The Banyoles Archaeological Museum reopens with a new exhibition layout.
The Banyoles Archaeological Museum —officially known as the Museu Arqueològic Comarcal de Banyoles— has reopened its doors with a completely revamped exhibition layout. The result is a space that combines 14th-century Gothic architecture with contemporary exhibition design, capable of housing over 1,600 archaeological and palaeontological artefacts from the Pla de l’Estany.
The museum, located in the historic Pia Almoina complex—listed as a Cultural Asset of National Interest—traces 45 million years of history, from the first large mammals to the Middle Ages, with the lakeside setting of Banyoles serving as the narrative’s central theme.
Unique pieces of European heritage at the Archaeological Museum of Banyoles
Among the items housed in the museum, two pieces of European archaeological heritage stand out. The Banyoles Jawbone, one of the continent’s most important human fossils, and the Neolithic Arch of La Draga, the oldest complete wooden arch in Europe, dating back some 7,000 years.
Both items are displayed in bespoke security display cases, specifically designed to ensure their preservation, and form part of an accessible, up-to-date exhibition route that combines original artefacts, audiovisual material and interactive installations.
Technical development, manufacturing and installation by Proasur
The exhibition design was created by Varis Arquitectes, a leading Barcelona-based studio specialising in museum design and architecture, with projects such as the Born Cultural Centre and the Vinseum — Museum of the Wine Cultures of Catalonia. The project was carried out by Nunsys Group, a company specialising in technological solutions for museums. Proasur was responsible for the technical development, manufacture and installation of the exhibition fittings: over 150 linear metres of bespoke security display cases adapted to the irregular walls of the historic building.
Carrying out work on a 14th-century Gothic palace required specific engineering solutions: on-site measurements, precise customisation of the display furniture, and carefully coordinated logistics to enable work to be carried out in the historic centre of Banyoles.
You can find all the technical details of the project in the Proasur portfolio.
A leading museum in Pla de l'Estany
With this refurbishment, the Banyoles Archaeological Museum has established itself as a gateway to the region’s rich archaeological and palaeontological heritage. The exhibition encourages visitors to explore the nearby archaeological sites — the Serinyà caves, the Neolithic settlement of La Draga and the Roman villa of Vilauba — with which the museum maintains an active partnership in research and public engagement.
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