Casa Dels Entremesos

Casa dels Entremesos Barcelona: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Barcelona’s historic Ciutat Vella district, Casa dels Entremesos is one of the city’s most vibrant cultural centres, dedicated to preserving and celebrating Catalonia’s rich festival traditions. Housed in a restored 18th-century Gothic building on Plaça de les Beates, 2, this institution serves as a museum, workshop, and community hub. Here, over fifty large-scale figures—gegants (giants), capgrossos (big heads), nans (dwarfs), and bestiari (festive beasts)—are displayed, each one central to Barcelona’s iconic festivals. These striking figures, some reaching over 4 meters tall, have animated Catalan celebrations since the 14th century, reflecting centuries of folklore, artistry, and communal identity (Ajuntament de Barcelona; Barcelona.cat).

Visitors to Casa dels Entremesos can explore permanent and rotating exhibitions, interactive displays, and engaging workshops suitable for all ages. The centre not only preserves this intangible cultural heritage—recognized by UNESCO—but also fosters contemporary innovation by commissioning new figures that resonate with modern themes, ensuring the tradition’s evolution alongside Barcelona’s dynamic cultural identity (UNESCO Intangible Heritage; Catalunya.com).

With practical visitor information, including accessible facilities, easy public transport connections, and proximity to major attractions like the Barcelona Cathedral, Museu Picasso, and the Born neighbourhood, Casa dels Entremesos is an ideal stop for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in Barcelona’s living traditions (Casa Dels Entremesos Official Site; Barcelona Lowdown).

History and Significance
Architecture and Facilities
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Exhibitions and Collections
Workshops, Events, and Community Involvement
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
FAQs
Conclusion and Final Tips
References

History and Significance

Casa dels Entremesos, inaugurated in 1996, represents traditions dating back to the 14th century. The term “entremesos” refers to the traditional figures—giants, big heads, dwarfs, and beasts—that have enlivened Barcelona’s celebrations for centuries (Ajuntament de Barcelona). Historical documentation from 1424 mentions the first appearance of gegants in the Corpus Christi procession, highlighting their enduring role in Catalan identity (Barcelona.cat).

The institution not only preserves centuries-old figures but also actively commissions new ones, reflecting contemporary themes and ensuring the tradition remains vibrant and relevant (Catalunya.com).

Architecture and Facilities

Set within an 18th-century Catalan Gothic mansion—part of the historic Palacio Mercaders and designated a Bien Cultural de Interés Local (es.wikipedia.org)—Casa dels Entremesos spans four floors and roughly 1,250 square metres. Facilities include:

Three exhibition spaces
Three rehearsal rooms, including a soundproof studio
Two meeting rooms
Event hall (90-person capacity)
Outdoor patio for performances and workshops
Changing rooms and showers
Specialised archive and library
Free Wi-Fi, multimedia equipment, and accessible restrooms

The building is fully accessible, with step-free entry, elevators connecting all floors, and staff trained to assist visitors with special needs (barcelona.cat).

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00–13:00 and 16:00–19:00
- Sunday: 11:00–14:00
- Monday: Closed
- (Check for exceptions during festivals or special events)
Admission:
- Permanent exhibition: Free
- Special events/workshops: Typically €3–€5
- Guided/theatrical tours: Advance booking required (Casa Dels Entremesos Visites)
Booking:
- Reserve tickets for tours and special events online
- Facilities and group tours can be booked in English, Catalan, and Spanish
Accessibility:
- Step-free access, elevators, accessible restrooms
- Stroller-friendly and family-oriented spaces

Exhibitions and Collections

Permanent Exhibition

Casa dels Entremesos showcases around fifty figures central to Catalan festival traditions, including:

Gegants (Giants): Papier-mâché figures, up to 4 meters tall, representing historical or mythical figures (Barcelona Turisme - Official Site; Barcelona Lowdown)
Capgrossos and Nans (Big Heads and Dwarfs): Humorous, playful figures popular with children (Latitude Forty One - Official Guide)
Bestiari (Festive Beasts): Real and mythical animals like dragons and eagles, central to fire parades and processions (Latitude Forty One - Official Guide; Barcelona Turisme - Official Site)
Puppets and Festive Figures: Used in street performances and parades, demonstrating Catalonia’s storytelling and artistic heritage (WeBarcelona)

Interpretive panels in English, Catalan, and Spanish provide context, and interactive elements engage visitors of all ages.

Temporary Exhibitions

Regularly rotating exhibitions focus on specific aspects of Catalan culture, festival anniversaries, or the artistry behind the figures. Highlights have included:

The Laias Parade (Santa Eulàlia festival)
Children’s Bestiary
Artisan workshops and live demonstrations (Casa dels Entremesos Official; Barcelonasecreta)

Check the official agenda for current and upcoming exhibitions.

Workshops, Events, and Community Involvement

Casa dels Entremesos is not just a museum—it’s a living cultural hub. It offers:

Traditional dance, music, and festive choreography workshops
Puppet-making and traditional games
Fireworks safety and performance training
Events such as concerts, book presentations, and themed exhibitions
Community involvement with over a dozen cultural associations (barcelona.cat)

Workshops and activities are often free or low-cost and can be tailored for families, school groups, or tourists. The centre is especially active during major festivals like La Mercè (September), Santa Eulàlia (February), and Corpus Christi (June).

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Getting There

Metro: Jaume I (L4) and Urquinaona (L1, L4) are the nearest stations
Bus: Multiple lines serve the area
Walking: Easily accessible from Plaça de Catalunya and the Gothic Quarter

Suggested Itinerary

Morning: Casa dels Entremesos and Barcelona Cathedral (Barcelona Cathedral)
Midday: Lunch at Mercat de Santa Caterina (Mercat de Santa Caterina)
Afternoon: Museu Picasso (Museu Picasso) or El Born Cultural and Memorial Centre (El Born CCM)

Additional Tips

Weekday mornings are quieter; weekends can be lively with families and events
The museum is air-conditioned—a relief during Barcelona’s hot summers (Barcelona Life Weather Guide)
Most signage and tours are in Catalan and Spanish; inquire ahead for English options
Photography is generally allowed (no flash or tripods)

FAQs

What are the opening hours?
Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00–13:00 and 16:00–19:00; Sunday: 11:00–14:00; Monday: Closed.

Is admission free?
Yes, for the permanent exhibition. Special events or guided tours may require tickets.

Is it accessible?
Yes, the building is fully accessible and family-friendly.

Are guided tours available?
Yes. Book ahead for tours in English, Catalan, or Spanish.

Can I take photos?
Non-flash photography is usually permitted; confirm with staff.

Are there family activities?
Yes, workshops and interactive displays engage children and adults alike.

Conclusion and Final Tips

Casa dels Entremesos is a living testament to Barcelona’s festive culture—combining history, community, and artistic innovation. With accessible visiting hours, free admission to most exhibitions, and a diverse calendar of workshops and events, it welcomes local families and international tourists alike. Combine your visit with other Gothic Quarter attractions for a full cultural experience.

For the latest updates, visit the official website, follow on social media, and consider downloading the Audiala app for event guides and audio tours. Respect the traditions, participate in workshops, and immerse yourself in Barcelona’s living heritage.