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The Palau de la Música Catalana is a jewel of Modernist architecture, designed in the Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. It was built between 1905 and 1908 in the Sant Pere neighborhood as a home for a symphonic choir called Orfeó Català. The construction was paid for by Catalan industrialists, financiers and lovers of the arts.
Its red brick façade is adorned with floral motifs, mosaics, and sculptures blending Moorish, Gothic, and Baroque influences. At the corner of the building, a dramatic sculptural group by Miguel Blay depicts Sant Jordi, Catalonia’s patron saint.
The Hall of the Orfeó Català
This magnificent concert hall was originally built for the Orfeó Català, a choral society founded in 1891. The Palau has always been a stronghold for Catalan music and culture, often serving as a venue for events that promote regional identity. It endured the tumultuous years of the Spanish Civil War and Franco’s regime, when public expressions of Catalan culture were suppressed.
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The concert hall itself can hold nearly 2,000 people. It is renowned for its stained-glass skylight, an inverted dome that floods the space with natural light.
The Palau de la Música Catalana has hosted many musical legends, including Richard Strauss, Igor Stravinsky, and Pau Casals, the celebrated Catalan cellist. The excellent acoustics make it ideal for a wide range of performances, from symphonic concerts and opera to jazz and flamenco.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 1997, the Palau de la Música Catalana was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with another of Domènech i Montaner’s masterpieces, the Hospital de Sant Pau. The designation recognized the building’s exceptional beauty, its role in the Modernisme movement, and its cultural significance.
The Guided Tour
The guided tours offered by the Palau de la Música Catalana are a must for lovers of architecture and Catalan Art Nouveau.
During the tour, you’ll walk through areas normally off-limits to concert-goers, including the Lluís Millet Hall. The halls has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a beautiful balcony lined with colorful mosaic columns.
Practical Information
Address: C/ Palau de la Música, 4-6
Getting there: The Palau is easily accessible via metro; the closest stop is Urquinaona (L1, L4).
Hours: Guided tours are offered daily, with times varying depending on the season. Performances take place most evenings.
Tickets: Tour tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the box office. Concert tickets vary by event, but it’s recommended to book ahead, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Nearby nibbles: For a great meal within walking distance I recommend Bar del Pla.