Discover the fascinating history of the old Born Market

Nowadays, the Born is synonymous with trendiness, leisure, bars, restaurants and museums. But until half a century ago, it was a major nerve centre of the city’s economy. From the Middle Ages to the end of the 19^th century, the Born was the city’s central market – a place where all of the city’s fruit and vegetables, meat and fish arrived. Its present forged iron structure, which now dominates the neighbourhood, dates from the mid 19^th century and today houses the Centre for Memory and Culture. This museum space is now hosting the exhibition, “Born. Memories of a Market”.

The exhibition, which can be visited from 17 March to 26 November, boasts an extensive series of parallel activities and events that will allow you to obtain a panoramic vision of the significance of the market and its influence on the city. Although it officially closed 45 years ago it continues to act as a historical and cultural centre for the city. For example, a series of temporary exhibitions curated by Manuel Guardia, José Luís Oyón and Ramon Graus will be tracing the urban evolution of the Born and contemporary uses of its structure and spaces.

During the main exhibition, the Born Market will also host individual exhibits on drawings related to the construction and photographic images of the last stalls that were open there until 1971. There will also be an extensive programme of round table discussions, debates, conferences and concerts. You can now reserve places for these activities on the centre’s website.