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Located at La Rambla 99, beside La Boqueria market, La Virreina Centre de la Imatge is a cultural space dedicated to contemporary visual arts. Housed in an 18th-century baroque palace originally built for the widow of the Viceroy of Peru, the building is an architectural gem featuring ornate balustrades, grand staircases, and rococo flourishes.
Since 2007, under the direction of Barcelona’s Institut de Cultura (ICUB), the center has showcased photography, video art, and multimedia installations with a focus on social and experimental themes.
La Virreina Centre de la Imatge Entrance
At La Virreina, visitors can explore the palace’s elegant interior, featuring a spacious central courtyard and an impressive double staircase. The center also houses cherished cultural symbols like the traditional Catalan “Gegants de Barcelona Ciutat” (giant papier-mâché figures) and the iconic “Àliga de Barcelona” (eagle).
Menjador, Palau de la Virreina
Throughout its long history, the Virreina Palace has played many roles, including aristocratic residence, military barracks, and courthouse, before becoming a cultural center in the 20th century. Declared a National Monument in 1941, the building has been thoughtfully restored to preserve its historical elegance while serving the needs of today’s contemporary art scene.
La Virreina Centre de la Imatge Gallery Space
La Virreina’s exhibitions frequently explore timely social and cultural issues, from urban housing to community identity, highlighting its role as a platform for critical dialogue. Its diverse programming is crafted to engage a broad audience.
Visiting Information
La Virreina Centre de la Imatge offers free admission and is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM to 8 PM. Located at La Rambla 99 in the Raval neighborhood, it’s easily reachable via Metro L3 (Liceu station) and several nearby bus routes. The center is closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25 and 26.