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Diari de Catalunya

Historic El Ingenio in Gothic Quarter to become new home for Barcelona Nativity Scene Makers

The former giant and big-head figures shop, closed since 2020, will house the Barcelona Nativity Scene Makers Association and the Catalan Federation of Nativity Scene Makers.

Generic image of an old building facade with balconies and architectural details, illuminated by the afternoon sun
IA

Generic image of an old building facade with balconies and architectural details, illuminated by the afternoon sun

The historic establishment El Ingenio, located on Rauric Street in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, is set to become the new headquarters for the Associació de Pessebristes de Barcelona (Barcelona Nativity Scene Makers Association), an entity whose origins date back to 1863.

This decision, confirmed by Xavier Marcé, the Barcelona City Council's Culture Councilor, ends the uncertainty surrounding the future of a venue that was a benchmark in the creation of big-head figures and giants from 1885 until its definitive closure in 2020. The property, owned by the municipality since 2021, has been undergoing rehabilitation works, with an expected completion by the fourth quarter of 2026.
The relocation of the nativity scene makers from Lledó Street, also in Ciutat Vella, has been delayed by various complications, including the detection of aluminosis in the structure. Despite this, the City Council and the association are working to finalize the agreement, which could involve a transfer of use, with the hope that the opening can take place in early 2027.
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"We have a rental of spaces, but we do not have a commercial contract. As we are, we do not have guaranteed perpetuity."

Josep Porta · President of the Barcelona Nativity Scene Makers Association
Josep Porta, president of the Associació de Pessebristes de Barcelona, has expressed his satisfaction with this opportunity, as their current location is under a 'precarious contract'. El Ingenio will be transformed into a nativity scene interpretation center, featuring a meeting room, workshop, and exhibition space, and will also host the Federació Catalana de Pessebristes (Catalan Federation of Nativity Scene Makers).
The history of El Ingenio is rich and varied. Founded by Benet Escaler i Ullastre in 1885, it pioneered the introduction of the papier-mâché technique in Catalonia after Escaler learned about it at the 1889 Paris Universal Exposition. The business passed through several family hands until Rosa Cardona retired in 2016. After several failed attempts to reopen, the Barcelona City Council acquired the premises in 2021 as part of a program to purchase emblematic commercial properties.
The architecturally protected building retains significant heritage elements, such as a notable wooden fixture at the entrance and a visual poem by Joan Brossa, Lletres gimnastes, created in 1997 in homage to Josep Cardona. These letters, which temporarily disappeared in 2023, were safeguarded by Rosa Cardona to prevent damage during facade renovation works.

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