[2] Barcelona is a city historically linked to design, with longstanding institutions such as the Foment de les Arts Decoratives.

For this reason, the city of Barcelona proposed, earlier in the 2000s, the creation of a single center—an integrated space that would help the public understand design in a broader context.

[6][7][citation needed] The construction of the building began in July 2009, when the Minister of Culture, Joan Manuel Tresserras, and the Mayor, Jordi Hereu, laid the first stone.

The building consists of two parts: one underground, taking advantage of the level change caused by the urbanization of Plaça de les Glòries, and another emerging 14.5 metres (48 ft) above ground.

This design symbolizes the relationship between the Eixample streets and Plaça de les Glòries, while preserving the view of the large central park.

The underground section serves as a public space connected to the future development of the Plaça de les Glòries park.

The building includes two floors and a mezzanine, housing key activities such as the main exhibition hall, storage areas, research and teaching spaces, and well-attended services.

This hall functions as a public or semi-public space, acting as a link between Plaça de les Glòries, Poblenou, the metro, and the transportation hub.

From this square, a system of stairs, escalators, and elevators provides access to all basement services, upper floors, and the conference room.

Key aspects of the design include: These features combine to make the building environmentally responsible and energy-efficient, meeting modern sustainability standards.

The museum's holdings include Coptic, Hispano-Arab, Gothic, and Renaissance fabrics, along with sections dedicated to embroidery, lacework, and prints.

Prominent printers such as Elzeviriana, Bobes, Seix Barral, Tobella, Naips Comas (makers of playing cards), Tallers Roca (industrial bookbinders), and the Neufville type foundry have contributed to the museum's growing collection.

[15] The concept behind the Study Galleries is to create a space that blends elements of a temporary exhibition, a documentation center, and a museum repository while maintaining its own unique identity.

The space preserves the original structure and design of this historic architectural complex, which served as a model for worker housing during the Second Spanish Republic.