Beyond the doors of the museum Archiving & Research • World Heritage Casa Batlló Barcelona / Spain

Описание: The Beyond the Doors of the Museum – Archiving and Research project was organised by European Heritage Volunteers in partnership with Casa Batlló in Barcelona, Spain. Casa Batlló, a masterpiece of modernist architecture, is the result of a comprehensive renovation by Antoni Gaudí between 1904 and 1906, transforming an austere 1877 building into a structure renowned for its imaginative design and creativity. Recognised for its outstanding universal value, Casa Batlló was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005.

The project provided participants with the opportunity to engage in two distinct types of archival work, contributing to the conservation and research of historically significant documents. One aspect of the work took place at Casa Batlló’s World Heritage office, where participants meticulously documented a vast collection of visitors' books. These books offer valuable insights into visitors' impressions and experiences, aiding the management in enhancing the museum's interactive exhibits. Participants catalogued the books and extracted pertinent data, supporting Casa Batlló in exploring innovative ways to integrate this material into new interactive experiences.

Another component occurred at Casa Amatller, a neighbouring historical house and museum built in a different architectural style but contemporary to Casa Batlló. Here, participants collaborated with the Instituto Amatller d'Art Hispanic, which houses an extensive collection of photographic documentation from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Participants were tasked with cleaning, documenting, cataloguing, and digitising a collection of ambrotype photographs taken by amateur photographer Ribera around the early 20th century. Guided by expert curators, they learned about the processes involved in conserving such archival materials and the significance of their documentation for future research. This work not only preserved valuable historical records but also provided Casa Batlló with contextual information beneficial for ongoing and future restoration efforts, thereby contributing to the site's authenticity and conservation.

The educational programme included special guided visits to Casa Batlló and other sites led by the World Heritage Officer, offering participants unique insights into Gaudí's work. Additionally, lectures and discussions provided background knowledge and perspectives on the challenges and potentials of modern heritage conservation and the management of World Heritage sites, especially in the context of post-pandemic realities. This comprehensive approach ensured that participants not only contributed to the preservation of significant cultural documents but also gained a deeper understanding of heritage management practices.

For more information, please visit: https://heritagevolunteers.eu/Europea...