The exciting, medieval city of Barcelona, offers students an
insight into the minds of some of the most influential artists in European
History.
Not only does the city boast beautiful baroque quarters,
surrounded by the finest Modernista buildings, but also some of the best
galleries to follow the works of Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso.
We offer opportunities to:
Experience the finest art, design and architecture sites across the city.
Take the wonderful Dalí Trail around Portlligat, Figueres and Pubol.
Marvel at Gaudí's masterpieces close up!
See and study one of the world's leading modern art collections.
Include free time within the itinerary for drawing and sketching sessions.
Visit some of Barcelona's best sightseeing attractions.
Art and Design Visits
Inside Barcelona:
MACBA - Museum of Contemporary Art (El Raval). Designed by Richard
Meier considered to be ‘must see' landmark! Mainly temporary exhibitions
(photography, video & graphic work).
MNAC - National Art Museum of Catalyuna (Palau Nacional, Montjuic).
Renovated by Gae Aulenti who did the Gare d'Orsay in Paris. Medieval art &
architecture, 11th & 12th century apses, reconstructed precisely as if they
were in their original locations. Thought to be one of the best of it's kind in
the world!
MUSEUM OF MODERN ART - Has a great variety of collections of
paintings and sculptures. Of interest is the collection of the group of painters
who go by the name of 'Catalan Nazarentists'. Also paintings by a number of
Catalan artists including Ramon Casas, Santiago Rusiñol, Isidre Nonell.
FUNDACÍO JOAN MIRÓ - One of the most complete collections of
Miró's work in the world. The building (on Montjuic) was designed by Miró's
friend Sert.
MUSEU MARÍTIM - Housed in preserved mediaeval shipyards. Includes
model ships, drawings, replicas etc..
MUSEU MONESTIR DE PEDRALBES - Monastery that is also a museum.
PICASSO MUSEUM - Housed in two beautifully preserved Gothic palaces
of Berenguer Aguilar and Baron de Castellet on Calle Montcada. The collection is
strong on his early period.
FUNDACÍO ANTONI TÀPIES - Housed in a striking Modernist building,
off Paseo de Gracia. A permanent collection of Barcelona's most internationally
renowned contemporary artist.
MUSEU FREDERIC MARÉS - Mostly religious objects from the 12th to the
15th century.
MUSEU TEXTIL I DE LA INDUMENTÁRIA - In a palace on the same street
as the Picasso Museum. Limited collection of textile. Good collection of period
costumes.
PALAU DE LA MUSICA - One of the best examples of Modernist
architecture in Barcelona (1905-1908) architect Doménech I Muntaner.
CASA MUSEU GAUDÍ (Parc Guell) - Gaudí lived in this house within
the park from 1905 - 1925. The displays consist of furniture he designed as well
as quite a few drawings & projects.
PARC GÜELL Combine this museum with a visit to the park which was
originally intended to the an English style garden city. This enchanted park was
projected by Gaudí but most of it was carried out by his disciple Josep Maria
Juol. The undulating benched are covered with fragments of ceramic tile. Lots of
animal references.
MODERNIST BARCELONA - Walk along La Rambla & Passeig de Grácia
which has the highest concentration of different modernist buildings in the
city. Starting at Palau Güell (Nou de la Rambla), Antigas Casa Figueras (Rambla
83), Farmacia Genové (Rambla 77), crossing Plaça Catalunya to Passeig de
Grácia - Casa Pascual i Pons (no. 2), Cases Rocasmora (no. 6-14), Roca
(jewellery shop). On the 'Block of Disagreement' because of the contrast between
the major Modernist buildings, Casa Lleó Morera (no. 35), including this one
and those by Gaudí - Casa Amatller (41), right next door is the crowning piece
of the 'Block of disagreement' Casa Batlló. The facade is covered with
multi-coloured tiles and the roof uses glazed ceramic 'scales', follows the
theme of St. George & the dragon. Casa Mila (no. 93) known as 'La Pedrera'
(The Quarry) built as an apartment block between 1906 - 1912 was the last block
to be built by Gaudí and has been declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
It has a wonderful view from the roof and one of the apartments has been
restored and can be visited.
SAGRADA FAMILIA (Holy Family Temple) - Architect Gaudí began in
1882, still less than half completed. There is a tiny lift which goes to the top
or you can walk! There is a museum and you can watch the sculptors at work.
GOTHIC AREA & THE RAMBLAS - Santa María del Mar and Santa María
del Pí. Plaça Reial and Plaça del Rei. Gran Teatre Liceu.
Outside Barcelona:
SALVADOR DALI MUSEUM - Figueres - 2 hours north of Barcelona
SITGES - A beautiful coastal town with it's church of Santa Thecla
and Saint Bartholomew. The museums of Maricel and Maricel de Mar. Cau Ferrat
Museum, founded by the Catalan writer and artist Santiago Rusiñol, who donated
two magnificent El Greco paintings, on his return from Paris.
MONTSERRAT - About 40 km from Barcelona. Benedictine monastery and
Basilica, which houses 'La Moreneta' - the statue of the Virgin of Montserrat.
GARROTXA VOLCANIC NATURAL PARK - landscape painting.
