The "Cheap Houses" of Bon Pastor: A Hidden Gem of Architectural Heritage
MUHBA Bon Pastor: A Living Museum
The "cheap houses" of Bon Pastor in Barcelona were on the city's outskirts and carried an air of mystery and perhaps even stigma. However, for the residents who called them home, these houses represented something far greater: a unique architectural and cultural treasure that experts have taken over a century to fully recognize.
Having recently visited these houses, I can tell you that they are nothing short of fascinating. Walking through the Bon Pastor neighbourhood and stepping inside these homes is like travelling through time. Each house reveals layers of history, from its humble beginnings in 1929 to its transformation into a symbol of sustainable urban living today.
Today, the "cheap houses" have claimed their rightful place in history. They have been inducted into the Iconic Houses network, a prestigious organization celebrating 20th-century homes of architectural significance. Sharing the spotlight with some of GaudÃ's masterpieces, such as La Pedrera (Casa Milà ) and Casa Batlló, these humble homes in Bon Pastor are no longer a footnote but an essential chapter in Barcelona's story.
Built in 1929, the "cheap houses" were an innovative response to Barcelona's growing housing needs. They offered a practical yet dignified solution for the influx of workers to help construct the 1929 Universal Exhibition. Though initially considered far from the city center, these small, single-story houses with private patios on pedestrian streets were a revelation compared to other housing options of the time, such as the overcrowded vertical "barris" or informal settlements like Somorrostro.
Despite their relative comfort, the stigma of being "cheap" homes in an industrial periphery kept them out of the city's celebrated architectural narrative for decades. Yet, the winds have shifted, with a growing appreciation for the architectural and historical significance of these homes. In today's high-density and high-priced Barcelona, the "cheap houses" seem almost utopian—a model of sustainable urban living that blends community, green space, and human scale.
In March 2023, the Museu d'Història de Barcelona (MUHBA) opened a new chapter for these houses with the inauguration of the MUHBA Bon Pastor. This living museum restores a cluster of these homes to showcase the evolution of the neighbourhood and its people across nearly a century, from 1929 to 2017.
Inside, visitors can explore meticulously curated exhibits that capture the daily lives of Bon Pastor residents. Authentic architectural details and carefully preserved objects provide a window into the shifting tides of Barcelona’s social and cultural landscape. Each house tells a story, from the struggles of early workers to the modern transformations of the 21st century.
The inclusion of the "cheap houses" in the Iconic Houses network marks a profound shift in how we value architecture and heritage. These modest homes now join an elite list of 198 significant buildings worldwide, proving that their history is just as integral to Barcelona's identity as GaudÃ's iconic landmarks.
The "cheap houses" remind us that great architecture isn't just about grandeur but about meeting human needs with dignity and creativity. They stand as a testament to Barcelona’s resilience and its ability to reimagine its history, turning what was once seen as peripheral into something truly central.
For those seeking to uncover the soul of Barcelona beyond its tourist-heavy icons, a visit to MUHBA Bon Pastor is an unmissable journey into the city’s hidden heart.
Visiting Hours
• Thursday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Information and Reservations
• Email: informaciomuhba@bcn.cat
• Phone: +34 93 256 21 22
(Available Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.)
Website and Social Media
• barcelona.cat/museuhistoria
• Facebook: Museu d’Història de Barcelona
Admission
• Free entrance