This exhibition forms a first review of the history of paper theatres in Catalonia, a subject little studied to date. From Chinese shadow theatres to printed theatres, with their proscenium arches, curtains, backdrops, wings and characters, all in bright colours, the exhibition features a representative selection of theatres produced by leading publishing companies in the 19th and 20th centuries: Paluzie, Seix & Barral and Camaleonte, among others.

These cut-out theatres, originally designed for children to assemble and play with, are today important collector's items. Frederic Marès, the museum's founder, collected them himself. That is why this is a two-part exhibition, for not only can visitors explore the history of paper theatres in the exhibition room, they can also see the permanent collection in the Toy Room. The most outstanding pieces in the Toy Room are the seven dioramas by M. Engelbrecht. Dating back to 1730-40, these dioramas, considered the precursors of the paper theatre, are rare items even in the most important international collections.