It is a space that has been conceived as a laboratory and a participatory museum about the history, legacy, and heritage of the contemporary city. It is also a space that works with neighbourhood associations and study centres, such as the Taula Eix Pere IV, the Poblenou Historical Archive and the Poblenou Neighbours’ Association. It is also a space where educational activities have been conducted, from visits, itineraries, and workshops for schools to sessions of Patrimonia'm or Service Learning (Cicerón Bcn).

The MUHBA Oliva Artés space is currently hosting the permanent exhibition Questioning Barcelona. From Industrialization to the 21st Century, an exhibition that examines the development of Barcelona from the eighteenth century to the present day with approaches from different angles such as labour, demographics, immigration, social conflicts, territory,and industrial development.