Palau de la Musica Catalana
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This page will review the Palau de la Música Catalana. Although it is still a fully functioning music hall it is equally as popular as a tourist attraction with guided tours around an interior renowned for its distinctive and ornate style.
| You cannot visit Barcelona without a visit to the Palau de la Musica Catalana interior. It is like being inside a giant Faberge Egg. |
Making your way through the rambling and narrow streets of the La Ribera area at the top of El Born you may stumble across the Palau de la Musica. From the outside alone, it is an impressive building with it’s old and new sections sitting side by side in perfect harmony. On the day when I visited, the sun was shining on the building, highlighting its unique bright colours and intricate mosaics. It provided a wonderful contrast to the nondescript buildings surrounding it. It is easy to understand why the Catalan people take pride in this building and describe it as representative of their open-minded and forward-thinking spirit.
The building was designed by architect, Lluís Domènech i Montaner and built between 1905 and 1908. It was designed as a home for Barcelona’s choir, the Orfeó Catalá. The amateur choir still perform at the venue today.
The largest and most well-known space in the Palau is the Concert Hall. This is a 2,146 seat venue with an ornate glass roof – the main setting for concerts and recitals.
| Palau de La Musica’s stunningly beautiful stained glass windows will leave you feeling in awe. |
The Petit Palau is a smaller space – 538 seats, with a more modern feel which was built in 2004. It does not contain the ornate glamour of the main concert hall. It is located in the modern extension to the building, which you will notice due to the image of a tree that gives an appearance of being embossed into the brickwork on the exterior. It has been specially designed for chamber music concerts, with precise attention to the acoustics of the room.
Other spaces include the Chamber Music Hall, Lluís Millet Room and ‘Segle XXI’ Area and are used for private functions and small events. It is difficult to get a sense of the building’s layout without stepping inside to find out more.
Guided Tour of Palau de La Musica Catalana
If you’re not a fan of classical music or you’re trying to save money, a guided tour is a perfect opportunity to view the building. It has a reputation for being more impressive on the inside so it’s worth paying to see the interior.
| The beauty of the Palau de La Musica Catalana interior. |
Unfortunately, it is not possible to enter the majority of the building without a ticket for a guided tour. The tours are available in Castellano (Spanish), Catalan, French and English. The English speaking tours take place on an hourly basis and last for approximately fifty minutes. See below for opening times.
Look at the beautiful designs on this pillar inside the Palau. Small coloured ceramic tile painstakingly arranged in mosaics designs called “Trencadis”. |
| The central skylight in the Palau de La Musica’s main concert hall |
The tours of the Palau de la Musica are popular and fill up quickly – you are advised to purchase tickets in advance. These are available as of one week before the tour and are available on-line or at the ticket desk. On arrival at the building it took me some time to find my bearings and you may find yourself circling the building in search of the area that you need. The ticket desk is best approached from Via Laietana, where you will see it directly in front of you on Calle Palau de la Musica. It is in the more modern side of the building. If you have any questions the staff at the ticket desk are particularly helpful and fluent in English.
If the guided tours are full up and you’re still feeling curious, for the price of a mere cup of coffee you can enjoy the stunning Foyer area.
This is the only area of the building that can be entered free of charge, so it’s worth taking a look inside if you can’t afford any of the tickets.
Book your tickets online
Click to book your skip the line tickets for a guided tour of the Palau de la Musica Catalana music hall
Facilities
It has an ornate roof and wide columns throughout. This is the site of a well-run and tasteful cafeteria area. Drink prices are reasonable and small dishes such as sandwiches and pinchos (Basque style tapas) are also available. There is the option of sitting in an outdoor terrace area, which is preferable for sunny days, but on this occasion I was enticed to stay inside, beneath the beautiful roof and twinkling lights.
| The Palau Square of the Palau de la Musica Catalana |
An up-market restaurant – the Mirador, is also incorporated into the building. With views of the open-air Palau Square, this could be a good option for a romantic night out.
Situated next to the building, in Plaça de Lluis Millet, is the Palau shop – the Botiga. Contrary to typical souvenir shop offerings, this is a good place to buy gifts for your friends or maybe just a treat for yourself.
On your visit to the Palau it is worth remembering that you are close to numerous other worthwhile Barcelona spots. For example, on leaving the Palau’s main entrance (where the ticket desk is located), you will step on to Via Laietana. Just a few streets down towards the beach, on your right you will find the Avenida de la Catedral and Barcelona’s cathedral. On the left is the Mercat de Santa Caterina – a food market with a distinctive roof and some specialist food stalls.
Whether you decide to check out the Palau during the day or at night it will always have some appeal. The Palau Square at the back of the building is an area where I will return to, simply to drink a glass of wine in the evening or sit on the steps and read a book in the day.
Concerts
If you are keen to attend a musical event at the Palau see our article on ‘A Guide to Classical Concert Venues in Barcelona’ for more information.
How to Get There:
Metro: Urquinaona (Red Line, L1) and (Yellow Line, L4)
Hop on hop off sightseeing tourist bus stop
Nearest stop for Palau de la Música Catalana is “Catedral – Gòtic” with the “hop on hop off” sightseeing bus
Public bus
Via Laietana / Comtal: 45, V15, V17
Plaça Urquinaona: 39, 42, 55, h26
Car parking
Car parking near Palau de la Música Catalana
Luggage Storage
Click to see luggage/bag storage facility near Palau De La Musica Catalana
Opening Times:
Guided Tours
| Month | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 01 January – 09 April | Monday – Sunday | 10:00 – 15:30 |
| 10 April – 17 April : Easter | Monday – Sunday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| 18 April – 30 June | Monday – Sunday | 10:00 – 15:30 |
| 01 July – 31 July | Monday – Sunday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| 01 August – 31 August | Monday – Sunday | 09:00 – 18:00 |
| 01 September – 31 December | Monday – Sunday | 10:00 – 15:30 |
El Foyer Cafeteria
Monday – Sunday: 09:00 – 00:00 Midnight
Access For People With A Disability:
Access at Carrer Palau de la Música, 4-6
Access to comfortable concert seating is provided for people with disabilities.
Tel: +34 93 295 7200
When purchasing tickets to make arrangements.
In a Nutshell
Whether you come for a concert, a guided tour, or just a cup of coffee do not miss this stunning space. Tucked away in the back streets of the old town it emanates a certain magic that sums up Barcelona’s appeal.
Palau de la Musica
Carrer Palau de la Música, 4-6
08003 Barcelona, España.
Reception entrance:
Palau de la Música Catalana
Carrer Palau de la Música, 4 – 6
08003 Barcelona, España.
Information: +34 93 295 7200 / +34 93 295 7207
Book your tickets online
Click to book your skip the line tickets for a guided tour of the Palau de la Musica Catalana music hall
Map showing location of Palau de la Música Catalana
Via Laietana
Plaça Urquinaona
Palau de la Musica Catalana
Carrer Palau de la Musica, 4 – 6
Gaudí Casa Calvet
Carrer de Casp, 48
Arc de Triomf Metro
SABA Lluis Companys Car Park
Museum d’ Història de Catalunya
Plaça de Pau Vila, 3
Jaume I Metro
Franca Station
Parc Cuitadella
Plaça Sant Jaume
Erotica Museum
La Rambla, 96
SABA BAMSA Rambla Catalunya Car Park
Passeig de Gràcia Metro
Passeig de Gràcia Metro
La Rambla
La Rambla
Santa Maria del Mar
Plaça de Santa Maria, 1
Picasso Museum
Carrer Montcada, 15-23
Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi
Plaça del Pi, 7
Plaça Reial
Plaça de Catalunya
Barcelona Cathedral
Plaça de la Seu, 3
La Boqueria Market
La Rambla, 91
Barcelona History Museum
Plaça del Rei
Barceloneta Metro
Urquinaona Metro
Urquinaona Metro
Liceu Metro
Catalunya Metro
Catalunya Metro
SABA Catedral Car Park
BSM Moll de la Fusta Car Park
NN Palau de La Muscia Car Park
SABA BAMSA Francesc Cambo Car Park
Laietana Princesa Car Park
SABA Plaça de Catalunya Car Park
NN Bonsucces Car Park
SABA Plaça Urquinaona Car Park
This map is copyright registered and protected and may not be copied.
Palau de la Música Catalana Barcelona
Barcelona / Palau de la Música Catalana
The famous Barcelona Concert Hall – Guided tours & Tickets
Everything about Palau de la Música Catalana Barcelona, the music and concert hall in Barcelona. Visit the most beautiful concert building in the world
Info & Tickets Palau de la Música Catalana Barcelona |
|
| Address | C/ Palau de la Música, 4-6 Barcelona Spain |
| Metro | Metro station Urquinaona (Line 1 or Line 4) |
| Tickets (tour) |
Book tours in advance |
| Opening hours | Open daily from: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm |
Palau de la Música, the concert hall of Barcelona
The Palau de la Música Catalana in the centre of Barcelona is one of the most beautiful concert halls in the world.
The concert hall and music palace Palau de la Musica was designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. He was one of the architects who formed the foundation of Catalan Modernism. Construction of the Palace of Catalan Music started in 1905 and the concert hall was completed in 1908. The project was primarily financed by the community, but financial contributions were also made by rich industrialists and wealthy citizens of Barcelona. In 1997 the Catalan Music palace was declared UNESCO world heritage, together with Hospital de Sant Pau. Nowadays, over half a million people each year attend the musical performances in the concert hall, which vary from symphonies, opera, chamber music, flamenco, jazz, to Cançó (Catalan music).
Barcelona concert hall
The concert building Palau de la Musica is located in a narrow street, the Carrer de Sant Francesc de Paula, in the old part of Barcelona known as La Ribera. Most of the other prominent Modernist buildings, for instance designed by Antoni Gaudí, are located in the posh 19th-century expansion of the city known as Eixample.
The exterior walls of Palau de la Música are made of red brick, and the support columns and façade have been clad with mosaics. On the corner of the entrance, a sculpture of Miquel Blay is featured on the façade, also called the ‘Catalan Anthem’. At the top of the music palace’s façade, there are three busts; Bach, Palestrina, and Beethoven. The Palau de la Música was built with large windows and what stands out the most is the stained-glass dome that lets natural light into the concert hall.
Guided visit of ‘Palau de la Música Catalana’
During a 55-minute guided tour, you will be led through all the important rooms in the Palau de la Música, including the practice areas, the organ, and the concert hall. Book your Palau de la Música Catalana tickets online.
Video: Palau de la Música Catalana
Where is the Palace of Music?
The Palau de la Musica is easily accessible in the center of Barcelona and the concert hall is just 100 meters walk from the Urquinaona metro stop.
Close to Palau de la Musica are:
Arc de Triomf
Barcelona Cathedral
Gothic Quarter
Picasso Musueum
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Palau de la Musica Catalana
Page Content
This is an overview page of the Palau de la Música Catalana.
Although it is a working concert hall, it is popular with tourists as a tourist attraction, with tours of the interiors renowned for their distinctive and sophisticated style.
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You can reach Palau de la Musica along the confusing and narrow streets of the La Ribera district, located in the northern part of the El Born district. Already from the outside, the building impresses with old and modern parts, located side by side in perfect harmony. When I was there, the sun illuminated the building, highlighting its unique bright colors and intricate mosaics. The building creates a wonderful contrast with the faceless buildings surrounding it. It is easy to imagine why the Catalans are so proud of this building and believe that it symbolizes the breadth of their views and progressive thinking.
The building was built by the architect, Lluís Domènech i Montaner between 1905 and 1908.
The building was conceived as a performance venue for Barcelona’s Orfeó Catalá choir. The amateur choir still performs in the concert hall.
The largest and most famous hall in Palau is concert hall . This hall, with a decorative glass ceiling, accommodating 2,146 people, is the main venue for concerts and solo performances.
Petit Palau is a smaller hall – 538 seats and more modern furnishings. It was built in 2004 and is not as brightly decorated as the main hall. It is located in a modern extension to the building, which can be recognized by the image of a tree that gives the impression that it is squeezed out on the brick wall of the building. This hall was specially created for chamber music concerts, with special attention to acoustics.
The building also contains other rooms such as the chamber music room, the Lluís Millet room and the Segle XXI room. These halls are used for small and corporate events.
It is difficult to imagine how the building works if you do not enter it.
Guided tour of the Palau de La Musica Catalan
If you are not a fan of classical music or just want to save some money, then a guided tour is a great opportunity to see the building. The building is famous for being more impressive inside than outside, so it’s worth stopping by and taking a look at the interior.
Unfortunately, most of the buildings cannot be entered without paying for a tour. Guided tours are available in Castilian (Spanish), Catalan, French and English. Guided tours in English lasting 50 minutes are offered every hour. The work schedule is listed below.
Tours are popular and sell out quickly. It is advisable to buy tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased a week before the tour via the Internet or at the ticket office.
Once inside, it took me a while to get my bearings, so you may have to circle around the building before you find your spot. It is better to approach the ticket office from Via Laietana, then, when you go out to Calle Palau de la Musica, the ticket office will be right in front of you. They are located in the modern part of the building. If you have any questions, the staff, who speak excellent English, will be happy to help you.
Tour ticket to skip the lines at the Palau de la Musica Catalana
If the tour is sold out and you still want to take a look inside, for the price of just one cup of coffee, you can enjoy the magnificent lobby. This is the only part of the building where you can enter for free, so it’s worth stopping by if you can’t afford tickets.
Amenities
It has an ornate ceiling and wide columns. This is a tasteful and well organized cafeteria. Drinks are moderately priced and you can also enjoy sandwiches and pintxos (Basque tapas).
Plus you can go out to sit on the terrace, it’s nice on a sunny day, but at that time I decided to stay inside under a beautiful roof and twinkling lights.
| Palau Square in front of the Palau de la Musica Catalana |
The building also houses the expensive restaurant Mirador. The restaurant overlooking Palau Square can be a good place for a romantic evening.
Next to the building, on Plaça de Lluis Millet, there is a Palau shop called Botiga. Unlike typical souvenir shops, there are good gifts here for friends or even for yourself.
Once in Palau, don’t forget that there are countless other interesting places in Barcelona nearby. For example, leaving the main entrance of Palau (where the ticket office is located), you will find yourself on Via Laietana. A few blocks towards the beach is Avenida de la Catedral and Barcelona Cathedral. On the left will be Mercat de Santa Caterina – a grocery market with a characteristic roof and specialized food stalls.
Both day and night Palau looks interesting. I will definitely return to Palau Square, located behind the building, just to have a glass of wine in the evening or sit on the steps with a book in the afternoon.
Concerts
If you’d like to go to a concert at the Palau, check out our Guide to Classic Barcelona Concert Halls for more information.
Directions:
Metro: Urquinaona Station (Red Line, L1) and (Yellow Line, L4)
Parking: Carrer Ortigosa, 7; Plaza Urquinaona or Avenida Catedral
Opening hours:
Excursions
| Month | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 01 January – 09 April | Monday – Sunday | 10:00 – 15:30 |
| April 10 – April 17: Easter | Monday – Sunday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| 18 April – 30 June | Monday – Sunday | 10:00 – 15:30 |
| 01 Jul – 31 Jul | Monday – Sunday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| August 01 – August 31 | Monday – Sunday | 09:00 – 18:00 |
| 01 September – 31 December | Monday – Sunday | 10:00 – 15:30 |
El Foyer Cafeteria
Monday – Sunday: 09:00 – 00:00 midnight
Accessibility for the disabled:
Entrance from Carrer Palau de la Música, 4-6
Access to comfortable seats in the hall for people with disabilities.
Tel: +34 93 295 7200 Special requirements to be advised when purchasing tickets
Short:
If you want to go to a concert, to a tour or just to have a cup of coffee, don’t miss this amazing place. Lost in the small streets of the old city, this place has a certain magic, which is the attraction of Barcelona.
Palau de la Musica
Carrer Palau de la Musica, 4-6
08003 Barcelona, España.
Main entrance:
Palau de la Música Catalana
Carrer Palau de la Música, 4 – 6
08003 Barcelona, España.
Inquiry: +34 93 295 7200 or +34 93 295 7207
Tour ticket to skip the queues at the Palau de la Musica Catalana
Map showing the location of Palau de la Mesica Catalana
Via Laietana
Plaça Urquinaona
Palau de la Musica Catalana
Carrer Palau de la Musica, 4 – 6
Gaudi Casa Calvet
Carrer de Casp, 48
Arc de Triomf Metro
Parking SABA Lluis Companys
Museum d’Historia de Catalunya
Plaça de Pau Vila, 3
Jaume I Metro
Station Franca
Parc Cuitadella
Plaça Sant Jaume
Erotic Museum
La Rambla, 96
Parking SABA BAMSA Rambla Catalunya
Passeig de Gràcia Metro
Passeig de Gràcia Metro
La Rambla
La Rambla
Santa Maria del Mar
Plaça de Santa Maria, 1
Picasso Museum
Carrer Montcada, 15-23
Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi
Plaça del Pi, 7
Plaça Real
Plaza Catalunya
Barcelona Cathedral
Plaça de la Seu, 3
La Boqueria Market
La Rambla, 91
Barcelona History Museum
Plaça del Rei
Barceloneta Metro
Urquinaona Metro
Urquinaona Metro
Liceu Metro
Catalunya Metro
Catalunya Metro
Parking SABA Catedral
Parking BSM Moll de la Fusta
Parking NN Palau de La Muscia
Parking SABA BAMSA Francesc Cambo
Parking Laietana Princesa
Parking SABA Plaça Catalunya
Parking NN Bonsucces
Parking lot SABA Plaça Urquinaona
This map is copyrighted and protected, copying is prohibited.
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Die Stadtführung mit dem freundlichen Jerry war sehr interessant und unterhaltsam. Das One Summit Vanderbilt ist für uns ein einzigartiges Erlebnis gewesen. Kann ich jedem nur empfehlen, wir könnten unser Ticket sogar aufgrund des Schlechtwetters auf einen anderen Tag umbuchen. Allerdings gegen einen Aufpreis von 25$. Aber das wars wert, bei Sonnenschein ist es gigantisch.
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Radio City Music Hall: information
Radio City Music Hall is a New York Art Deco landmark built in 1932.