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.

1891 Museum of Artistic Reproductions

How the museum looked, assembled in the central nave of the Old Palace of Industry, in the Ciutadella park. For the first time, the Graphic Library is placed there, designed to contain the photographic reproductions of all the works in the museums, which will be added to with publications, postcards and photographs of Spanish and foreign works of art.