The Catalan capital is buzzing with creative energy. Each of its ten districts (districtes) has its own unique vibe and identity. From the lively bars and cafés of La Rambla to the mysterious, narrow streets of the Gothic quarter the city offers a diverse range of exciting experiences. Here are a few of my highlights.

Dali Museum

Plaça Gala i Salvador Dalí, 5, 17600 Figueres, Girona, Spain

https://www.salvador-dali.org/en/museums/dali-theatre-museum-in-figueres/

Although the Dali Museum is not located in Barcelona itself it is close enough to be a great opportunity to visit the birthplace of one of the greatest artists of the twentieth century. The Dali Museum is in the city of Figueres which is about two hours drive north of Barcelona city centre. It’s only fitting that the museum is a completely surreal and dramatic experience. It’s like walking into a theatre set designed by Dali and includes all kinds of surreal architectural and sculptural modifications including its famous giant eggs! The collection also includes early works and famous paintings from Dali’s celebrated career.

 

Park Güell and Sagrada Família 

Barcelona is renowned for the buildings of famous architect Antoni Gaudí. His style of architecture is sculptural and flamboyant and influenced by organic forms. Gaudí’s projects symbolize the creative freedom of Barcelona. Park Güell is a beautifully landscaped public park which combines Gaudí’s signature fluid architectural forms and vibrantly coloured mosaics with a wide range of trees and plants. The Sagrada Família is Gaudí’s iconic church which dominates the skyline of Barcelona. The church is famously unfinished but still draws the crowds as a major landmark and looks magnificent at night.

 

Fundació Joan Miró

Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, 08038 Barcelona, Spain

https://www.fmirobcn.org/en/

The Fundació Joan Miró is set up on a hillside overlooking Barcelona and houses a collection of work by the modern art master. The museum showcases Miró’s works and highlights his art practice including his use of experimental techniques. He was influenced by both Surrealism and Dada but he developed his own unique visual language. In many of the works on display you can find his personal symbols, motifs and subjects. The museum has several outside terraced areas which offer amazing views of the city. It’s a perfect photo spot.

 

La Rambla

La Rambla is a street which runs through central Barcelona. Visiting La Rambla is a great way to navigate the centre of the city and get a taste of the city’s frenetic energy.

 

MACBA. Museu d’Art Contemporani

Plaça dels Àngels, 1, 08001 Barcelona, Spain

https://www.macba.cat/

MACBA is Barcelona’s contemporary art museum. The museum is set in a modernist building which was designed by American architect Richard Meier and Partners. Works by international as well as Spanish and Catalan artists are presented in the museum.

 

The Gothic Quarter and the Picasso Museum

Carrer Montcada, 15-23, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

http://www.museupicasso.bcn.cat/

The Gothic Quarter is the old Medieval district at the centre of the of the city. The area is made up of small, winding labyrinth like streets and rustic architecture. There is a heavy and mysterious atmosphere here. The narrow streets and high buildings mean you are more enclosed than in other parts of the city. There are several churches and public squares in the area and it also houses the famous Picasso Museum.

The Picasso Museum houses one of the most amazing collections of artworks by the Spanish master. The collection includes early works as well as work made during other famous periods from the artists life including his ‘blue period’.

See more in the series of Art Cities here; https://featherblend.blog/category/exhibitions/

17 Sep This entry was published on September 17, 2019 at 9:46 am. It’s filed under Creative Places and tagged art, Art Cities, Barcelona, Catalan Art, Catalonia, Contemporary art, exhibition, gallery, Gaudi, Miro, museum, Picasso, Spain, spanish art, World Art. Bookmark the permalink. Follow any comments here with the RSS feed for this post.