Exile Memorial Museum

The Exile Memorial Museum (MUME) in La Jonquera is dedicated to the memory of the Spanish exile caused by the Civil War of 1936–1939. Located in this Catalan border town, it stands close to the very route through which hundreds of thousands of Republican refugees fled Franco's forces into France in February 1939. MUME is the first museum in Spain fully devoted to this subject.

Where is the museum located?

The building sits in the centre of La Jonquera, at Carrer Major 43-47, in the Alt Empordà region (Girona province, Costa Brava). The location is deliberate: this was one of the main crossing points of what is known as La Retirada, the mass exodus of civilians and Republican soldiers into France after the fall of Catalonia.

What does the permanent exhibition show?

The permanent exhibition places the phenomenon of exile in a broader historical context, but its central focus remains the Civil War and the Republican defeat. Visitors follow the route refugees took across the Pyrenees, the conditions endured along the way, and what awaited them once they crossed the border — from makeshift internment camps to further waves of emigration. The narrative is built on documents, photographs and personal testimonies, which turns the exhibition from a purely historical account into a record of lived experience for specific families and individuals.

Alongside the permanent display, MUME regularly hosts temporary exhibitions exploring particular aspects of the exile — the fate of specific groups, exiled artists, or how the memory of exile has been preserved in Catalonia and France.

How do you get there?

La Jonquera sits directly on the AP-7 motorway, right by the border crossing into France, roughly 20 minutes from Figueres and under an hour from Girona. The town is well connected by road, making it an easy stop on journeys between Catalonia and southern France. It fits naturally into a Costa Brava road trip or a cross-border trip to or from France.

When to visit and how much time to allow?

The permanent exhibition can be seen in about 1 to 1.5 hours, though anyone with a deeper interest in 20th-century history could easily spend half a day here once temporary exhibitions and educational materials are factored in. The museum also runs guided tours, workshops and lecture series, so it's worth checking the current schedule before visiting, especially if you want to attend a themed event.

Who is this museum for?

MUME appeals to anyone interested in modern history, the Spanish Civil War, and the experience of refugees, as well as to school groups — the museum has a strong educational programme for children and teenagers. It is also a meaningful stop for visitors tracing family history connected to the Republican exile, since the collection includes documents and personal accounts from many families.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Exile Memorial Museum? It is a museum in La Jonquera dedicated to the memory of the Spanish exile following the 1936–1939 Civil War, the first of its kind in Catalonia.

Where exactly is it located? In the centre of La Jonquera, at Carrer Major 43-47, in the Alt Empordà region, close to the Spanish-French border.

How long does a visit take? Seeing the permanent exhibition typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours, longer if you include temporary exhibitions or a guided tour.

Does the museum offer guided tours? Yes, MUME runs guided tours, educational workshops and lecture series — check the current events calendar before your visit.