Top Rated Attractions in Barcelona

First established in Belgium in 1986 today the society has three branches; two in Belgium, one in Barcelona. The gallery gives impetus to the work of upcoming artists and gives them a stage to showcase their talent. For current and upcoming schedule check out the website.

You'll find this museum in the old Casa de la Canonja (La Pia Almoina), alongside the Barcelona Cathedral Museum. It displays a remarkable collection of religious art belonging to Barcelona's diocese, including the unique silver Romanesque cross, Riells del Fai, and Abbot Guerau de Clasquerí's crosier. The diocese's complete collection of gold and silver ornaments, paintings, sculpture and archaeological artifacts are on permanent display here. In addition, there are temporary exhibitions like the recent showing of drawings, photos and models called La Restauración en el movimiento moderno (The Restoration in the Modernist movement).

Cosmo Cafe & Galería de Arte is a wonderful concept and a popular hang out for those leaning towards the art side. It is tucked away among other art galleries but holds its own due to its novel concept of combining a cafe and an art space with ingenuity. One can catch exhibitions on modern art and paintings by local artistes. While the art gallery part of the venue attracts art lovers from all over, the cafe part of it is a nice place to enjoy a good book with piping hot cups of coffee and some tasty tit-bits served readily by the staff.

Joan Prats Artgràfic is an art gallery located in central Barcelona. The gallery, which has another sister gallery in the Las Ramblas area, specializes in all things to do with contemporary art. The gallery presents shows in various kinds of mediums like paints, photography, installation, sculpture and mixed mediums. The gallery often features shows by new and up-and-coming artists. For current and upcoming schedules check out the website.

Nestled on the bustling La Rambla street, Virreina Palace was constructed for Viceroy of Peru, Manuel d'Amat i de Junyent. Built in the 18th Century, the palace was erected to the designs of noted architect Carles Grau and the structure remains an arresting example of rococo and baroque architectural styles. Presently, Virreina Palace is home to the Culture Institute and organizes several cultural programs and temporary exhibitions of art works by noted regional and international artists.

Tàpies himself created the Fundación Antoni Tàpies in 1984 as a place to study contemporary art. Today, its library has become one of the most important of its kind in the world, exhibiting a large collection of his original drawings, paintings, sculptures, and engravings. Designed by modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the building that houses these extraorindary works traces back to 1880. It served as the headquarters of prestigious publishing house Editorial Montaner i Simón until the 1970s though the spirit of the arts is still very much alive. Keep an eye out for temporary exhibits, and be sure to look up above the entrance for one of Tàpies's avant-garde sculptures when you visit.