Palau de la Música Catalana, the magnificently decorative concert hall is located in the beautiful Sant Pere district of Barcelona. The perfect representation of Catalan culture and social life, this World Heritage Site listed by UNESCO is a symbol of their history and heritage. Designed by the renowned architect Lluís Domenech i Montaner, Palau de la Música Catalana is a blend of modern architectural brilliance and heavenly grandeur.
A palatial front facade of red brick adorned with a collection of figures by famous sculptor Miguel Blay, ornate carvings, extraordinarily intricate central “water drop” shaped stained glass ceiling capturing the natural skylight, riot of colourful mosaic and ornamental designs covering every surface make this cultural centre one of its kind in the whole world. In the sheer magical backdrop of this brilliance and unbeatable acoustics are hosted a variety of concerts like operas, flamencos, organ concerts, jazz and just about anything classy. You simply cannot miss this gem of a incredible experience when in Barcelona!
Palau de la Musica Barcelona In a Nutshell
Visiting Palau de la Musica Barcelona is an exhilarating experience of architectural and artistic grandiose at its best! After experiencing the palatial exterior facade you make your way in to the beautiful foyer and restaurant area the tile pillars and brick arches with ornamental glazed green, pink, and yellow ceramic flowers. The stunning concert hall, Sala de Conciertos is the most unique part of Palau de la Musica. Below it is The Rehearsal Hall of the Orfeó Catalá , a symphonic choir which is part of legendary Catalonia musical history. Another very special part of Palau de la Musica is the meeting place during intermissions called Lluís Millet Hall.
Why should you visit Palau de la Musica BarcelonaWith a seating capacity of over 2000 people it holds many concerts of world’s greatest performers throughout the year. Likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Paco de Lucía, Norah Jones, Orfeó Català & Simon Rattle and many other breathtaking performances are a part of Palau de la Musica concerts staged here. While attending a concert in the heavenly ambience of Palau de la Musica is an ultimate experience, a guided tour to this cultural excellence is also awesome. Just in case you cannot do either of these, you can simply enjoy a cup of coffee in the gorgeous Foyer area.
Quick Jumplinks to Navigate the Guide
- Palau de la Musica Orfeo Catala - History and Architecture
- Palau de la Musica Barcelona Tickets
- Palau de la Musica Catalana Tour Experience
- Palau de la Musica Reviews
- Palau de la Musica - Know Before You Go
Palau de la Musica Orfeo Catala - History and Architecture
The Palau de la Música Catalana was built in the year 1908 for a famous choral society called Orfeo Catala. The objective of this palace was to reflect the sentiment of the Catalan bourgeoisie of the late nineteenth century and carry out cultural awakening of the society. Palau de la Música with special attention towards promotion of local composers and artists has staged many great performers of the world.
Besides using the Catalan Art Nouveau style, Gothic and Moorish architectural elements, the architect, extended his imagination beyond the set norms and made use of modernistic rational design. Dynamic shapes, curves, rich ornamental floral motifs and decorations are prominent features of the design. Latest material and technology of its time were used to give priority to functionality. To add typical Catalan character to the building the architect gave ample freedom to local artisans and craftsmen and that gives a unique local feel to this architectural jewel.
Palau de la Musica Barcelona Tickets
Palau de la Musica Catalana Tour Experience
Palau de la Musica Catalana guided tours are something you just cannot miss when in Barcelona! You can identify with the history and symbolic emotional heritage of Catalonia as you are guided through this jewel of Catalan modernist architecture.
The rich decorations, extensive ornamental designs, grandeur of colour and style shall leave you spell bound! The majestic front facade with famous cluster of sculptures and ornate mosaic decorated pillars is just the beginning of a fascinating experience. A 55 minute guided tour starts every 30 minutes and is priced at about €20. Palau de la Música Catalana Guided Tour tickets are available online. You shall be taken through a gorgeous blend of intricate stained glass, blacksmith, tile work, sculpted stone and other art forms used in the interiors.
The Concert Auditorium is an amazingly distinctive hall decorated with floral motifs and dominated by an organ on the stage. A central skylight fills it up with natural sunlight that gives it a mystic feel. The beautiful Foyer, restaurant, Rehearsal Hall of the Orfeó Català and Lluís Millet Hall are other special gems of Palau de la Musica. You can witness a 15-minute audio-visual presentation in the Rehearsal Hall on the history and culture of the Palau de la Musica.
At the end of the tour you can hear a musical selection played on the organ overlooking the grand Concert Hall.
Palau de la Musica - Know Before You Go
Palau de la Musica Opening Hours
- 1 January - 29 March | Monday to Sunday from 10:00 - 15:30
- 3 April - 30 June | Monday to Sunday from 10:00 - 15:30
- 1 July - 31 July | Monday to Sunday from 10:00 - 18:00
- 1 August - 31 August | Monday to Sunday from 09:00 - 18:00
- 1 September - 31 Dec | Monday to Sunday from 10:00 - 15:30
Getting To Palau de la Musica
- By Metro To reach Palau de la Musica by Metro, take a ticket to Urquinaona station which falls on both Red Line, L1 and Yellow Line, L4 . From this station, Palau de la Musica is a short walk away.
- By Bus To reach by bus, you can buses to - Via Laietana / Comtal: 45, V15, V17 or to Plaça Urquinaona: 39, 42, 55, H1 and walk to Palau de la Musica from either of these stops.
- By Hop on hop off Barcelona The nearest stop to Palau de la Música Catalana on the Hop on Hop Off Barcelona Tours is "Catedral - Gòtic". From here Palau de la Música Catalana is a 10 minute walk away.
Practical Information
- Since the number of participants per guided tour is limited to a maximum of 55 people, it is advisable to purchase tickets in advance to avoid waiting on the day of your visit for a free spot.
- Once the guided tour starts, you will not be allowed to join the group. In such cases, tickets will not be reimbursed either. Hence, reach well in advance to avoid such mishaps.
- Guided tours happen every 30 minutes and goes on for 55 minutes
- Guided tours happen in 4 languages daily : Catalan, Spanish, French, Italian and English
- The El Foyer Cafeteria remains opened Monday throughSunday from 09:00 to Midnight.
- Consumption of food or beverages inside the auditorium is strictly prohibited.
- Smoking is prohibited on the premises of the Palau de la Música
Palau de la Musica Reviews
We had a very enjoyable one hour tour of this place. The tour is mostly devoted to the unusual architecture and decor, and to the history of the hall, and the music was more described than performed. In other words, by all means go hear a concert here, but that’s a separate event. We did get a short piece performed on the organ, which sounded great. There are tours in different languages at different times, so you need to check ahead.
The place is stunning. No words or pictures can do it justice. I didn't only visit this place, I took in a show. It was the perfect evening: a show with 3 Flamenco guitarists, 2 flamenco dancers inside a breathtaking musical venue. The old charm vibes are still strong!
Tips
- As this is the only concert hall illuminated entirely by natural light, it is best to book your visit for a sunny day. Morning hours and sunset time are the best.
- Watching a concert is an ultimate experience here but if time does not allow then taking a guided tour of the place is also totally worthwhile.
- You cannot enter many parts of the building without a guided tour ticket so it does not make sense to explore the place on your own.
- The tour is popular so it is advisable to book at least a week in advance. Online booking is easy
- Foyer area can be entered for free in case you can’t go for a guided tour. You can enjoy a coffee in this stunning area.
- Since cloakroom and left luggage services are not available, it is recommended to travel light
- There is no specific Palau de la Musica catalana dress code. Smart casual is the general norm though some concerts may specify a dress code.
FAQs
A. Visitors are advised to buy their Palau de la Musica Catalana tickets online and in advance to avoid long queues and limit contact with others.
A. Yes, it is possible to attend a concert or a show inside Palau de la Musica Catalana. You can check out the program for the upcoming shows and book your tickets in advance for the same.
A. Visitors can explore the stunning interiors of Palau de la Musica that includes the Foyer of the Palau, beautiful Stairway, Lluis Millet Room, Balcony, and the famous Concert Hall.
A. Palau de la Musica Catalana is open daily from 10 AM to 3:30 PM. During Easter and the month of July, the timings are 10 AM to 6 PM and in August, the concert hall is open to the public from 9 AM to 6 PM. There are tours available every 30 minutes here.
A. Palau de la Musica Catalana is located in Barcelona, Spain near Catalunya Square.
A. Palau de la Musica Catalana in Barcelona was built between 1905 and 1908 and it was inaugurated on February 9, 1908.
A. Visitors can reach Palau de la Musica Catalana in Barcelona through a subway, train, or bus. The nearest subway station is Urquinaona Station while the closest train station is Catalunya Square Station. You can take bus number V15, V17, V47 or Barcelona Tourist Bus to get to this concert hall.
A. There are several facilities available at Palau de la Musica Catalana such as free WiFi, hand sanitizing gels, shoe sanitizing mat, elevators, cloakroom, cafe, gift shop, and more.
