Children are especially interested in the museums where the exhibits can be touched. And if something from the museum collection can be eaten, the interest doubles. Therefore, during a holiday with a child in Barcelona, include a visit to the Chocolate Museum in your program. The large letters MX (Museu de la Xocolata) are visible from afar, but even before you notice the sign, the smell of hot chocolate will tell you where to go.
The city's Guild of Confectioners created the Chocolate Museum in Barcelona. They know a lot about treats, so even the entrance tickets are made edible (more precisely, the ticket is printed on the wrapper of a small chocolate bar that each visitor receives). In the old building of the monastery, where the museum is located, the story of when a bitter Indian drink made from cocoa beans first appeared in Europe sounds very special. And how pleasant it is to listen to how confectioners have learned how to make sweet chocolates and at the same time enjoy the delicious warm mass from the chocolate fountain.
The Chocolate Museum is divided into 8 different areas:
Shop-Café: here you may taste chocolate hot or cold, accompanied by excellent home-made pastries, and buy the best Spanish and chocolate specialities.
Cocoa and chocolate: at this exhibition the whole process is explained, from the cocoa tree seed to the point where cocoa becomes chocolate: where cocoa comes from, how it is grown, where it can be found, the existing varieties, the manufacturing process, etc.
Chocolate, a bridge between cultures: learn more about the history of cocoa and chocolate, from its origins in the Maya-Aztec world, including its arrival in Spain and its entry into Europe, ending with industrialisation.
Art and creation: chocolate as a source of inspiration for art and culture. In the exhibition, you can see that cocoa mass also serves as a material for sculptures. Here it is proposed to tour the chocolate mini-Barcelona, admire the figures of people and animals, and see copies of famous paintings made of chocolate. And if salivation during the inspection becomes too strong, it will be possible to migrate to the museum cafe and enjoy cocoa-based desserts. After that, do not forget to choose a chocolate bar or a set of sweets in the museum shop as a gift.
Confectionery and chocolate: have a look at the works of art mady by the best master confectioners and chocolate-makers.
Audiovisuals: in this area, you can discover the history of chocolate in an interactive, visual form.
Machinery: take a journey around the principal machines related to working with chocolate.
Activities: the museum offers a wide range of activities, both for schools and for individuals, whether they are children or adults. Advance booking is necessary for all activities.
There is also a garden on site and different rooms for all kinds of events.
Children of all ages can try themselves as confectioners. To do this, you must first register for the master class. Children will learn how to make sweets and even draw with chocolate. But on Easter days, the museum becomes a platform for the work of professional confectioners. They compete to create chocolate sculptures.
