Can Manyé

Can Manyé is a historic farmhouse in the heart of Alella, now converted into the town's municipal art and culture space. Standing at Riera Fosca 42, a short walk from the main square, the building carries three overlapping layers of history: agricultural, industrial, and — since 2009 — contemporary artistic.

What is the history behind Can Manyé?

The earliest records of the property date to the early modern period, though the layout of its walls hints at older origins. Originally known as Mas Grau, the estate was bought in 1673 by the Mañé (Manyé) family, who gave the building its current name. In the early 20th century it passed to the Textil Mañé company, which installed a textile factory inside the old farmhouse. For decades the building operated as an industrial site, until the decline of the local textile trade left it vacant.

The turning point came in 2009, when the Alella town council converted the disused factory into a public cultural facility. Today Can Manyé is listed in Catalonia's Inventory of Architectural Heritage, and its 16th–17th century structure — including a rounded stone archway built from large wedge-shaped blocks — is a protected part of the town's historic fabric.

What can you see inside?

Can Manyé now operates as an Espai d'Art i Creació — a space dedicated to the creation, production, and exhibition of contemporary art. The building has two levels, a ground floor and one upper floor, housing exhibition rooms, studio spaces, and a lecture hall. In practice, that means a rotating calendar of temporary exhibitions by local and international artists, art workshops, film screenings, and literary gatherings. The venue also hosts the Espais de Poesia festival and literary competitions promoting the Catalan language, alongside educational programs run with local schools.

The building's industrial past is visible throughout: stone walls, wooden beams, and factory-era details create a raw but atmospheric backdrop for the contemporary art on display.

How do you get to Can Manyé?

The building sits at Riera Fosca 42, in Alella's historic center — a town about 20 km north of Barcelona, reachable by train (the R1 Rodalies line) or by road via the C-32 motorway. From Alella's train station it's a short walk of a few minutes through the narrow streets of the old town to reach Can Manyé.

When should you visit?

Can Manyé is open Wednesday to Friday from 17:00 to 20:00, and on weekends (Saturday–Sunday) from 11:00 to 14:00. Exhibitions rotate periodically, so it's worth checking the current program before visiting, especially if you're hoping to catch a specific show or workshop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is admission to Can Manyé free? The venue does not publish ticket prices online — municipal art spaces of this kind in Catalonia are typically free to enter, but it's best to confirm for the specific exhibition you plan to see.

Is Can Manyé a museum? Not in the traditional sense. It functions as a living creation space rather than a permanent collection, with a program that changes regularly to include temporary exhibitions, workshops, and literary events.

How long does a visit take? Given the building's modest size (a ground floor plus one upper level), most visits last between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on how many exhibitions are on show.

Is it worth combining with the rest of Alella? Yes — Can Manyé sits in the historic center, close to vineyards and other heritage farmhouses typical of this wine-producing region (D.O. Alella), making it easy to pair a visit with a short walk through town.