The Local Museums Network (XML) of the Barcelona Provincial Council is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026, establishing itself as a leading model for supramunicipal support in heritage conservation, dissemination, and accessibility. This quarter-century milestone begins with International Museum Day on 18 May, preceded by Museum Night on Saturday 16 May, under the theme "Museums uniting a divided world."
This year's Museum Night invites the public to rediscover heritage in a new light. Ninety-four venues are taking part, offering a programme that includes concerts, shows, installations, workshops, projections, and guided tours. These events are designed to encourage a fresh perspective on museum collections.
The Local Museums Network website features around one hundred different proposals for enjoying both International Museum Day and Museum Night.
Recognising Local Heritage
To mark this anniversary, the Barcelona Provincial Council aims to recognise the work of the museums and the professional teams who make them possible. The commemoration will continue throughout the year, featuring joint activities and a shared communication campaign among the network's museums. Local museums hold a special place in this context; they are facilities close to residents, explaining the history, memory, trades, landscapes, and social transformations of each territory.
Comprising 65 facilities across 51 municipalities in the Barcelona area, the Local Museums Network is a professional community coordinated by the Provincial Council's Office of Cultural Heritage. For 25 years, it has worked to strengthen museum management and ensure that local heritage remains an active resource for the cultural and social development of the region.
This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 4, 'Quality Education'. The 17 SDGs were proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on 25 September 2015, forming part of the global agenda for 2030. The Barcelona Provincial Council is committed to meeting these goals and bases its support for local governments in the province on these SDGs.
