Originated as an open-air market that already operated in 1893, it owes its name to the passion for a figurehead of a bartender’s daughter.

Although the current building was inaugurated in 1933, in the space now occupied by the market there was already an open-air one in operation since 1894, which depended on the then independent municipality of Les Corts.

It was first known as ‘El Porvenir’ (The Future) because it was located in a very prosperous area, but due to an occurrence of the daughter of a neighbouring bartender, it changed its name.

One day, the girl went for a walk on the beach and found a figurehead of an old boat with the figure of a doll that she liked very much. So much so that he installed it at the entrance to his father's tavern, which has since become known as “La taverna del ninot” (the doll's tavern). By extension, the market, which was very close, came to be called Ninot (the Doll).

Currently, this figurehead is preserved in the Maritime Museum, but at the main entrance of the market you can see a reproduction of the doll.

Architecture

The nave consists of a central body and three bodies on each side. The two façades of the central body, which face Carrer de Mallorca and the inner passage, are made of exposed brick and have a huge stained glass window in the shape of an arch. These two stained glass windows are the most important entrances to natural light.

The rest of the façade is made of iron panels, which are supported on a perimeter wall of exposed brick and have narrow openings that allow the passage of air. On the sides of the main entrance of Carrer de Mallorca there are two courtyards, which can be accessed by the chamfers.

Year of construction: 1933

Type of building: detached

Area: 5,584 m²

Refurbishments: completed 2015

Services: car park, home delivery, online sales (Ulabox), WiFi, Green Point, information screens, pick-up points/lockers

Location: C. Mallorca, 133