The fragility in time, Archaeology Museum of Catalonia

Glass is one of the first man-made synthesis materials, and is the protagonist of one of the Museum’s most remarkable collections, unique in Catalonia. Necklaces and pendants, jugs and bowls, droppers and ointments … The exhibition consists of glass found in the excavations of Empúries, Puig des Molins and Mallorca, as well as for purchases and donations and transfers of individuals. In the three areas in which it is organized, the visitor will appreciate a careful selection of antique glass that goes through several historical periods. We need to understand the discovery of glass as the culmination of a number of processes that resulted in a liquid, almost pasty mass, the plasticity of which allowed it to be worked hot, giving it all kinds of shapes. The glass is odorless, does not alter the taste, is reusable and easily recyclable.

The most outstanding pieces of these times reach us, as we said, from the Eastern Mediterranean. We highlight, first, an alabaster from the 6th and 4th centuries BC, a sample of glass molded on a core with applied decoration. The technique in question was to make a core of sand and clay, which, in order to chat to a metal stem, was shaped according to the shape of the object being produced. This core was then covered with hot glass wire, rolled on a smooth surface and baked. To decorate it, glass strands of different colors were applied, which were shaped with combs and punches. Finally, the handles, foot and mouth were added according to the model. Once cold, the core and stem removed. With this same technique, they created a whole repertoire of small containers inspired by the forms of Greek ceramics: amphorae, amphorae, aribals, alabaster, enochae, hydria, ointments, among other less common forms. The small cups were used to store perfumes and oils, delicate substances that needed a tight, odorless, opaque container. These forms lasted until the beginning of the 1st century AD, when the technique of blown glass supplanted them.

The Museum has a large number of pieces made with the technique of blowing: among others, the bowls of the eastern and western Mediterranean of the first and second centuries AD; a pitcher with colored spots; an amphora with handles and ribbed decoration, concentric circles and geometric motifs; a balsamera made with the technique of mold blowing (after blowing in the air); an eastern third century AD vessel with embossed threads; a Syrian bottle dating to the 3rd and 4th centuries AD with engraved decoration; a dropper from the same period, and a Palestinian ointment from the 4th-5th centuries AD, with applied thread decoration.

Archaeology Museum of Catalonia
The Museum of Archeology of Catalonia (MAC) is a national museum whose objective is the conservation, research and dissemination of archeological remains in Catalonia, which illustrate the different historical periods between prehistory and medieval times. It was created as a result of the Museum Law of 1990 and is a networked museum made up of a series of different sites and sites, spread throughout Catalonia.

The Archeology Museum of Catalonia and exhibiting in the most important archaeological collection in Catalonia. For this reason, the museum and heritage museum Becomes an essential destination to discover the archeology, history and ancient art of the current Catalan territory.

The Museum of Archeology of Catalonia integrates five major facilities museum: the Museum of Archeology of Catalonia in Barcelona, the headquarters of the institution, the Museum of Archeology of Catalonia in Girona, the Greek-Roman city of Empúries in L’Escala; the Iberian citadel of Ullastret in Ullastret; and the Castle and Archeological site of Olèrdola Olèrdola in. In addition, the museum also Manages the Center for Underwater Archeology of Catalonia (CASC), based in Girona, the National Deposits of Archeology, located in Cervera, and the “Iberian Graeca” Research Center, based in Scale.

National reference center in research, conservation and promotion of Catalan archaeological heritage, the Archeology Museum of Catalonia offers visitors a rich and unique services and experiences and cultural museum, Which includes BOTH visits to museums and archaeological sites museïtzats around the country, Such an extensive and varied program of temporary exhibitions and cultural and educational activities complementary Renewed always constantly THROUGHOUT the year. And all this with a single objective: That your visitors can live intense and enriching learning experiences, excitement and enjoyment, and Thusis can begin or renew an intense love story and lasting culture and heritage.