Caixafòrum is a vibrant arts and cultural center located in several cities across Spain. It serves as a hub for creativity, offering a diverse range of exhibitions, concerts, and workshops designed to engage visitors of all ages. These centers are known for transforming historical or industrial buildings into modern spaces where art and culture come to life.
The architecture of Caixafòrum centers is often as captivating as the art within. Many of these buildings are repurposed to blend historical charm with contemporary design. In Barcelona, for example, the center is housed in a former textile factory, showcasing industrial architecture enriched by modern additions. This fusion of old and new creates a unique atmosphere that enhances the cultural experience.
Visitors to Caixafòrum can explore a wide array of exhibitions that span various artistic disciplines. From classical masterpieces to avant-garde installations, the center hosts both temporary and permanent collections. These exhibitions are curated to inspire and provoke thought, offering something for everyone, whether an art aficionado or a curious newcomer.
Beyond visual art, Caixafòrum also offers an extensive program of concerts, lectures, and film screenings. These events are designed to enrich the cultural landscape and provide visitors with opportunities to engage with the arts in new and exciting ways. The center often collaborates with renowned artists and cultural institutions, bringing world-class performances and discussions to its audience.
Education is a key component of Caixafòrum's mission. The center hosts workshops and activities tailored for children and adults, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of art and culture. These programs often connect visitors with artists and experts, offering hands-on experiences that enhance learning and appreciation.
Caixafòrum places a strong emphasis on community engagement. By making art accessible and inclusive, it encourages dialogue and interaction among diverse groups. Special events and partnerships with local organizations help to integrate the center into the fabric of the community it serves, making art a shared and participatory experience.
Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CaixaForum_Barcelona
Formerly known as Torre Agbar. Distinctively-shaped office tower which stands out in the Barcelona skyline. It stands out even more Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights when it is lighted in several colours. The viewing platform on the 30th floor has views in all directions. Tickets start at €15 and come with a complimentary glass of cava and access to Hyperview Barcelona, an exhibit of the city’s real-time environmental data as an audiovisual installation, which is hosted in the tower’s lowest floor.
This former hospital is an architectural masterpiece that is now open for visitors. Inpatient wards (and most outpatient facilities) have been moved to a new building of Nou Hospital, but in terms of touring the area, that makes it all the easier. One of "small hidden features" is a network of underground passages where small carriages can be seen, you can get there near WCs on a central square, between Banc de Sang and Quiròfans.
Has a lot of art from his first period, before the cubism, but almost none of his most famous works. Pictures are described only in Spanish, but overview texts for each period are available in English. Luggage over 30x30cm needs to be left at the checkroom and there's no liability for lost valuables.
Provides a beautiful panorama view over the rest of the city. The Montjuic Castle is in the Montjuic hill. From the Montjuïc Castle, take the harbor cable car to Barceloneta for more splendid views.
If you're a football fanatic, then you can't miss a visit to this football temple, the home ground for Barcelona's biggest and most popular team and one of Europe's greatest footballing 'cathedrals'. During the Franco era, FCB was the only way that oppressed Catalans could vent their anger against his dictatorship. Because of that, it became and still is a symbol of Catalan identity. Camp Nou is the biggest stadium in Europe with a capacity of 98,600 people, with shops and a museum of the club's history. Match tickets start at about €42 and games hardly ever completely sell out, unless it is a match against the hated rivals Real Madrid (a match commonly dubbed El Clásico), one of the other top teams (Atlético Madrid, Valencia or Sevilla) or in the Champions League. With the quality in the current team, there are always a few goals, and it is nearly always a resounding win for Barça. For stadium tours check the entry below.
A beautiful Gothic monastery near the university, there are a museum which depicts the monastery life, a church, and a marvelous chapel covered with medieval frescoes.
The first building Gaudi built in Barcelona. It has been opened as a museum. It's possible to walk the whole monumental enclosure, including the garden and the interior of the building. In UNESCO World Heritage Sites list since 2005.
Placa d'Espanya was created for the 1929 World Exhibition, on a site once used for public hangings. The fountain in the center of the square is a great attraction and plays music during the summer. Plaça Espanya is located at the base of Montjuic hill.
One of the most romantic squares in Barcelona, it hides a dark history in that it was built over the city's old cemetery. Barcelona's most famous architect, Antonio Gaudi, was on his way to visit the church there when he was run over and killed in 1928. There is a baroque church (Sant Felip Neri), a 14th-century palace and a fountain in the middle. To arrive, take the narrow street next to the cathedral cloister. The palace was moved from its original location in the street Via Laietana during the 1920s. If you look the front of the church, you can see some holes made by a civil war bomb. If you go out the square through the other street, you'll arrive to the street Baixada de Santa Eulàlia, where is said that the Barcelona's protector was tormented.
Although a botanic garden had been established in Barcelona as early as 1888, the current gardens date from 1999.
The museum has limited opening hours but the park it is situated in is also interesting. Check website before going to the museum as it will eventually relocate to The Can Bagaria building.
This museum mainly exhibits exponents, which were imported by Catalan sailors as they explored the new world. Free on the first Sunday each month (11:00 to 15:00)
This market was the central market for Barcelona until 1973 and its closing marked the beginning of the neighborhood's decline before its current resurgence. While undergoing renovations, whole streets and homes that had been demolished by Phillipe V's orders were discovered and archaeologists who worked to transform the market in to a cultural centre and history museum. Entrance and street level is free, but to visit the ruins requires paying for a ticket.
The museum displays high-performance sport competitions, recreational sports, sports in general and sports for disabled people. It shows how sport can promote values, educate, innovate and renew. The museum has a sport idols space with outstanding players.
Distinctive pink house that Gaudi lived in for nearly 20 years (although not designed by him). It features furniture designed by Gaudi and other objects relating to Gaudi's life. The gift shop has a large selection of Gaudi-themed souvenirs that are generally better quality than what's available in the normal tourist shops.
One of the most representative examples of Catalan Gothic architecture, it features a sombre but beautiful interior. The upsweeping verticality and lightness of the interior are especially surprising considering the blocky exterior surfaces. Built between 1329 and 1383, it was once was home to a Christian cult in the late 3rd century. The church is dedicated to Saint Mary of the Sea, since the quarter was dedicated to the jobs related to the sea, from sailors to harbor works, commerce, even coin exchange. The inside was burned during the civil war, but it is still very interesting. Next to the church, you can see a monument, called Fossar de les Moreres, which is the place where many fighters where buried after the Barcelona defeat in 1714, so it is an important monument for Catalan nationalism.
One of the most unusual landmarks in this otherwise ultra-modern area is this 19th-century (finished in 1882) brick water tower. Standing 62 metres tall, it is now overshadowed by neighbouring residential, office and hotel towers and easy to miss unless you know where to look for it.