Barcelona: Arús Library Guided Tour

Uncover the captivating history of the Arús Library in Barcelona. Established in 1895, this remarkable institution played a pivotal role in empowering the city’s working class and social movements. Set out on a guided tour to explore its rich collection of over 80,000 volumes, including rare books and unique artifacts that shed light on the labor movement, anarchism, and freemasonry. Discover how this first public library in Barcelona became a hub for social change and enlightenment. Prepare to be enthralled by the stories within these hallowed walls.

Key Points

• Guided tour of the Arús Library in Barcelona, which focuses on 19th and early 20th-century history and culture, with an emphasis on labor movements, anarchism, and freemasonry.

• Tour highlights include exploring the library’s role in the labor movement, examining anarchist thought, and detailing the founding and evolution of the library into a specialized research center.

• Visitors can access the library’s extensive collection of over 80,000 volumes, including rare books, first editions, and specialized publications on anarchism and the labor movement.

• Unique Masonic documents and artifacts are available for exploration during the guided tour.

• The tour is accessible, with wheelchair-friendly facilities, and can be booked online with flexible options and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of Arús Library

The Arús Library, a specialized research center, was opened on March 24, 1895. Founded by Rossend Arús, the library’s initial collection comprised 24,000 books covering various knowledge areas.

Located on Passeig Sant Joan in Barcelona, the Arús Library has evolved to focus on research related to 19th and early 20th-century history and culture, with a particular emphasis on the labor movement, anarchism, and freemasonry.

Today, the library continues to serve as an important resource for scholars and researchers interested in understanding the social and political dynamics of this pivotal period in Barcelona’s history.

Historical Significance of Arús Library

Designed to benefit the education of working people, the Arús Library played a pivotal role as a hot spot for social movements in 19th and 20th-century Barcelona.

It served as a hub for the labor movement, anarchism, and freemasonry, reflecting the library’s commitment to empowering the working class. The library’s extensive collection on these topics made it a crucial resource for activists and intellectuals, fueling the exchange of ideas that shaped the city’s social and political landscape.

Today, the Arús Library remains an important research center, preserving the history and culture of this transformative era.

Guided Tour Highlights

A guided tour of the Arús Library offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the historical significance of this renowned institution. Highlights include an in-depth look at the library’s role in the Spanish labor movement and anarchist thought, as well as its association with Freemasonry. Visitors can expect to learn about the library’s founding by Rossend Arús and its evolution into a specialized research center for 19th and early 20th-century history and culture.

| Tour Highlights | Description |

| — | — |

| History of Freemasons in Spain | Explore the library’s connections to Freemasonry and its influence on Spanish society. |

| The Labor Movement | Discover the library’s role as a hub for social movements, including the labor movement. |

| Anarchist Thought | Explore the library’s collection on anarchist philosophy and its impact. |

Exploring the Library’s Collection

Beyond the tour’s focus on the library’s historical significance, visitors can expect to explore its vast and diverse collection.

The Arús Library boasts:

• Over 80,000 volumes covering a wide range of subjects, from history and literature to philosophy and the sciences.

• Rare books and first editions dating back to the 15th century.

• An extensive collection of anarchist and labor movement publications.

• Unique Masonic documents and artifacts.

• A specialized periodicals section with over 2,000 titles from the 19th and 20th centuries.

The guided tour offers a chance to explore the library’s remarkable holdings and uncover the intellectual and social treasures that have made it a hub of research and discovery.

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Understanding the Labor Movement’s Legacy

As a centerpiece of the Arús Library’s collection, the library’s extensive materials on the labor movement and anarchism shed light on the vibrant social and political struggles that defined 19th and early 20th-century Spain. Visitors can explore the library’s archives, which document the evolution of workers’ rights, revolutionary ideologies, and the push for social justice. A highlight is the table showcasing key labor activists, their contributions, and the lasting impact of their efforts:

| Activist | Contribution | Legacy |

| — | — | — |

| Salvador Seguí | Organizer of General Strike | Catalyst for workers’ rights |

| Teresa Claramunt | Anarchist writer | Advocate for women’s empowerment |

| Anselmo Lorenzo | Theorist of syndicalism | Influenced labor movement strategies |

Discovering the Freemasonry Connection

The Arús Library’s collection also explores the historical role of Freemasonry in Spain, a connection that visitors can discover during the guided tour.

The tour highlights:

• Freemasonry’s influence on 19th-century social movements and progressive ideals

• The library’s rare books and documents related to Masonic lodges and their activities

• How Freemasons shaped Barcelona’s intellectual and cultural landscape

• Insights into the surveillance and repression faced by Freemasons under authoritarian regimes

• The lasting impact of Freemasonry on Spanish society, even after its decline in the 20th century

Delving into this fascinating aspect of history, the Arús Library tour offers a unique window into Spain’s past.

Booking and Accessibility Details

Visitors can book the Arús Library guided tour easily through the online platform, with flexible reservation options and free cancellation policies.

The tour costs from $19.65 per person and can be reserved now with payment due later. Guests have the freedom to cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The library is wheelchair accessible, and the meeting point is located at Passeig Sant Joan, 26 in Barcelona. Visitors can check tour availability and starting times to plan their visit accordingly.

The guided tour provides an engaging exploration of the library’s history and its connection to freemasonry in Spain.

Experiencing the First Public Library in Barcelona

Though the Arús Library may not be as well-known as some of Barcelona’s other cultural institutions, stepping into its historic halls offers visitors a unique glimpse into the city’s past.

The guided tour introduces:

• The library’s origins as a hub for social and political movements in the 19th and 20th centuries

• Insights into the history of Freemasonry in Spain, a key focus area of the collection

• Exploration of the building’s architecture and its role as Barcelona’s first public library

• Discussions on the library’s commitment to providing education for the working class

• Opportunities to see rare books, documents, and artifacts from the extensive archives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Guided Tour?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos during the guided tour, but they should be respectful and not disrupt the tour. It’s best to check with the tour guide before extensively photographing the library’s interior.

What Amenities Are Available at the Library?

The library offers basic amenities like restrooms and drinking water. Visitors can access the library’s collection and browse its archives, but taking photos is prohibited during the guided tour.

Is There a Café or Restaurant On-Site?

Unfortunately, there’s no café or restaurant on-site at the Arús Library. The focus of the guided tour is on the library’s history, collections, and its role in 19th and early 20th-century social movements in Barcelona.

Do I Need to Bring Any Specific Materials to the Tour?

The tour doesn’t require any special materials. Visitors just need to show up at the meeting point and be ready to explore the historical Arús Library. No need to bring anything extra for the 1-hour guided tour.

Are Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Yes, discounts are available. Students and seniors can get a discounted rate of $16.10 per person. However, visitors should check the official website or contact the tour provider for the most up-to-date pricing information.

The Sum Up

The Arús Library in Barcelona offers a captivating guided tour that unveils the rich history and significance of this iconic institution. Visitors can explore its extensive collection, explore the labor movement and anarchist influences, and discover the library’s role in empowering the working class. With flexible scheduling, free cancellation, and wheelchair accessibility, the tour provides an engaging and enlightening experience for all.

You can check availability for your dates here: