Week 5: Science

Though the chief foci of the Exposició Universal were the linked concepts of industrial advancement and local (and, to a lesser extent, national) identity, the field of science—hardly unrelated—was also included in a prominent role. This can be seen quite clearly in the space devoted to science on the final plan of the exposition. The Palau de Ciències (Palace of Science) was located at the fairgrounds end of the main entrance axis of the Saló de San Joan (at whose other end stood the Arc de Triomf). Though close to the main grounds, it sat on its axis opposite the Palau de les Belles Arts (Palace of Fine Arts) and next to the Palau de Justícia (Palace of Justice; Barcelona's courts) and the Palau d'Agricultura (Palace of Agricultural). The large Palau de Ciències had some eight massive halls, in addition to a sizeable auditorium, several smaller rooms, and a grand vestibule. The total area, according to the Official Catalogue of the Exposition, was 3,010 square meters, housing "chemical and pharmaceutical products," "pharmaceutical, medical, orthopedic materials, etc.," materials related to "education and teaching," and other assorted "scientific apparatuses." Most of the displays were from Barcelona, but the rest were divided between the other Spanish provinces, Switzerland, and England. [1] As with much of the exposition, it seems the purpose of this particular exhibit was mainly the glorification of Barcelona and Catalonia.

Plans of Museu Martorell and Palau de Ciències. From Exposición Universal de Barcelona, 1888: Catálogo Oficial, especial de España.

The Palau de Ciències was not the only scientific exhibit at the 1888 exposition, though. According to the Official Catalogue, in the Museu Martorell, founded in 1882 in the Parc de la Ciutadella (used as the fairgrounds), "continue[d] on display the collections already there since its creation." [2] In 1878, Francesc Martorell i Peña donated to the city of Barcelona his collections pertaining to the natural sciences and archaeology, along with his library and research materials; inaugurated by Mayor Rius i Taulet in 1882, the Martorell Museum was Barcelona's first natural history museum, displaying zoological, geological, and botanical specimens. [3] Just as it was incorporated into the plan of the new Parc de la Ciutadella, so was the Martorell Museum incorporated into the plan of the Exposició Universal as one of the main structures; some objects (particularly geological ones) were added to the collection on the occasion of the exposition. [4]

Museu Martorell. From Exposició Universal 1888: Diari Oficial de l'Exposició, volume I, via Arxiu Municipal Contemporani de Barcelona, Ajuntament de Barcelona.

[1] Exposición Universal de Barcelona, 1888: Catálogo Oficial, especial de España (Barcelona: Imprenta de los Sucesores de N. Ramírez y Ca., 1888). 7. Translation mine: "Los productos farmacéuticos ocupan una superficie de 151m2 horizontales, de los cuales 96m2 pertenecen á la provincia de Barcelona y el resto está distribuido entre catorce provincias de España, Inglaterra y Suiza. El material para la farmacia, medicina, ortopedia, etc., etc., ocupa 79m2 horizontales y 4m2 murales; de los primeros corresponden 67m á Barcelona y el resto dividido entre cuatro provincias de España y Suiza. Todo lo referente á educación y enseñanza ocupa una superficie horizontal de 203m2 y mural de 159m2; á Barcelona corresponden respectivamente 132m2 y 150m2; el resto está repartido entre diez provincias de España é Inglaterra. Los aparatos científicos ocupan una superficie horizontal de 45m2, de los cuales 16m pertenecen á Barcelona y el resto está repartido entre tres provincias de España, Inglaterra y Suiza."

[2] Ibid. 8. Translation mine: "En este edificio, continúan expuestas las colecciones ya existentes desde su creación . . ."

[3] Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona. "Història." w3.bcn.es. Accessed 16 Oct 2011.

[4] Masriera, Alícia. "El Museu Martorell: 125 anys de Ciències Naturals (1878-2003)." w3.bcn.es. Accessed 16 Oct 2011.