Authentic decoration, inside Casa Batllo is a veritable paradise of modernism to discover.
Today, I'd like to take a closer look at the interior of this unique building.
Inside Casa Batllo: article summary
Inside Casa Batllo: the entrance
When you first enter the building, receive your audioguide and climb a spiral staircase. There's not much to see on the first floor apart from two ceramic vases and a few irregularly-shaped windows.
But you'll notice the different shades of blue mosaic tiles that line the staircase. This mosaic is a recurring theme. You'll see it in many parts of the house. It's a technique developed by Gaudi and subsequently adopted by many modernist artists.
Visit the second floor, called the Noble floor
At the top of the staircase, you'll arrive at the Noble floor, one of the wonders of the Casa Batlló. Everything looks so fanciful and you can clearly see how Gaudí was inspired by aquatic life.
For example, the stucco ceiling features a number of opulent chandeliers that beautifully highlight the the room's pink, blue, brown and gold tones. It's a fascinating place to discover.
Mr Batllò's office on the Noble floor.
You'll also pass by M. Batlló's study and marvel at the alcove of the mushroom fireplace. used by couples wishing to court each other. Next, you'll enter the main living room, which features sinuous lines curving towards the center of the ceiling.
On the Passeig de Gràcia of the room, there are beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows with magnificent colored stained glass. You'll notice that the stained glass imitates mollusks and snails, adding to the aquatic theme.
Again, this is one of the best parts of the house, so take your time to visit every nook and cranny.
The skylight
When you enter the house, slowly climb the staircase beside the skylight.
The skylight is an open-air patio which brings natural light to the rest of the house. When you get down to the details of the design, it's a pretty impressive place, both architecturally and technically.
There's a distinct color gradient. The skylight changes from light blue to dark blue tile shades as you go up. This layout was designed to create uniform light distribution on all floors.
Similarly, windows are larger on the first floor and progressively smaller towards the top. This is because more light is needed on the lower floors to illuminate the spaces.
The roof terrace
On the roof terrace, you can take a moment to drink a coffee and enjoy the view. I wouldn't recommend it, however, as many tourists pass through here, and you may not have enough room to enjoy your coffee and relax.
The only good thing about the rooftop terrace is that you can get up close and personal with the architecture of Gaudí. You can really see his work come to life.
In particular, you'll see the many imposing chimneys, which evoke the image of thorns on a dragon's back.
Next, you'll descend the "majestic staircase", an artistic creation by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma. The staircase's enclosing walls are adorned with numerous neat lines of chain mail, to create the illusion of dragon scales.
Gaudí's Cube
Finally, you'll experience the Gaudí Cube, which is an extremely colorful light show in the world's first six-sided LED light cube. It lasts around 3-5 minutes and is designed to give you a glimpse inside Gaudí's mind.
How much does it cost to enter Casa Batlló?
If you decide to visit Casa Batlló, you can choose between several different "experiences".
Thus, for the general visit, you must count :
- 35 € per person
During the day, the museum opens 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
If you wish to take advantage of the night tour, you must count :
- 39 € per person
For night-time visits, entry is by between 6.30 p.m. and 8.45 p.m.
On a visit to Barcelona, you're sure to enjoy a visit to Casa Batllo. Featuring unique exterior architecture and an equally unique interior, you'll discover Gaudi's unique vision and breathtaking works.
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