Ca n'Humet

Ca n'Humet is a historic modernist building in El Masnou, in the Maresme region of Catalonia, now serving as a municipal cultural and youth center. It stands on Carrer de Fontanills, in a quiet part of town, a short walk from the seafront promenade and the railway line connecting El Masnou to Barcelona.

What is the history behind this building?

The building was designed by architect Francesc Guàrdia i Vial, active in the region around the turn of the 20th century, a period when Maresme saw the construction of numerous industrial and agricultural buildings blending practical function with modernist aesthetics. Ca n'Humet was originally built as an industrial-agricultural facility, locally known as Fàbrica Ca n'Humet. Its massing and facade details reflect the characteristics typical of Catalan modernism from the early decades of the 20th century — a style that spread beyond bourgeois residences into utilitarian buildings across coastal towns like El Masnou.

Over time, the building's function changed. The El Masnou town council converted it into a public space serving residents, particularly young people, while preserving its historic form as part of the town's urban landscape.

What can visitors do at Ca n'Humet today?

The building now operates as the Centre de Participació Juvenil (Youth Participation Center), also known as Espai Jove. It offers:

• free internet access and Wi-Fi,
• a games area, including table tennis,
• study materials and textbooks,
• Club de Feina Jove, a support point for young jobseekers,
• a regular schedule of activities and workshops,
• vending machines for drinks and snacks.

Inside, five soundproofed rehearsal rooms are available for local bands and musicians across genres, from rock to electronic music. It's one of the few spaces in the area where young musicians can rehearse regularly without disturbing neighbors.

The building also functions as an event venue — the Espacio Escénico / Teatre Ca n'Humet hosts theatre performances and concerts. The local cultural calendar includes both intimate concerts and plays organized by the town council or local cultural associations.

How do you get to Ca n'Humet?

El Masnou is well connected to Barcelona by the Rodalies commuter rail line R1, with a journey of roughly 20–25 minutes from the city center. From the train station, Ca n'Humet on Carrer de Fontanills is a walk of about fifteen minutes through El Masnou's quiet residential streets. It's a convenient stop for visitors combining a beach day in El Masnou with a walk through town and a look at a local cultural landmark.

When is the best time to visit?

It's worth checking the local events calendar before visiting — Ca n'Humet isn't a museum with fixed visiting hours for tourists, but an active center whose offerings depend on the current schedule of concerts, performances, and youth activities run by the town council. Visitors interested purely in the architecture can view the facade from the outside at any time while strolling through central El Masnou.

Frequently asked questions

What is Ca n'Humet? It's a historic modernist building in El Masnou, originally an industrial-agricultural facility, now converted into a cultural and youth center with a performance space and music rehearsal rooms.

Can you visit the interior? The interior is mainly accessible during events, activities, and concerts organized by the town council, so it's worth checking the current schedule before visiting.

How do you get there from Barcelona? The easiest way is by Rodalies R1 commuter train to El Masnou, followed by a fifteen-minute walk to Carrer de Fontanills.

Are concerts held at Ca n'Humet? Yes, the building serves as an event venue (Espacio Escénico / Teatre Ca n'Humet) hosting concerts and theatre performances, and local bands use its rehearsal rooms.