The exhibition that brings half a century of Catalan journalism in Barcelona back to life

The exhibition marking AVUI’s 50th anniversary stirs emotions and memories among Barcelona journalists. A journey through the history of a newspaper that was key to the city. The exhibition invites reflection on the role of Catalan in the media.

In Barcelona, the exhibition devoted to AVUI’s 50th anniversary has reopened wounds and rekindled joys among those who have been part of the history of Catalan journalism. For many professionals, this event is not only a tribute, but also an opportunity to reconnect with their roots and remember the beginnings of a profession marked by passion and commitment to the language and the city.

Until 24 May, Palau Robert hosts an exhibition tracing key moments in AVUI’s history, from its founding in 1976, in the midst of the post-Franco period, to its merger with El Punt in 2011. Curated by Jordi Panyella, Toni Brosa and Carles Sabaté, the exhibition revives the emotion of those who backed a Catalan-language newspaper when the city still felt the weight of the dictatorship. Thousands of subscribers and a cultural collection featuring works by Dalí, Miró and Tàpies made possible the birth of a publication that became a training ground for journalists and a symbol of cultural resistance.

The journey through the exhibition is also a personal one for those who, like the author, experienced the move from AVUI to El País in the 1980s. The transition between newsrooms, the effort to master Spanish after years of writing in Catalan, and nostalgia for colleagues who defined an era are mixed with pride at having been part of a generation that fought to professionalise the trade in Barcelona.

The exhibition does not look only to the past. It also acknowledges those who are still on the front line at El Punt Avui and those who, from other media outlets, keep the spirit of those early days alive. Visitors encounter memories of a time when journalistic activism and commitment to the language were inseparable, and when the help of proofreaders and editors was key to creating a new Catalan journalistic lexicon.

For many, the exhibition is a reminder of the importance of caring for the language and of the difficulty of writing without barbarisms in a city where bilingualism is the norm. AVUI’s anniversary also coincides with that of El País, reinforcing the sense that Barcelona remains an epicentre of stories, change and challenges for those who choose journalism as a way of life.

Palau Robert, located in the heart of Barcelona, has established itself as one of the city’s most dynamic cultural spaces. Over the years, it has hosted exhibitions exploring Catalan identity, recent history and the social movements that have shaped urban life. Its programme usually attracts both people from Barcelona and visitors, making it a meeting point for those seeking a better understanding of the city’s cultural and social evolution.