Tallers Oliva Artés

Tallers Oliva Artés is a former industrial complex in the Poblenou district of Barcelona, now home to one of the branches of the Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA). It's a good example of how the city has handled its 19th- and 20th-century factory heritage — not by tearing it down, but by giving it a new purpose.

Where did this factory come from?

The story starts in 1880, when mechanical engineer Andreu Oliva i Guillamí set up a workshop for building and repairing machinery. The business grew steadily, and in 1920 his son Andreu Oliva i Lacoma, together with his son-in-law Pau Artés i Oliva, commissioned new industrial buildings on what is now Carrer d'Espronceda. The design came from architect Claudi Duran i Ventosa, and the complex was later expanded in 1941 by Víctor Surribas. Production continued until 1978, when the company suspended payments, though it kept running as a cooperative until it finally closed in 2000.

What can you actually see there today?

Following years of efforts to preserve Poblenou's industrial heritage, the city council approved the site's conversion into a MUHBA venue in 2010, focused on the contemporary history of Barcelona. The building works more like an urban laboratory than a traditional exhibition hall — its permanent show, "Questioning Barcelona" (Qüestionar Barcelona), looks at how the city has changed, what it has inherited, and the challenges ahead. It's built for discussion rather than glass-case displays.

Who is this place for?

Oliva Artés appeals mainly to visitors curious about industrial architecture, urban planning, and Barcelona's social history — it's not a typical must-see checkbox stop. The venue regularly runs educational activities, themed tours, and workshops for school groups, so its programme changes far more often than a standard permanent exhibit would suggest.

How do you get there?

The building sits at Carrer d'Espronceda 142-146, right in the middle of Poblenou, in the Sant Martí district. The area is well connected to central Barcelona by metro and tram, and the neighbourhood itself rewards a slower walk — this is where the city's old factory fabric survives, now mixed in with newer offices and cultural spaces.

When should you visit?

It's worth checking the current opening hours and activity schedule before heading over, since MUHBA also uses the space for sessions reserved for organized groups. Poblenou is pleasant to explore year-round, though spring and autumn make for the most comfortable walking weather through the surrounding streets.

Frequently asked questions

What is Tallers Oliva Artés today? It's a venue of the Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA), set inside a former machinery factory from 1920, dedicated to the city's contemporary history.

Is it a traditional museum exhibit? Not quite — it functions more as an urban laboratory, with the "Questioning Barcelona" exhibition plus a programme of workshops, tours, and educational activities.

Where exactly is it located? At Carrer d'Espronceda 142-146, in the Poblenou neighbourhood (Sant Martí district).

Who designed the building? The original 1920 buildings were designed by architect Claudi Duran i Ventosa, with the complex expanded in 1941 by Víctor Surribas.