Barcelona Provincial Council Local Museum Network
The Barcelona Provincial Council Local Museum Network (Catalan: Xarxa de Museus Locals) is an essential framework for museological collaboration and support within the province of Barcelona, Spain. Also recognized as Catalonia’s Biggest Museum, it serves as an instrumental force in enhancing the management, conservation, and dissemination of cultural heritage across the region.
The network commenced operations in 2001, building upon the collaborative efforts initiated by the Local Museum Cooperation Committee, established in 1988. This committee was founded in preparation for the 1st Conference on Museums and Local Administration, which aimed to address the needs and challenges faced by local museums. The network is managed by the Cultural Heritage Office within the Department of Knowledge and New Technologies under the jurisdiction of the Barcelona Provincial Council.
The primary goal of the network is to foster a dynamic, versatile, and multidisciplinary museum model that resonates with the lives of the public. It strives to make local museums into centers of public service, ensuring they are accessible and integral to community life. By doing so, these institutions become pivotal in preserving cultural identity and collective memory, while also functioning as hubs for learning, socialization, leisure, and territorial development.
As of 2013, the network encompassed 65 museums and facilities distributed across 52 municipalities. Each institution within the network contributes to the overarching mission of cultural preservation and education.
L'Enrajolada Santacana House Museum: This museum showcases a varied collection from the Santacana family and is situated in Martorell.
Maricel Museum: Located in Sitges, this museum was acquired by the Barcelona Provincial Corporation in 1969 and is a part of the network.
Cercs Mine Museum: Part of the Science and Technology Museum of Catalonia, this museum highlights the Sant Corneli colony.
Granollers Museum of Natural Sciences: This institution, based in Granollers, offers significant educational programs related to natural sciences.
Sant Boi de Llobregat Museum: This museum offers temporary exhibitions and is housed in several buildings in Sant Boi de Llobregat.
Can Tinturé Museum: Part of both the local network and the territorial system of the Science and Technology Museum of Catalonia.
Arranz-Bravo Foundation: Located in L'Hospitalet, this foundation focuses on contemporary art, guided by the architectural vision of Jordi Garcés.
L'Esquerda Archaeological Museum: Participating in 'The Iberian Route,' this museum is aligned with the Archaeological Museum of Catalonia.
Textile Museum and Documentation Centre: Situated in Terrassa, the center holds an extensive library and focuses on the history of textile production.
The Barcelona Provincial Council Local Museum Network stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit of the region, ensuring that cultural legacies are maintained for future generations while fostering educational and social opportunities for its communities.