Museu de l'Esmalt Contemporani

About the museum

The Museu de l'Esmalt Contemporani de Salou (MECS) was created in 1991 and officially opened in 1992 in the Torre Vella, the same building where the enamel biennials were held. Its holdings bring together 20th-century enamels by artists from different countries, and it is one of the few museums in Europe devoted to this artistic discipline.

The Torre Vella was built in 1530 by the archbishop of Tarragona, Pere de Cardona, to protect this stretch of coast from pirate raids; the rural annex dates from the 18th century. Today the building operates as a publicly owned arts and culture centre, managed by the Culture department of the Salou town council.

Following a comprehensive rehabilitation, the tower reopened in 2025 with more exhibition rooms, a lift giving access to its different floors and a new visual identity. The enamel museum remains a permanent space within the arts centre.

Highlights

• Museum of contemporary enamel, one of the few in Europe
• 20th-century enamels by artists from around the world
• Defensive tower built in 1530
• Building rehabilitated and reopened in 2025, with a lift
• Free admission

Permanent exhibition

• Museu de l'Esmalt Contemporani – Permanent collection of 20th-century contemporary enamels by artists from various countries, housed in the Torre Vella.

Founded

1991

Operated by

Ajuntament de Salou (Regidoria de Cultura)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Following the 2025 rehabilitation, the Torre Vella has a lift that makes it easier for people with reduced mobility to reach the different floors.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.