Launched to great fanfare in 2013, as part of the events held for the tercentenary of the Catalan defeat in the War of the Spanish Succession, this shiny new cultural space is housed in the former Mercat del Born, a handsome 19th-century structure of slatted iron and brick. Excavation in 2001 unearthed remains of whole streets flattened to make way for the much-hated citadel (ciutadella) – these are now on show on the exposed subterranean level.
On the ground floor there are panels giving information about the ruins, along with an exhibition space showing items from the period and explaining in greater depth about the events surrounding the destruction of the area. There is also a stark and lofty restaurant serving Catalan cuisine, and a gift shop selling upmarket and high-design souvenirs, along with books about the story of the region.
