About the Palace of Catalan Music | History & Architecture

Quick Information

ADDRESS

C/ Palau de la Música, 4-6, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

RECOMMENDED DURATION

2 hours

Timings

09:00–15:30

TICKETS

From $20.93

UNESCO YEAR

1997

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Did you know?

Recognized for its cultural significance, Palau de la Musica was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

The symbolic sculptures and mosaics inside the Palau reflect Catalonia’s cultural heritage, including elements like Catalan folk songs and local flora and fauna.

Palau de la Musica was originally built as a home for the Orfeó Català, a choral society that continues to perform there today.

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Palau de la Música Catalana Entry Tickets

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50 min.

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Palau de la Música Catalana Guided Tour

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Palau de La Música Catalana - Gran Gala Flamenco Show

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Must-see at Palau De La Musica

1/5

Ornate Façade

The Palace of Catalan Music’s façade is a breathtaking spectacle that's sure to leave you awestruck. A stunning fusion of Spanish and Arabic styles, it's composed of vibrant, multicolored glazed tiles that shimmers in the sunlight. Spot Miquel Blay's impressive sculpture, a tribute to Catalan music, and the intricate floral designs that cover the columns. And let's not forget the busts of musical legends like Beethoven, Bach, and Wagner!

Vestibule and Staircases

As you enter the Palau, you're greeted by a beautiful vestibule. Its ceiling is adorned with a mesmerizing star-shaped mosaic, creating a celestial ambiance. The grand marble staircases, framed by unique yellow glass balusters, leads you to the upper levels of this magnificent building.

Lluís Millet Hall

The Lluís Millet Hall, named after the Orfeó Català's founder, is a beautiful space with stunning views of the exterior columns. It's a perfect spot for breaks during concerts, with its stained-glass windows and busts of famous Catalan musicians.

Concert Hall

The crown jewel of the Palace of Catalan Music, the concert hall is illuminated by natural light streaming through its stunning stained-glass skylight designed by Antoni Rigalt. This inverted dome represents the sun and sky. The hall's decor celebrates music with sculptures of muses, Pegasus, and notable musicians. It's here that world-class performances come alive.

Petit Palau

The Petit Palau, a modern addition to the complex unveiled in 2004, is an underground auditorium that hosts various cultural and business events. This versatile space has a capacity of 538 and hosts cultural and business events.

Flamenco Show at the Palau de la Música Catalana

Prepare to be mesmerized by the soul-stirring rhythms and passionate dance of flamenco at the Palace of Catalan Music!

The Palau De La Música’s concert hall, known for its exceptional acoustics, is the perfect stage for a captivating performance.
The Gran Gala Flamenco, a Barcelona favorite for over 18 years, features a talented ensemble of guitarists, percussionists, singers, and dancers, from critically acclaimed dance companies from Catalonia and beyond.
Led by the visionary choreographer Susana Escoda and artistic director Sara Flores, these artists deliver a breathtaking display of traditional flamenco, infused with contemporary flair.
Recognized by UNESCO as a cultural heritage, flamenco embodies the spirit and history of the Andalusian people.
Attending a flamenco show at the Palace of Catalan Music provides the perfect setting for this unforgettable experience.

Book a Flamenco Show at the Palau de la Música

History of the Palace of Catalan Music in a nutshell

The Palau de la Música Catalana was inaugurated in 1908, and designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, a master of Catalan Modernisme architecture. Built as the home for the Orfeó Català choral society, it became a symbol of Catalan cultural identity during a time of national resurgence.
The Palau was funded by public donations, showcasing the community's commitment to the arts.
Throughout the 20th century, the Palace of Catalan Music hosted premieres by renowned composers like Enric Granados, Joaquín Rodrigo, and Manuel de Falla, cementing its reputation as a world-class venue for classical music.
After falling into disrepair, the Palau de la Música underwent extensive restoration from 1982 to 1989 to preserve its original charm and adapt the building to contemporary needs. This included creating a six-story adjoining building with dressing rooms, a library, and archives. Materials like stone, glass, iron, and ceramics were used in line with Domènech i Montaner’s original methods.
In 2004, the Petit Palau was inaugurated. Situated 11 meters below a newly created square, it offers seating for 538 people and features state-of-the-art acoustics and audiovisual technology. Designed to complement the main palace
It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site (listed in 1997), celebrated for its stunning beauty and continued role as a cultural beacon in Barcelona.

Orfeó Català at Palau de la Música Catalana

Who designed the Palace of Catalan Music?

The Palau de la Música Catalana architecture

The Palau de la Música Catalana was designed by the Catalan architect Lluís.

Domènech i Montaner, who played a crucial role in the Catalan Modernisme movement, a local manifestation of Art Nouveau.

Domènech's design reflects a harmonious blend of artistic styles, incorporating Spanish and Arabic architectural elements with modernist aesthetics. The building is celebrated for its intricate mosaics, stained glass, and elaborate sculptures celebrating music and Catalan identity.

Domènech's innovative approach to architecture prioritized both beauty and functionality, resulting in a building filled with natural light and expansive spaces.

The Palau de la Música Catalana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a testament to Domènech i Montaner's architectural genius. His legacy continues to inspire visitors worldwide.

Palau de la Música's exterior

Architecture & design of the Palau de la Musica Catalana

Innovative structure

The building employs a steel frame allowing expansive open spaces, minimizing structural facades, and maximizing natural light. This innovative approach reflects the technological advancements of the early 20th century, creating an interactive environment that blurs the lines between interior and exterior spaces.

Cultural symbolism

The Palau de la Música Catalana is more than just a beautiful building; it represents Catalonia's cultural revival during the Renaixença period. It's a popular venue for various performances, including classical music and flamenco.

Decorative elements

The Palau de la Música has ceramic mosaics, stained glass, and sculptures that reflect Catalan traditions and nature. Floral motifs, curved lines, and vibrant colors dominate the interior and exterior, creating a sense of movement and life. Every column and balustrade tells a story of collaboration and creativity under the visionary eye of Lluís Domènech i Montaner.

Restoration

Added during the 1982–1989 restoration, the six-story adjoining building houses essential facilities like dressing rooms, a library, and archives. Built using the same materials as the original structure, it maintains the integrity of Domènech i Montaner’s vision while enhancing the building’s functionality.

Frequently asked questions about the Palace of Catalan Music

When was the Palau de la Música Catalana inaugurated?

Construction began in 1905 and was completed in 1908. The building was commissioned by the Orfeó Català, a choral society dedicated to promoting Catalan music and culture. The Palau de la Música Catalana was inaugurated on February 9, 1908, and has since been a vital cultural venue in Barcelona, hosting numerous concerts and events.

What is the Palau de la Música Catalana famous for?

It is famous for its unique architecture, particularly the stained-glass skylight, ornate facade, and intricately decorated concert hall. It is also celebrated for its role in promoting Catalan culture and hosting a variety of musical performances.

What types of performances are held here?

The Palace of Catalan Music hosts a wide range of performances, including classical concerts, flamenco shows, choral music, and contemporary performances. It features both local and international artists.

Are guided tours available?

Yes, guided tours of the Palau are available in multiple languages (Catalan, Spanish, French, Italian, and English). Tours typically last about 55 minutes and provide insight into the building's history and architecture.

What restoration work has been done on the Palau?

Major restoration and expansion projects were carried out between 1982 and 1989, including the addition of a six-story adjoining building. Further work from 2006 to 2008 reinstated decorative elements and restored the lantern on the tower.

What facilities are available at the Palau?

Facilities include free WiFi, elevators, a cloakroom, a café (El Foyer), a gift shop, and accessible seating for individuals with reduced mobility.

Is the Palau de la Música Catalana accessible for people with reduced mobility?

Yes, the Palau is equipped with wheelchair access and other facilities to accommodate visitors with reduced mobility. It’s advisable to contact the venue in advance to make arrangements if needed.

Is there a dress code for concerts?

There is no strict dress code; however, smart casual attire is generally recommended for attendees of concerts.

Are there dining options available at the Palau?

The Palau has an onsite café and restaurant where visitors can enjoy refreshments or meals before or after performances. The menu includes Catalan-inspired dishes and beverages.

Can I take photos during performances?

Photography and recording devices are not allowed during concerts to avoid disturbing the artists and audience. However, visitors on guided tours may be permitted to take photos in certain areas.