Visiting the Centre de Documentació i Museu de les Arts Escèniques (MAE) Barcelona: Guide, Tickets, Hours, and Attractions
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction to the Centre de Documentació i Museu de les Arts Escèniques (MAE)
The Centre de Documentació i Museu de les Arts Escèniques (MAE) is a leading cultural institution in Barcelona dedicated to the preservation, study, and promotion of the performing arts in Catalonia and Spain. Established in 1912, MAE’s mission encompasses the documentation and exhibition of theatre, dance, opera, zarzuela, circus, and paratheatrical forms. Its extensive collections and state-of-the-art digital platforms make it a vital resource for researchers, students, and the general public. MAE also stands out for its educational outreach, international collaborations, and commitment to accessibility, offering both in-person and virtual experiences through innovative platforms like Escena Digital (MAE Official Website).
Contents
- Overview and History
- Visitor Information: Location, Hours, Tickets
- What to See: Collections, Exhibitions, and Digital Access
- Research, Library, and Academic Resources
- Accessibility and Visitor Services
- International Collaboration and Cultural Impact
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Planning Your Visit
- Sources and Further Reading
Overview and History
Founded by theatre critic Marc Jesús Bertran in 1912, the MAE first opened its doors as the Museu del Teatre, la Dansa i la Música. The institution quickly became a custodian of Catalonia’s rich performing arts heritage, acquiring significant collections such as the Artur Sedó Library in 1968. Now housed in the Institut del Teatre, MAE has evolved into a hybrid museum, archive, and library, with resources spread across Barcelona, Terrassa, and Vic. Its collections and activities have grown alongside a commitment to digital innovation, exemplified by projects like Escena Digital and partnerships with European and international cultural bodies.
Visitor Information: Location, Hours, and Tickets
Address and Setting
- Main Location: Plaça Margarida Xirgu, s/n, 08004 Barcelona, within the Institut del Teatre
- Nearby Landmarks: Teatre Lliure, Mercat de les Flors, MNAC, Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
Opening Hours
- Museum and Exhibitions:
- Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Closed Sundays and Mondays
- Library and Documentation Center:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Weekends: Open during theatre performances
Please check the official website for up-to-date schedules, as hours may vary during holidays or special events.
Tickets and Admission
- General Admission: Free for the library, documentation center, and most exhibitions
- Temporary Exhibitions/Special Events: Some may require a ticket (€3–€6); booking is recommended for group visits and guided tours
How to Book:
Purchase tickets for special exhibitions online or at the entrance. Group and educational tours can be arranged in advance through the museum (MAE Official Website).
What to See: Collections, Exhibitions, and Digital Access
Permanent and Temporary Exhibitions
- Permanent Exhibition (“La Memòria de les Arts Efímeres”):
Explore costumes, scenic models, puppets, stage designs, posters, photographs, and multimedia displays illustrating the evolution of Catalan and Spanish performing arts. - Temporary Exhibitions:
Rotating themes such as Catalan dance, Spanish Golden Age theatre, avant-garde scenography, and tributes to iconic figures. Past highlights include retrospectives on Montserrat Caballé and Isidre Prunés.
Digital Experiences
- Escena Digital:
Access over 100,000 digitized items, including photographs, costume designs, and archival documents. Features advanced search, downloadable images, and user participation projects (Escena Digital). - Virtual Tours:
Explore the museum’s reserves, virtual exhibitions, and 3D costume models online. - Collaborative Projects:
Initiatives such as “Te’n recordes?” invite the public to help identify and document historic photographs.
Collection Highlights
- Costumes, set models, props, playbills, posters, scripts, and photographs from the 19th century to the present
- Personal archives of renowned artists like Montserrat Caballé, Adrià Gual, and Isidre Prunés
- Unique collections on puppetry and marionettes
- Poster and playbill art reflecting modernist and avant-garde trends
(MAE official site, Cervantes Virtual)
Research, Library, and Academic Resources
MAE’s library is one of Europe’s leading repositories for performing arts research, notably in Catalan theatre and Spanish Golden Age drama.
- Documentation Services: Access to rare books, scripts, periodicals, and audiovisual materials
- Quiet Study Spaces: For students and researchers
- Research Assistance: Professional staff available for guidance
- Digital Resources:
- Biblioescènic: Specialized catalogue of performing arts literature
- Hemeroteca Digital: Digital archive of periodicals
- Arxiu Audiovisual: Recordings, interviews, documentaries
(Institut del Teatre - Centre de Documentació)
Accessibility and Visitor Services
MAE prioritizes accessibility for all visitors (Apropa Cultura - Accessibility):
- Physical Access: Wheelchair-friendly entrances, elevators, accessible restrooms, and seating
- Sensory/Cognitive Access: Adapted visits and materials available via Apropa Cultura; large-print guides and English translations on request
- Digital Access: Screen-reader compatibility and accessible digital catalogues
Getting There:
- Metro: Poble-sec (L3), Joanic (L4), Liceu (L3)
- Bus: Multiple lines serve the area
- Parking: Limited; public transport is recommended
International Collaboration and Cultural Impact
MAE is an active participant in global and regional networks:
- SIBMAS & ENICPA: International collaboration and sharing of best practices among performing arts libraries and museums
- ECLAP: European digital library for performing arts heritage
- Regional Partnerships: With Catalan and Spanish universities and research projects like PRAEC
- Publication and Outreach: Over 400 publications, including the academic journal Estudis Escènics
(MAE Official Website, Institut del Teatre Information)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the MAE’s visiting hours?
A: Typically Tuesday–Friday 10:00–14:00 & 16:00–19:00, Saturday 10:00–14:00. Library open Monday–Friday 9:00–20:00.
Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: Entry to the library and most exhibitions is free; some temporary exhibitions may require tickets.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, by prior arrangement for groups and educational visits.
Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, including entrances, restrooms, and exhibition spaces.
Q: Can I access MAE’s digital collections?
A: Yes, via Escena Digital.
Q: Are there nearby attractions?
A: Yes, including Teatre Lliure, Mercat de les Flors, MNAC, and the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc.
Q: Can I take photos?
A: Photography policies vary; please ask staff on arrival.
Planning Your Visit
To ensure a rewarding experience:
- Check updated hours and any ticket requirements on the MAE official page
- Consider booking in advance for guided or group tours
- Explore digital resources and virtual tours, especially if conducting research or visiting remotely
- Combine your visit with nearby cultural attractions for a richer itinerary
- Download the Audiala app for enhanced audio guides and interactive content
Summary and Visitor Tips
The Centre de Documentació i Museu de les Arts Escèniques (MAE) is a cornerstone of Catalan and Spanish performing arts heritage. Its blend of historical exhibitions, digitized archives, and research support makes it a must-visit for culture lovers and scholars alike. With a commitment to accessibility and public engagement, MAE continues to foster appreciation for the ephemeral magic of the stage. For the latest updates, exhibition schedules, and visitor services, refer to the official MAE resources and consider supplementing your visit with other local cultural sites.
Sources and Further Reading
- MAE Official Website
- CDMAE
- Barcelona Cultura - Escena Digital
- Institut del Teatre - Centre de Documentació MAE
- Apropa Cultura - MAE
- Cervantes Virtual - Institut del Teatre
- Institut del Teatre Information
