elBulli1846: a museum for thinking, innovating and growing as a team

Located in Cala Montjoi, in the heart of the Cap de Creus Natural Park, elBulli1846 offers much more than a visit: it is a transformative experience for teams seeking to grow through knowledge, creativity and innovation.

“The Sapiens methodology allows us to better understand reality in order to transform it,” explains Lluís García, director of elBulli1846 and former head waiter at the elBulli restaurant. “The culinary revolution sparked by elBulli has allowed us to reflect on the knowledge we have acquired and on creative processes: through our experience, we want to encourage people to rethink the way they work, organise themselves and innovate.” 

Since the museum opened in 2023, elBulli1846 has welcomed companies from various sectors interested in inspiring their teams in a unique setting with a value proposition based on applied knowledge. We spoke with Lluís García about what corporate groups can expect from this unique experience in the heart of the Costa Brava.

How can elBulli1846 help inspire teams and promote innovative thinking within companies? 

LG.- Our proposal includes a three-hour guided tour led by members of the original project, such as myself or Marc Cuspinera. Through this experience, we demonstrate how we managed to systematise innovation and generate insights that can be extrapolated to any professional sector. We talk about creativity, systemic thinking, organisational processes… and we do so using familiar, experience-based language: the language of cooking. 

What kind of tours do you offer for corporate groups? 

LG.-  We recommend the private guided tour, which is specially designed for corporate groups. This format allows for a high degree of personalisation and constant interaction. The aim is for each team to visit the museum as a tool for taking a closer look at themselves.  

“Through the language of cooking, we show how to systematise innovation and generate useful reflections for any professional sector.” 

What options are available to customise the experience for corporate groups? 

LG.- When it comes to these types of groups, we usually adapt the tone and focus after talking with the organisers and understanding their needs. We are always willing to discuss personalising visits to make them more exclusive, although this does involve an additional cost because, naturally, special resources come into play. However, we always start with good communication to find out what the client wants and then put together our offer based on that.

Can you give us a specific example? 

LG.- A particularly revealing case was that of an innovative company in the technology sector. After the tour, the management team told us that they were returning home feeling excited and motivated, with new ideas to implement in their day-to-day work. They asked us for more content to continue exploring the world of elBulli from home: documentaries, guides, texts,etc. This confirms that the impact goes beyond the moment itself, which makes us happy and encourages us to keep moving forward.

What effects have you observed in the teams that visit you in terms of cohesion, creativity, or motivation? 

LG.- The teams leave mentally shaken and eager to try new things. The visit helps them see their professional situation from a different perspective. Sharing the experience with colleagues also promotes cohesion and strengthens bonds, especially when there is interaction and questions.

How does the natural setting of Cala Montjoi influence the participants’ experience?

LG.- Finding yourself in the middle of a natural setting such as Cala Montjoi is, in itself, an invitation to disconnect from your usual routine and open yourself up to new ideas. The air, the sea, the silence… everything contributes to creating the right state of mind for reflection and creativity. 

“The Sapiens method, developed by Ferran Adrià, explains how connections are the basis for understanding any project.” 

Which space of the museum do you think connects best with the MICE audience?

LG.- Without a doubt, the outdoor space. The ten facilities located along the route explain the development of the Sapiens methodology and how we moved from data to understanding. This content arouses great interest among teams working in innovation, leadership or strategy. 

What exactly does the Sapiens methodology consist of? 

LG.- Sapiens is a method of thinking developed by Ferran Adrià in order to gain a deep understanding of any subject of study through connections. During the visit, we explain how we apply it to the culinary world and how it can be transferred to other sectors. We also offer additional resources like the Bullipedia for those who wish to learn more about it. 

“The aim is to broaden the teams’ horizons and connect them so that they can rethink strategies and procedures, among other issues.” 

What kind of reflections do you expect a team to take away from their experience at elBulli1846? 

LG.- We want them to leave us brimming with new questions, with a more open mind and a more inquisitive and insightful attitude. We want them to see their work environment as a connected system where everything makes sense, and to feel better prepared to rethink processes, teams, and strategies. 

Now we just need to decide which language to take the tour in… How far in advance is it advisable to make reservations? 

LG.- We offer visits in Catalan, Spanish, English and French. We recommend booking well in advance, especially if you would like a personalised or exclusive tour. The museum is open from April to November, and we work with small groups of no more than 20 people to ensure the quality of the experience.

Would you like to find out more or book a visit for your team? 

Check out the tour options and how elBulli1846 can help open up new professional horizons for you.