"Shipwrecks. Submerged history" shows the richness and diversity of the Catalan underwater archaeological heritage

On April 28, the MAC will inaugurate, at its headquarters in Barcelona, the temporary exhibition Shipwrecks. Submerged history, curated by Rut Geli, Xavier Nieto and Gustau Vivar.

The exhibition aims to make known the richness and diversity of the Catalan underwater archaeological heritage, and, at the same time, the important task of studying, safeguarding and protecting it, which, since 1992, has been carried out by the Center for Underwater Archeology of Catalonia (CASC ), on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of its creation. The exhibition also aims to expand public knowledge of underwater archeology, and pay tribute to the men and women who have promoted and are promoting it, both in Catalonia and around the world.

The exhibition, available to all audiences, is structured in four main areas: "sea explorers", "ships and sailors", "digging underwater" and "a heritage to be protected". They feature a careful selection of more than two hundred objects from excavations carried out by the CASC over the past 30 years and from various museums and collections around the country, some of which have never been shown to the general public. The scenery of the exhibition, which occupies 1000 m2, evokes a seabed.

Shipwrecked. Submerged history presents three of the most outstanding excavations by exceptional of the Center of Underwater Archeology of Catalonia (CASC): the wrecks Culip IV (Alt Empordà), Deltebre I (Baix Ebre) and islands Formigues II (Baix Empordà). Through them, we will learn about the techniques and working methods of underwater archeology professionals. Without a doubt, Shipwrecked. Submerged history helps to raise awareness about the relevance and diversity of our underwater heritage. Protecting this heritage is a challenge today; around the world is working on its inventory, conservation and legal protection. It is a legacy of our ancestors that must be protected and passed on to future generations.