This grand edifice houses perhaps the largest cultural resource in Catalonia, with the richest selection of programs for the public. The center sponsors political debates of local and national politicians, book readings, film screenings, art shows, concerts, and more. L'Ateneu is located inside El Palau Savassona, the old residence of Josep Francesc Ferrer de Llupià Brossa, a former Baron of Savassona. Even if you're not planning to attend one of the cultural events, it's worth it to visit the building, as it's an equally dignified neoclassical contrast to the famous Gaudi-inspired architecture that dominates much of modern Barcelona.
Francisco Godia, a Catalan collector is an art enthusiast and has managed to build up an outstanding collection that includes paintings, sculptures and pottery dating from the Middle Ages to the present day. It's all on permanent display at the Fundación Francisco Godia. The outstanding pieces are the Romanesque sculptures, the pottery collection, and some unique paintings by the Catalan artist Ramón Casas and the Italian Lucio Fontana among others.
Located in the heart of Barcelona, Fundació Mapfre is one of the city's premier exhibition centers that is known to host of a wide range of special events that are related to photography. Some of the biggest creative photographers from all over the globe have showcased their work here, which is why this exhibition house is a must-visit destination for budding photographers and photograph collectors. The building in which these exhibitions are held is a prime example of Rococo and Modern Neoclassical architecture, which adds a historical dimension to your overall experience.
An eye-catching fixture of downtown Barcelona, the Palau de la Música Catalana boasts a striking modernist design. It was built in the early-20th century by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, who designed the now-iconic exterior to feature intricate carvings, red brick arches, and exquisite Spanish and Arabic architectural details. Inside, the concert hall is even more breathtaking with its gold accents, floral patterns, and exceptional stained-glass elements. Visitors to the Palau de la Música Catalana will be awed by the kaleidoscopic skylight whether they take in a show or simply tour this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the past, the Palau de la Música Catalana has hosted such quality performers as Ella Fitzgerald, Paco de Lucía, Woody Allen, Ángel Corella, and Duke Ellington.
Teatre Poliorama is one of the oldest theaters in Barcelona, founded in 1899 and located within the Academy of Sciences and Arts. It has been under public and private management at different times and now offers a varied program, almost always putting on plays with a focus on comedies and musicals. It has hosted a large number of theatrical companies, bringing only the highest quality shows to eager audiences. The theater is situated on the Las Ramblas, one of the most charming and emblematic areas in all of Spain.
The capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is a city of many facets, each more tantalizing than the last. Shaped by time, with a history that spans over 2000 years, Barcelona is a dreamscape of architectural wonder, from the subterranean ruins of the Roman empire and the exquisite cathedrals of the Gothic Quarter to the masterpieces of Modernisme and Gaudi's ingenious creations. The city's contemporary marvels are no less inspiring with iconic structures like the sleek Agbar Tower and the gravity-defying Mare Nostrum Tower at the top of the list. The rich Catalan culture has long been revered for its sumptuous culinary innovations, with local chefs at the helm of molecular gastronomy. There's the whole host of cuisines to choose from, reflecting the city's cosmopolitan flair, from avant-garde Japanese to tapas bars and seafood taverns. Those who enjoy a good night out won't be disappointed either. There are plenty of options to suit every taste including underground bars, live music of every genre, beachfront chiringuitos and all-night clubs. Nestled between the azure Mediterranean Sea and the verdant Collserola mountains, Barcelona's outdoor offer runs the gamut from hiking and biking, to water sports and simply lounging on the golden beach. A city that has inspired the likes of Dali, Miró, and Picasso, it is no wonder it's museums and galleries are lovingly adorned with the work of these masters and many besides. Barcelona is a city of culture, where the party never has to end and there is always something exciting to discover.