The Barcelona Maritime Museum is an institution that for over 80 years has been devoted to maritime culture. Its mission is to preserve, study and promote the Catalan maritime heritage, one of the richest in the Mediterranean. It is located in the Drassanes Reials (Royal Shipyards) building, on the city's waterfront at the foot of Montjuïc Mountain. 
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\ In 1976 the Shipyards were registered as a Historical-Artistic Monument by virtue of their significance over the ages in the construction of sailing ships. This facility is managed by the Consorci de les Drassanes Reials I Museu Marítim de Barcelona, formed by Barcelona City Council, the Provincial Council of Barcelona and the Barcelona Port Authority. In 2006, the Barcelona Maritime Museum was declared a Museum of National Interest.