Centro de Historia (Zaragoza)

Centro de Historias is a municipal exhibition venue in Zaragoza, standing on Plaza San Agustín in the neighborhood of the same name. The building is a former convent-barracks of the Augustinian order, adapted for cultural use and opened to the public in April 2003. Today it combines a contemporary art gallery, educational spaces, and one of the city's more distinctive themed museums under one roof.

What will you see inside?

The center has five separate exhibition spaces — named First Floor, Crypt, Transit Space, Apse Space, and Open Canvas — where rotating shows by Spanish and international artists are presented, spanning photography, installation, painting, and other visual arts. The exhibition program changes regularly, so it's worth checking what's currently on before you visit.

The same building also houses the Escuela Museo del Origami de Zaragoza (EMOZ), a museum dedicated to the art of paper folding and considered the first institution of its kind in Europe. It holds one of the world's more significant origami collections, including original works by master folders such as Akira Yoshizawa and Eric Joisel — a rare chance to see paper sculpture treated as a serious art form rather than a craft.

Beyond the exhibition halls, the building also includes spaces used for talks, screenings, and educational activities tied to both the art program and the origami collection.

How do you get there?

Centro de Historias is located at Plaza San Agustín 2, right in the heart of Zaragoza, within walking distance of major old-town landmarks such as La Seo Cathedral and the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar. The San Agustín neighborhood is well connected to the rest of the city center, so the easiest way to reach it is on foot or by public transport, with bus stops just a few minutes from the building.

When should you visit?

The venue is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and on Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It is closed on Mondays, and visitor access ends 15 minutes before closing time. Admission is free, which makes it an easy stop even on a short visit to the city — though it's worth setting aside enough time to see both the temporary exhibitions and the origami collection at EMOZ.

Because the exhibition program rotates, no two visits look quite the same, so it's a good idea to check the current program shortly before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is admission to Centro de Historias free? Yes, admission is free.

What else is there besides the contemporary art exhibitions? The same building houses the Escuela Museo del Origami de Zaragoza (EMOZ), the first museum of its kind in Europe, with works by masters such as Akira Yoshizawa and Eric Joisel.

What are the opening hours? Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sundays and holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Closed on Mondays.

Where exactly is the venue located? At Plaza San Agustín 2, inside the former Augustinian convent-barracks, in central Zaragoza.