Art Nouveau in Barcelona is a decorative art style that follows the linear patterns and curves of natural forms.
Between 1890 and 1910, Art Nouveau flourished throughout Europe and the United States.
It was most often used in architecture, interior design, jewelry and illustration.
Today, I'd like to tell you more about the subject.
Art Nouveau in Barcelona: article summary
Where can you find art nouveau in Barcelona?
Barcelona is one of the most remarkable cities in terms of Art Nouveau. Here, you'll find the incredible work of Antoni Gaudí and other modernist architects such as :
- Lluís Domènech i Montaner
- Josep Puig i Cadafalch
- Joan Rubió i Bellver
- Jeroni Granell i Manresa and many others.
Wherever you are in the city, you're bound to come across a work of art nouveau. You can then take advantage of these special works to soak up the atmosphere. modernist techniques used by the greatest artists.
The best places to see art nouveau in Barcelona
This specific type of art has been flourishing since 1859, when Ildefons Cerdà designed the magnificent Eixample district to make room for the growing population.
His best-known patron was the industrialist Eusebi Güell, who discovered the artist. Antoni Gaudí. Güell then entrusted his protégé with numerous projects, including the magnificent palace in the town of Palau Güell and the parc Güell. So let's take a look at some of the other best places to find art nouveau in Barcelona.
The Palau de la Música Catalana
It's an essential work of art. Visit Palau de la Música Catalanalisted on the UNESCO World Heritage Siteis located in the magnificent Gothic Quarter. The Palace of Music concert hall is huge and impressively designed by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner.
Montaner was one of the leading exponents of modernist art, being one of Barcelona's most renowned architects at the time. This incredible building was constructed from 1905 onwards, financed by donations from wealthy merchants and industrialists.
The façade is adorned with columns decorated with mosaics and is a must-see for those who enjoy admiring this type of art. If you'd like to find out more about this work of art, I've written an interesting article on the subject here.
Art Nouveau in Barcelona: La Sagrada Familia
In the 19ᵉ century, the president of the Holy Brotherhood, José María Bocabella, planned to build a church in Barcelona dedicated to the Holy Family "sagrada familia". Gaudí greatly influenced the construction of the Sagrada Familia guiding architects with its plans, models and archives.
Today, the Sagrada Familia is not only religious, but also a symbol of art, and this is reflected in every stone of the building, as well as in its facades and towers. The facades of this beautiful building are dedicated to the most important dogmas of Catholicism.
The Sagrada Familia is one of Barcelona's most famous buildings and is Gaudí's best-known work.
Casa Batllo
Another of Gaudí's masterpieces is the Casa Batlló. This impressive building demonstrates Gaudí's style down to the last detail. Casa Battló is closely linked to the legend of Saint George, patron saint and symbol of modernism.
The roof of Casa Batlló is shaped like a dragon with large, shiny scales, made up of tiles over double attics, adapted to organic architecture. This magnificent building is located at the bottom of Passeig de Grácia and can't be ignored. What's more, on Sant Jordithe building is covered in red roses.
Art Nouveau in Barcelona: Casa Milá (La Pedrera)
Visit Casa Milá is an incredible house with no right angles. In fact, it was Antoni Gaudí's last building before he turned his attention to the Sagrada Familia. Located in the Eixample district, it is one of the most impressive buildings of the Art Nouveau movement.
La Pedrera translates as "the house of the quarry", earning its nickname Casa Milá for its unusual construction. The large stone slabs on the façade were first fixed and then worked by stonemasons.
Gaudí used very little paint on this building, aiming to retain the natural appearance of the materials. The interior is just as impressive as the exterior, with a natural ventilation system that makes air conditioning unnecessary. Find out more about Casa Milà, you can find out more in our article.
Palau Güell
Visit Palau Güell is located in the Ravaljust a few metres from las Ramblas. Parts of the Palau Güell façade are reminiscent of a Venetian palace, with two striking oval doors at the front.
One of Antoni Gaudí's earliest works, it was to become a multi-purpose building, with apartments, events and exhibition spaces. It was one of the first major projects entrusted to Gaudí by Güell. in the Barcelona Modernist style.
Art Nouveau in Barcelona: Santa Creu and Sant Pau hospitals
This stunning work of art has evolved from a medieval charitable home to a modern hospital since it was founded 600 years ago. It is one of the most beautiful and important modernist complexes.
There are many other works of art nouveau in Barcelona. During your visit, I recommend that you visit the different rooms that have made Barcelona an art city in its own right.
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