finds from the Magna Graecia (Attic and Etruscan vessels), Terra Sigilata and small bronzes.
The rotunda which follows the Greek section is fashioned in the style of Roman antiquity and decorated with wall paintings; in the display cabinets are a collection of glasses, small items of ceramic work and altar stones.
The tour of the museum is devised chronologically and begins with the anthropological development of man (flint tools, a large diorama with the reproduction of an inhabited Stone Age cave). Exhibits from the New Stone Age include ceramics with ribboned and striped decorations. Megalithic culture is represented by carved models from stone graves. Reproductions of graves from the Bronze Age (El Argar culture) follow on, together with urnfield culture and early metal weapons.
The Poble Espanyol incorporates the Museu de les Arts Gràfiques. On display are wood and metal relief plates, old printing presses and various examples of textual and graphic printing.
Address: Museum of Graphic Art, Poble Espanyol de Montjuïc Avenida Marquès de Comillas, E-08038 Barcelona, Spain
Just through the entrance gate, to the right in Carrer de la Conquesta, we come to the Museu d'Arts, Indústries i Tradicions Populars. It is a branch of the Museu Etnològic, containing its Spanish and Catalan departments.
Address: Museum of The Arts, Industry and Popular Traditions, Poble Espanyol de Montjuïc Avenida Marquès de Comillas, E-08038 Barcelona, Spain
Close to the southeastern edge of the exhibition grounds and at the foot of Montjuïc is the Museu Arqueològic de Barcelona. This pseudo-Classical circular brick building was originally built as the ''Palau d'Arts Gràfiques'' for the World Exhibition of 1929 and in 1932 it was enlarged and converted to its present use. The museum's exhibits have their origin in a collection dating back to 1888, which after 1932 was able to be consider- ably increased through the acquisition of numerous additional item. Today the museum belongs to the Institut de Prehistòria i Arqueologia de la Diputació de Barcelona.
Address: National Archeological Museum of Catalonia, Passeig de Santa Madrona 39 Parc de Montjuïc, E-08038 Barcelona, Spain
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Catalunya Day - Spain (September 11), Our Lady of Mercy Celebrations - Spain (September 24), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
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