Barcelona opens an outdoor Jardín Geológico in Les Corts to explore the history of the Earth

The Geological Garden opens its doors in Les Corts. A space of 1,830 m² invites people to discover the history of the Earth in the street itself. The initiative brings science closer to local residents and passers-by. Four themed areas turn the walk into an educational experience. The project has European funding and seeks to revitalise the urban surroundings.

Barcelona gains a new space that changes the way the city is experienced: the Geological Garden is now a reality in Les Corts. This open-air museum, located on Menéndez y Pelayo Street, offers residents and visitors the chance to explore the history of the Earth without leaving the urban setting. With 1,830 square metres of exhibition space, the route becomes an educational and sensory experience at street level.

Located directly opposite the University of Barcelona’s Faculty of Earth Sciences, between Martí i Franquès Street and Joan XXIII Avenue, the Geological Garden uses the public street as a natural extension of the university campus. Scientific knowledge thus leaves the classroom and becomes part of everyday life in the Maternitat i Sant Ramon neighbourhood, inviting the public to discover the planet’s secrets in an accessible, visual way.

The museum’s design is organised into four themed areas that guide visitors through different aspects of the Earth sciences. The first section, devoted to geological time, makes it possible to understand the chronology of our planet. The second section focuses on the Earth’s composition, while the geological wall displays real materials and pieces illustrating natural processes. Lastly, the applications and processes area shows the more practical side of geology and its impact on daily life.

Each space combines natural elements with information panels designed to make complex concepts easier to understand. The result is a route that turns a walk into an interactive lesson, suitable for all ages and levels of knowledge.

The project was carried out by the municipal company BIMSA, with a budget of €1.2 million funded by the European Next Generation funds. Beyond its educational function, the Geological Garden seeks to revitalise the urban setting and promote science communication in open spaces, bringing the university closer to the city and enhancing neighbourhood life.

The Geological Garden joins the trend for open-air museums that aim to integrate knowledge into public space. These initiatives not only enrich Barcelona’s cultural offer, but also strengthen the link between the university and the public. The UB Faculty of Earth Sciences, with decades of research and teaching behind it, thus consolidates its role as a driver of innovation and outreach in the city, opening new doors to learning beyond traditional walls.