COELI System to Modernise Museum Operations
The Generalitat de Catalunya has completed the procurement process to implement a new digital management system, COELI, across Catalan museums, marking a significant shift in how collections are documented and preserved. The platform, already in use at select institutions, will be rolled out first to museums under the Agència Catalana del Patrimoni Cultural, including the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) and the Museu de Lleida. According to a statement published today by CatalunyaPress.cat, the new system addresses a long-standing demand from the sector for a modern, agile, and shared platform. The Department of Culture confirmed the resolution of the public tender in a move aligned with the strategic 'Museus 2030' plan, which outlines the government's mid-term cultural infrastructure goals.
Cost-Free for Museums, Funded by Regional Government
A key feature of the new model is that the Generalitat will fully cover the maintenance and usage costs of COELI, eliminating financial burdens previously borne by individual institutions. This direct support is expected to improve access to digital tools, particularly for smaller or under-resourced museums. The decision follows the publication of the tender specifications in February 2026, as documented in the Department of Culture’s Museus 2030 bulletin #110, which described the initiative as a step forward in meeting current and future challenges in movable heritage documentation.
AI and Cross-Institutional Access Planned
COELI incorporates advanced technologies designed to streamline daily operations, including cloud-based access across devices and the ability to share data and resources between institutions. Future updates will introduce artificial intelligence functions to further enhance cataloguing and research capabilities. The system aims to make collections more accessible to professionals, educators, researchers, and the public. It is already certified as compliant with the Spectrum standard, an international benchmark for museum documentation.
Two-Phase Rollout to 2028
Implementation will occur in two phases. The first, lasting until 2028, will prioritise museums owned or predominantly funded by the Generalitat. Once this phase is complete, the platform will be extended progressively to all other museums in Catalonia. Further details on the rollout schedule and technical support will be published via the Department of Culture’s official website.
Primary sources: cultura.gencat.cat, govern.cat, documents.dadesobertes.gencat.cat, contractacio.gencat.cat. Reported by catalunyapress.cat, dca.cat, elperiodico.cat, coeli.cat, metadata.cat.
