An Introduction to Freemasonry
An exhibition at the Arús Public Library explains this space’s relationship with this initiatory organization.
When you visit the Arús Public Library—if you haven’t done so yet—the space itself will cause the first impact, since the architecture and the early-20th-century atmosphere transport the visitor back in time. After the surprise comes curiosity. What does this library have to do with Freemasonry? An exhibition that can be seen until September 23 shows you.
At the very beginning, they will explain to you in a few words what this fraternal society is, which practices initiation rituals, where it comes from, how it is structured, and how it remains alive today. They will explain the principles that inspire Freemasonry and how many well-known people from our recent history, among them the playwright, philanthropist, and activist Rossend Arús, were part of it.
His library, with countless books and documents on anarchism and other movements from the early 20th century, and on that Freemasonry practiced by many, is the basis upon which this institution was created. A federal republican and defender of social justice, Arús was proud to be a Mason and, unlike others, advocated transparency for the institution. From there comes his legacy in the form of a library.
After the visit you will have discovered part of the secrets of Freemasonry, which perhaps will no longer seem so mysterious to you, and which, without you noticing, has left many symbols and signs scattered among the buildings of Barcelona.
Take advantage of the visit to the exhibition “The Relationship of the Arús Library with Freemasonry” and ask also about the Proubasta Collection, which this library has preserved from more recent dates. It is a collection of objects and books related to Sherlock Holmes that is said to be one of the most complete on the continent.
If you want to know everything (or almost everything) about Freemasonry, and also immerse yourself in the universe of Sherlock Holmes, don’t miss the exhibition “The Relationship of the Arús Library with Freemasonry.” But first, check the information about the visit on the Arús Public Library website.