The initial period shows us the Library's origins, which go back to the late 19th century, in the immediate context of the organization of the Universal Exhibition of 1888 in Barcelona. The Library is installed in the first museum infrastructures that are created in the Ciutadella park and receives the contributions of private libraries formed in the 19th century.
1905 The Old Arsenal of the Ciutadella, home of the Museum of Decorative and Archaeological Art
In 1902 Barcelona City Council sets up the Museums and Fine Art Board. The Board proposes a new organization of the museums of Barcelona and creates the Museum of Decorative and Archaeological Art, partly formed by the material in the old Museum of Reproductions. In 1905 the Library moves to this new site.