An object of great historical heritage value, the MNACTEC carillon was built in 1927 in Saarburg, Germany, at the Vortmann-Mabilon instrument workshop, and was installed at the Palau de la Generalitat government building in Barcelona until 1976, when it was replaced by a new model. After 1976 this carillon was taken apart, and later relocated to the MNACTEC, in 1993, to be added to its collection. The carillon was subsequently restored in the year 2000 and installed at the entrance to the Museum, with the aim of turning it into a landmark of the city of Terrassa.
The carillon is a musical instrument comprising appropriately tuned bronze bells that are struck by means of a distinctive keyboard. The carillon tradition originated in the countries of northern Europe, although it is believed that, as with many musical instruments, it originally came from the Far East.
The MNACTEC carillon comprises 13 bronze bells tuned in a chromatic scale, weighing a total of 1367 kg. The tuning is approximate, as it has 13 bells rather than the 23 which normally make up this instrument.
The MNACTEC carillon strikes quarters and hours from 10:00 to 19:00, every day of the year. Concerts featuring instrument are occasionally staged.