A jewel of modernism signed Domènech i Montaner. Its inverted dome in the concert hall is an ornamental marvel!
Considered one of the masterpieces of Catalan modernism, the Palau de la Música Catalana was built by Domènech i Muntaner between 1905 and 1908, commissioned by the Orfeó Català, the benchmark choral ensemble of 20th-century Catalan music. Imbued with strong nationalist sentiment, the building features a spectacular facade of red brick and mosaics. At the corner of the building, a group sculpted by artist Miguel Blay pays homage to Catalan popular song. It represents a woman, like a figurehead, as an allegory of music. She is surrounded by children, farmers and fishermen, under the protection of Saint George. On the second floor, admire the busts of musicians adorning the columns, the work of sculptor Eusebi Arnau, representing Palestrina, Bach, Beethoven and Wagner. The interior decoration is even more impressive. The concert hall features an inverted stained-glass dome which, like a real sun, provides natural lighting, towards which the elaborate chandeliers incline. At the back of the stage, the mosaic silhouettes of the muses, by Eusebi Arnau, complete this surprising, colorful and unusual space. A decoding of the ubiquitous symbols is essential to read the full richness of the Palace, a true illustration of the overflowing imagination of the artists of Modernism, which is listed by Unesco. A fantastic introduction to the work of Lluís Domènech i Montaner!
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Opening time and information on PALAU DE LA MÚSICA CATALANA
Self-guided, guided and audio-guided tours Monday to Sunday, 9am to 3.30pm, from €16.
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