Museu de l’Estampació

The Museu de l’Estampació (Printing Museum) is the only museum in Spain specialising in textile printing. Located in the building of the old Fàbrica del Gas, its primary goal is to illustrate printing as both an art and a technique throughout history, with a particular focus on its significant role in the industrialisation of Catalonia. In addition to presenting textile work, the museum also showcases local archaeological pieces of Premià de Mar history. Maresme has a strong history in the printing and textile industry, specifically during the 20th century when the Lyon Barcelona Factory was in high demand for its Lyonnaise printing technique. The museum displays the different stages of textile printing beginning with the 18th century and Indians or chintz (a woodblock printed, painted, stained or glazed calico textile).  The process of producing these patterned cotton fabrics, which were printed only on one side, marked the beginning of the textile industry’s industrialisation in Catalonia and provided economic potential for the region. 

In 1986 the Museu de l’Estampació was officially inaugurated as a museum in the Masia de Can Manent. In the year 1999, the site became part of the Territorial System of the National Museum of Science and Technology of Catalonia. In 2002 the collection was moved to a more spacious location in the Fàbrica del Gas (built in the modernista and neoclassical style), where the museum now stands. This old building was the only coal-fired gas factory that stood in Catalonia. To learn more about the history of the Fàbrica del Gas visit the Premià de Mar website. 

The museum has a permanent collection dedicated to textile printing that showcases the entire production process, from original drawings, proofs, mouldings, moulds, and tools for making moulds, to printing machinery and accessories. It also features an impressive array of finished products, including printed fabrics and some ready-made pieces. Additionally,  the Museu de l’Estampació houses temporary exhibits which can be viewed here.  The Museum’s Obrador space also offers guided tours, printing demonstrations, group activities, and workshops. Don’t forget to check out the museum store for handprinted bags, clothes, books, postcards, and more. 

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