El Vendrell, in the Penedès region, will celebrate International Museum Day from 15 to 17 May with an extensive programme of free activities. The town's museums will become hubs for culture and community participation, according to local officials.
The celebration aligns with this year's international theme, “Museums Uniting a Divided World”, promoted by ICOM. This theme highlights museums as spaces for dialogue, cohesion, and connection across people, generations, and communities.
The programme in El Vendrell reflects this shared spirit, incorporating several significant anniversaries. These include the 150th birth anniversary of Pau Casals, the centenary of Nicole Florensa's birth, and the town's status as the Sardana Capital this year. All seven of El Vendrell's museums will offer open doors and a joint programme designed for all ages.
Weekend Activities and Special Exhibitions
Over the weekend, visitors can enjoy guided and theatrical tours, family workshops, and exhibition inaugurations. Notable activities include the children's workshop “Pintem l’eclipsi del segle” (Let's Paint the Eclipse of the Century) at Museu Deu. The Sala Portal del Pardo will open the exhibition “ESSENCIALS (...) La força del silenci” (ESSENTIALS (...) The Power of Silence) by Carme Cañete, while Museu Apel·les Fenosa will inaugurate the “Pertinença” (Belonging) exhibition.
Various guided tours are scheduled at Museu Pau Casals, Pau Casals' Birthplace, and Museu Àngel Guimerà. Museu Deu will host a commented tour titled “Tocar l’art: una altra manera de mirar” (Touching Art: Another Way of Looking). The Pau Casals Museum in Sant Salvador will also offer theatrical tours linked to the artist's life.
Sardana Dance and Collectible Souvenirs
The sardana, a traditional Catalan dance, will feature prominently. A workshop, “Aprèn a ballar sardanes!” (Learn to Dance Sardanes!), will be led by the La Lira Vendrellenca sardana group. This will be followed by a sardana dance among the museums, accompanied by the Cobla La Principal de Tarragona, reinforcing the link between heritage, music, and cultural identity.
As a joint initiative by El Vendrell's museums, visitors to all seven participating venues during the open days on 16 and 17 May will receive an exclusive magnet from each location. This turns the cultural visit into a collectible and shared experience.
Through this programme, El Vendrell strengthens its commitment to accessible, participatory culture connected to the region. The town aims to make International Museum Day a major collective celebration. Further information is available on the Museus del Vendrell website.
