Palace of Catalan Music (Barcelona)
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A Midlife Adventure
Dursley, UK1,004 contributions
Absolutely stunning piece of architecture
We did a self guided walk of Modernist gems of Barcelona.
We finished at the Palace of Catalan Music where we had organised to join an English speaking guided tour. We are not massive fans of choral, chamber, symphonic or classical music for which the internal Palace is famous. But the building itself is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Catalan architecture, a majestic example of the Modernist style and a magnificent end to our day. The architecture throughout is to die for!
Built in 1908 by Lluis Domenech i Montaner, the outside is currently undergoing refurbishment work and is partly covered with scaffolding and plastic shielding but you can still admire some of the mosaic covered columns.
Internally much of the work is on a floral theme. Roses, lilies and other beautiful flowers climb up pillars, trail across the stained glass windows and cover the ceilings. The Modernist style abounds and the auditorium is the central masterpiece.
Viewed from the upper floor, celestial stained glass windows surround the organ below which behind the stage you can see muse-like figures with mosaic tile bodies and terracotta statues for heads.
On either side of the stage are marble sculptures. On the right hand side Richard Wagner’s Valkyries ride over a bust of Beethoven whilst on the left a tree of traditional song provides leafy shade to Anselm Clave, a Catalan composer.
Finally look up and you see the piece de resistance, the absolute gem that is the blue and gold stained glass skylight encircled by forty women’s heads to represent the heavenly choir.
What an ending to our exploration into Modernist architecture!
If you want to read more about our walk check out amidlifeadventure.org
Review of: Skip the Line: Palau de la Música Catalana Guided Tour
Written April 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gringottsgoblin
dublin323 contributions
Another Art Nouveau Masterpiece
May 2022 • Couples
Yet another amazing building from Lluís Domènech i Montaner the architect of Recinte Modernista de San Pau. An extraordinary interior and exterior and a great theatre and venue in a city with many opera houses and theatres this is a bit different. I will return and ensure I get tickets to a performance in this place and speaking of performance this place is a performance itself. Bonkers crazy wonderful. Go and enjoy it will put a smile on your face and it has a good place to eat in the tasteful modern extension.
Written April 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MaryMary6207
Norwich, UK4 contributions
Stunning interior with interesting audio guide
Apr 2023 • Solo
This building is awesome from the outside and amazingly beautiful inside. It tells the story of music and theatre so well. I loved the stone garden roof and the 9 muses. Well worth a visit. I did the self guided tour but the guided tour sounded really interesting from the snippets I heard. I went at 9.30am and it was quiet but queues were forming when I came out at 10.15.
Review of: Skip the Line: Palau de la Música Self-Guided Tour
Written April 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CPC1911
Sydney, Australia510 contributions
Gorgeous building but try and catch a performance for a full experience
Apr 2023 • Couples
We went to a performance of Bach’s Mass with a visiting choir.
The music was superb but it was made all the better by being in this most gorgeously and outrageously over the top concert hall. I could almost imagine what it might have been like at the height of fashion with everyone dressing formally and being “seen”. Even if you can’t catch a performance, it’s well worth a visit
Written April 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Egmondo
Scarborough, UK314 contributions
A beautiful setting for an enjoyable concert
Apr 2023 • Friends
We attended a concert here: Mozart’s Requiem and Symphony no.40.
The concert itself was excellent, but the setting greatly enhanced the experience! The auditorium is stunning, delightfully decorated with painted plasterwork and the most beautiful stained glass.
Unfortunately you don’t get to see some other parts of the theatre when attending a concert, for that you have to book a tour, but it was a unique experience seeing the Orfeo Catala in this glorious UNESCO World Heritage concert hall.
Written April 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David B
Seattle, WA2 contributions
Great visit!
Had a great tour this morning! Especially loved hearing the organ – WOW! Chose the guided tour so had opportunity to ask questions
Review of: Skip the Line: Palau de la Música Catalana Guided Tour
Written April 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AliNel01
Nelson, New Zealand101 contributions
Music and colours
Apr 2023 • Couples
Well worth the visit, the audio tour is comprehensive and very interesting. We heard a couple of short organ recitals during the tour and it was nice to sit in the top level seats listening but also taking in the amazing colours.
Definitely recommend Palau de la Musica if you are visiting Barcelona and have an hour or more to spare.
Review of: Skip the Line: Palau de la Música Self-Guided Tour
Written April 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
June P
Toronto, Canada111 contributions
Wonderful!
Mar 2023
Prior to my 12 noon guided visit, I enjoyed a heavenly cup of thick hot-chocolate in the café. The tour started on time, and our group was shepherded by a knowledgeable, understandable, and pleasant young lady. We watched an orientation video before beginning our exploration of this gorgeous, Beau Arts building covered in colorful ceramic mosaics, tiles, and flowers; and adorned with stained-glass windows, partitions, and skylights; and decorated with statues of flying horses, charging Valkyries, muses and composers. We spent a few moments sitting down to listen to our guide, and despite my arthritis I managed the stairs without any problem.
We were treated to a stirring (and very loud) piece of music played on the pipe organ, and given a €3 coupon to spend in the gift shop. I definitely recommend the guided visit.
Review of: Skip the Line: Palau de la Música Catalana Guided Tour
Written April 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joannie
Salisbury, MA11 contributions
A treat for ears as well as eyes
Apr 2023 • Couples
The building is an architectural wonder. Simply beautiful. The tour started off with an informative 10-minute video that set the stage for an interesting, engaging visit. We even heard the organ. We liked the place so much that we bought tickets for the evening’s performance, which was also a great experience.
Review of: Skip the Line: Palace of Catalan Music Ticket
Written April 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Russell S
New Jersey4 contributions
A Barcelona Must-See!
Mar 2023
Our family took the guided tour of the Palau de la Música Catalana. Our tour guide was charming, informative, and so passionate about sharing the Catalan culture with us. The venue itself was absolutely stunning; a must-see! We would highly recommend.
Review of: Skip the Line: Palau de la Música Catalana Guided Tour
Written March 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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The Catalan Music Palace – Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona
Monumental Bullring Barcelona
Olympic Port
Palau de la Musica
Palau de la Musica
Palau de la Musica
Palau de la Música – Barcelona
Palau de la Música – Barcelona
Palau de la Música Catalana
“Palau de la Música Catalana” (Music Palace), is a concert hall designed by the architec Lluís Domènech i Montaner and opened in 1908.
This building is the headquarters of “Orfeó Catala”, a prestigious institution grounded in the year 1891 to support Catalan music and culture. This is why the decoration of the building shows some representations of the “quatre barres” (which is the Catalan coat of arms).
Inside the scene is a sculpture representing on one side the “Ride of Valkyries” and on the other side, the figure of Beethoven, sculpted by Pau Gargallo and Dídac Massana. The splendid central glass light on the roof was made by Rigalt and Granell. The façade is made of red brick and decorated with mosaics from Lluís Bru.
The Palau de la Música Catalana organizes daily guided tours of the Modernist Concert hall and, when available, Lluís Millet Hall and the Chamber Music Hall.
Tickets for Palau de la Música Catalana >> free visit or guided tour
The Palau de la Música Catalana is located in the El Born district of Ciutat Vella.
It is one of the most emblematic buildings in the city and a must-see for all lovers of architecture and music.
The Catalan Music Palace was built between 1905 and 1908 to house the Orfeó Català choir (an association of Barcelona choirs), which needed a larger space for its rehearsals. Today it hosts concerts and musical events of international renown.
The Palau de la Música is one of Barcelona’s architectural gems, designed by the modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the building is famous for its large concert hall decorated with coloured stained glass windows, sculptures and mosaics, and is considered one of the finest examples of Catalan Modernist architecture, also known as Art Nouveau. This architecture is characterised by the use of modern materials such as iron, glass and concrete, as well as motifs and forms inspired by nature.
Specific construction techniques used in the Palau de la Música Catalana include the use of natural light, which is abundant thanks to the large skylights and rose-shaped windows.
The structure also features colourful mosaics, sculptures and floral motifs, creating a unique and vibrant aesthetic effect.
The architect, Lluís Domènech i Montaner, also used advanced techniques for the time, such as the use of steel trusses for the structure of the building, which allowed him to create a large concert hall without intermediate pillars. Another technical detail is that the building was constructed without using steel beams, which was very rare at the time. Instead, the structure rests on decorative cast iron columns and brick arches, creating a unique and magical atmosphere inside.
Our tip: To make the most of your visit to the Music Palace, we recommend taking a guided tour to learn about the history and architecture of the building. You can also attend a concert to appreciate the exceptional acoustic quality of the concert hall.
Finally, an interesting anecdote about the Music Palace is that during the Spanish Civil War, the building was used as a garage for military vehicles, which saved the building from destruction! A miracle.
The Catalan Music Palace
Carrer del Palau de la Música, 4,
08003
Barcelona,
Spain
Area:
El Born
Email:
[email protected]
Website:
Palau Música Catalana – Barcelona
Opening hours:
From 9am to 9pm
Prices:
Visit guided: everyday from 10am to 3.30pm – Paying entry for concert: Monday to Saturday from 10 a.
m. to 9 p.m. – Sunday and holiday concerts: 3 hours before show time – Sundays and holidays: NO ADVANCE TICKET SALES
Phone:
00 34 93 295 72 00
Metro/Bus:
Metro: Lines 1 and 4. Urquinaona station – Buses: Lines 17, 19, 40 and 45
Barcelona metro map
Palace of Catalan Music Barcelona UPDATED 2020 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
4.5
18,787 Reviews
Excellent
14,563
Very Good
Not Bad 9003
0004 Nata
Asti, Italy179 publications
In a word – Beauty!
July 2022
That’s… both beautiful and touching. Peace and quiet. I would like to return. The impression is pleasant and long lasting.
Published August 4, 2022
This review reflects the subjective opinion of a member of the Tripadvisor community and not the official position of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Touristas
765 publications
cannot be described in words!
Aug. 2020
Barcelona is amazing. Anytime and anywhere. Wherever you go, no matter which alley you turn into, you are sure to be in for a cultural shock. For many, this wonderful city is associated only with the name of Antonio Gaudi. And this is understandable – the house of Mila, Batllo, the house of Calvet, the house of Visans … one Sagrada Familia is worth something! And so if suddenly this is not another masterpiece of Gaudi, people somehow pass by.
Here, the inconvenience for the tourist is that the building of the palace is difficult to capture completely – on this street the houses are close to each other, so you need to contrive. When you see the building, you are ready – sculptures everywhere, bright brickwork of the balcony, but when you find yourself inside … I am speechless! How did it happen that Catalonia gave birth to such geniuses as Domenech i Montaner, Puig i Cadafalch, Josep Jujol and the great Gaudi? And about the same time? And what is remarkable, although they are united by one direction – Catalan modern, but how different and dissimilar they are from each other!
Inside it’s just space – a riot of colors, bright tiles, columns, sculptures, a stained-glass dome ceiling, curved bizarre stairs, and a balcony with multi-colored ceramic tiles is worth something! There are not enough words to describe the emotions.
I want to walk and look at all the details, but here there are a great many of them! Interestingly, there is no feeling of congestion, everything is in its place, everything looks very harmonious.
The tour is conducted in different languages. To be honest, when the group entered the hall, everyone was numb from the interior and listened to the guide out of the corner of their ear.
I agree with those who write that photographs do not reflect beauty. Yes, in reality it causes indescribable delight! And you think that nothing will surprise you until you see another building of these geniuses, for example, the Sant Pau Hospital, also built according to the design of Domènech y Montaner.
Review for: Skip the Line: Palau de la Música Catalana Guided Tour
Published July 21, 2021
This review reflects the subjective opinion of a member of the Tripadvisor community and not the official position of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews.
Foodomania by DYCO
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain4,801 publications
A magical place
July 2020 • For two
The Palace of Catalan Music is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 19 years 1908, was there in 2010, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020 :)) I love the ego architecture, by the way it is also the only theater with natural light in Europe.
Definitely recommend
Posted on July 25, 2020
This review reflects the subjective opinion of a member of the Tripadvisor community and is not the official position of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews.
SNKolia
Moscow, Russia3,981 publications
Gingerbread Theater 2020
One of the most beautiful theaters in the world!!! Impressed by the work of Lewis Domenech-i-Montaner, they decided to see another of his creations – the Palace of Catalan Music (1908). Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The concert hall was built in the Catalan Art Nouveau style and is the only hall in Europe with natural light! Both inside and out are very impressive! You can only get inside with a guided tour. Cost – 20 Euro. Tours are conducted in Spanish and English. Pass on time, it is better to sign up in advance, as there are a lot of applicants, and the number of places is limited. Duration approximately 45 minutes.
Be sure to go, it’s incredibly beautiful inside!!!
Published April 28, 2020
This review represents the subjective opinion of a member of the Tripadvisor community and is not the official position of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews.
Julia | My Barcelona | Guide
Barcelona, Spain74 publications
Magic concert of the Spanish guitar!
dec. 2019
You just have to see it at least once in your life! The best concert hall not only in Spain, but also in Europe. A masterpiece of world architecture. I advise you not just to come here for a tour, but to attend a concert. And not just at a concert, but at a trio of Spanish guitar with flamenco elements – Homenaje a Paco de Lucía. Barcelona Guitar Trio & Dance. Tickets can be bought at the box office on the spot, as well as on the official website. Choose the most expensive places – 45 euros each. There is better visibility from there. I assure you, you will remember these 1.
5 hours for the rest of your life! Have a nice evening!
Review for: Palau de la Música Concerts in Barcelona
Published March 21, 2020
This review reflects the subjective opinion of a member of the Tripadvisor community and not the official position of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews.
Dmitry R
11 publications
Ordinary organ hall
Feb. 2020
Despite the popularity of this place among tourists, there is nothing unusual there. This is an ordinary beautiful theater with an organ. Excursions in Russian are also not available, we went with English speakers. We were led along two floors, taken out to the balcony. They turned on the recording on the organ “Tokattu in D Minor” by Bach. In short, I would not go a second time, but you can visit once if you have the opportunity.
Published March 6, 2020
This review represents the subjective opinion of a member of the Tripadvisor community and is not the official position of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Olga
Kyiv, Ukraine356 publications
Luxurious hall 2019
When we were in Barcelona, we specially bought tickets for a flamenco concert in this hall in order to kill two birds with one stone: admire one of the masterpieces of Catalan architecture and watch the show. Tickets were taken on the balcony in the first row, from there you can see the stage perfectly, and you can also see the interior decoration of the room in detail. In real life, the hall is even more beautiful than in the photographs. I also liked the concert, although in a small tablao, in my opinion, the show was more emotional and incendiary.
Published January 21, 2020
This review represents the subjective opinion of a member of the Tripadvisor community and is not the official position of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews.
Sveta F
Moscow, Russia21 publication
It’s just a must see
June 2019
When we visit Barcelona, naturally, the name of the architect Gaudi immediately pops up from memory.
But few people know where Gaudi drew his images from that his imagination pushed him. And it was the Great teacher Gaudi. So he created this masterpiece. Just look and you will understand everything.
Published January 20, 2020
This review represents the subjective opinion of a member of the Tripadvisor community and is not the official position of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews.
Oksana M
Dityatki, Ukraine16 publications
Such beauty captures the spirit!
dec. 2019
While visiting Barcelona, we lived in front of the Palace of Catalan Music. Both outside and inside the building is amazing! Stained-glass windows all around! The ceiling is something incredible. Stairs, hall, corridors, chandeliers – I want to look at it for hours. On the ground floor there is a restaurant-cafe. You can enter freely. There are days of free visits (got on December 4, 2019). This work of art by the architect Lluis Dominique y Montaner impressed me more than the creations of Gaudí.
Published December 11, 2019
This review represents the subjective opinion of a member of the Tripadvisor community and is not the official position of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews.
Yuri S
27 publications
One of the most beautiful music halls in the world
May 2019
Were on a day tour in the Palace of Catalan Music in English. The tour guide is a very nice and knowledgeable guy. The architect of this building is Lluis Domènech y Montaner, a Catalan architect and politician, a genius of architecture. Anyone who has not seen his building in Barcelona has not been in Barcelona.
Published December 7, 2019
This review represents the subjective opinion of a member of the Tripadvisor community and is not the official position of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews.
Showing results 1-10 of 5,338
description, address, hours and opening hours 2023
The Palace of Catalan Music is a popular concert hall and one of the symbols of the capital of Catalonia – the city of Barcelona.
Location
Carrer de Sant Francesc de Paula, 2
Opening hours
9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Carrer de Sant Francesc de Paula, 2
For tourists, the palace is open from July to August from 9:30 to 18:00 , and from September to June from 9.30 to 15.30
Children under 10 years old can visit here free of charge.
Official website: https://www.palaumusica.cat/ca
The building of the Palace of Catalan Music is very beautiful and is considered one of the most significant monuments of the Art Nouveau era.
Palace of Catalan Music. Photo by @palaumusicacat
Interesting facts:
- This palace is the only concert hall in Europe that has natural light.
- In 1909, the building of the Catalan Music Palace was recognized as the best building of the year.
- The palace has more curved lines than straight lines.
History of creation
The palace was built with private donations and opened on February 9, 1908.
It was conceived as a concert hall and headquarters for the Orfeó Català choral society. The project of the new building was prepared by the master of Spanish architecture Luis Domènech i Montaner. In 1904, the city authorities bought the land for the Palace and began its construction. The cost of construction was 240 thousand pesos.
Inside the Palace of Catalan Music. Photo by @palaumusicacat
Palace today
Inside the building looks beautiful, decorated with colorful stained glass windows and elegant railings. On the facade of the Palace of Catalan Music, there are obvious motifs of Spanish and Arabic architecture. On the second floor, you can see two columns with ornate candelabra and mosaic tiles. Above them are busts of famous composers. Particularly stands out is the sculptural group “Catalan Folk Song”, which was created by the famous Spanish sculptor Miguel Blay. The largest hall of the Palace of Catalan Music can accommodate up to 2200 people. Its ceiling is made of multi-colored glass mosaic in the form of a huge dome.