El Parallel is the underground neighborhood that was once the go to place for sheer entertainment and marvels. Xavier Alberti and Eduard Molner attempt to rescue the cultural locality that sent tremors in what was the polite society during 1894-1939 with a curation of Parallel’s theatrical, political and sexual world during the exhibition, aptly named “El Paral•lel, 1894-1939, Barcelona and the Spectacle of Modernity”.

The district became a place known for cabaret, bohemian future and lets say living life free spirited  particularly during the Franco era in Barcelona – the popular culture of the working classes ruled. El Molino - a replica of Moulin Rouge, opened in 1910 making it a steady and iconic fixture in the neighborhood and re-opened its doors just two years ago after a 15 year closure. It hosted some of the most risqué performances and many flocked to see the burlesque and erotic shows.

The exhibition is an exploration on how the entertainment district emerged in contrast to the big heavies at Plaça Catalunya-Passeig de Gràcia area to the Nou de la Rambla-Paralell area and how it became a genuine cultural expression of the social and political conflict that characterised the Barcelona of the early 20th century.