125th anniversary of F.C. Barcelona

The Historical Archive of the City of Barcelona preserves a paper-based memory of the people of Barcelona dating back to medieval times. The diversity of its collections allows some of these memories to periodically come to light through this “Archive Window,” ensuring their dissemination among all visitors.

On this occasion, we are given the opportunity to look back at 125 years of Barça’s history through an exhibition of documents that form part of the AHCB’s poster collection and the Associations archive.

Since its foundation by the Swiss Hans Gamper in 1899, the Football Club Barcelona has been closely linked to “this city that bears the name of our Club,” as its president Josep Lluís Núñez once famously said, and it has helped make the city known throughout the world. At the same time, its sports facilities have had — and continue to have — a significant impact on Barcelona’s urban development.

The Archive Window presents two posters from previous commemorations: the Silver Jubilee in 1924, featuring a magnificent design by Josep Segrelles, and the 75th anniversary, with an outstanding work by Joan Miró (the Golden Jubilee posters were created by the advertising agency Crisol, and the Centenary poster by painter Antoni Tàpies).

The poster announcing the inauguration of the Camp Nou stadium during the 1957 La Mercè festivities was designed by Amand Domènech, one of the pioneers of Catalan graphic design. The exhibition also includes an election ballot from Hans Gamper’s final term as president of the Club; publications celebrating the Silver Jubilee (1924) and the inauguration of the stadium (1957); a ticket likely corresponding to the old Les Corts ground; and a 1968 membership card.

The sports press, preserved in the AHCB’s Newspaper Library, together with other documents from the Archive, make it possible to trace the daily evolution of the Club, its triumphs and setbacks, and the famous players — such as Samitier, Kubala, Cruyff, Maradona, and Messi — who have worn its colours.