Hemp Museum
What do a ship’s sails and a car door panel have in common? The Hemp Museum makes the connection, tracing the history of a crop whose fibers have supplied rope, sails and paper. Built on founder Ben Dronkers’ personal collection, this sister to the museum in Amsterdam brings together history, science, industry, art and culture. There’s plenty of ground for one plant to cover.
The setting deserves attention of its own. The museum occupies Palau Mornau, a renovated 15th-century palace on Carrer Ample in the Barri Gòtic. A grand entrance stairwell, stained glass windows and elegantly detailed display cases give visitors good reason to take their time. The building alone is worth the visit – we’d forgive you for spending as much time looking at the palace as at what’s inside the cases.
The collection includes 17th-century paintings and political posters, while the industrial story runs from traditional fiber to contemporary manufacturing. Dronkers’ company Hempflax, whose clients include BMW and Jaguar, puts the crop to work in car door panels, clothing, shoes, oils, animal bedding and paper. It’s an eclectic list of uses for a single crop.
On a sunny afternoon, the light through the palace gives you another reason to linger. Leave time to enjoy the windows and the stairwell before heading back out into the Gòtic. The beach can wait a little longer.