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@hanneolsen

Spain - Barcelona

Design Museum of Barcelona

By @hanneolsen

You simply can’t miss this bold, striking building in Glòries. It’s the Disseny Hub, which locals affectionately call "la grapadora" (the stapler). Inside this architectural landmark, you find Barcelona’s superb design museum. It opened in 2014, finally unifying the city’s important historic collections under one roof. The bright interior is defined by long windows and wide ramps, and the galleries beautifully bring together everything from decorative arts, textiles and fashion to graphic and product design.

Address: Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes, 38, c, Sant Martí, 08018 Barcelona, Spain

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Why go
This is the definitive place to understand design history and contemporary trends in the city. Permanent shows include Matter Matters, Do you Work or Design? New Visual Communication 1980–2003, and Dressing the Body 1550–2015. You see materials, clothes, posters and everyday objects that explain how design shapes our life.
Known for
Barcelona’s design collections under one roof in the bold Disseny Hub building locals call “la grapadora”.
Vibe
Bright galleries, clean lines and wide ramps. Outside city views and an easy walk to the new Glòries park.
Tips
Check the exhibition calendar before you go. Exhibitions are open Tuesday to Sunday and there are free hours on Sundays in the afternoon and the first Sunday of the month. The museum also runs talks, family activities and a documentation center if you want to read more.

About @hanneolsen

I am a travel journalist specializing in Spain. I often work and live in Spain, which I consider my second home. As a cultural traveler, my curiosity drives me to continually seek out and convey the many stories that help define Spain, its people, and their culture. In addition to running Spain by Hanne, I also contribute travel articles and photos to Politiken and other Danish media. Received the Danish Media Award at the Spain Talks Awards 2025, organized by Turespaña, for a travel feature on Benidorm focusing on sustainable tourism.

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