modernista palace reconstructed into cannabis museum in barcelona

modernista palace reconstructed into cannabis museum in barcelona
photo © antonio wijkmark
all images courtesy of hash marihuana hemp & cáñamo museum, barcelona

located in barcelona’s gothic quarter, ‘palau mornau’ dates back to the 15th century and originally consisted of two buildings, owned by the sancliment family and the mornau family. the latter bought the whole property in the late 18th century and had it entirely renovated by architect manuel raspall at the height of barcelona’s modernisme period.

façade coated with faux stones
photo © antonio wijkmark

in 2002, dutch entrepeneur and philantropist ben dronkers purchased the building, which was at the time in a deplorable state. architect jordi romeu, together with a team of construction specialists and artists, needed 10 years to entirely refurbish the palace and give it back the grace and beauty it once had. as a result, the facility now accommodates the ‘hash marihuana cáñamo & hemp museum of barcelona‘.

stained glass bow window
photo © antonio wijkmark

with respect to the design principles of catalan modernism, the architecture is highly decorative. this heavily articulated ornamentation is present on both the interior and exterior. the façade is adorned with a repetitive use of faux stone and stained glass bow windows. on the inside, floral motifs are used in abundance throughout the ceilings, doorways, and floors.

exhibition room with modernista chimney
photo © antonio wijkmark

inside palau mornau
photo © antonio wijkmark

photo © antonio wijkmark

modernista window
photo © antonio wijkmark

window adorned with floral motifs
photo © antonio wijkmark

view of one of the exhibition spaces
photo © antonio wijkmark

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