The National Palace, adorning the Plaza of Spain in Barcelona - the pearl of Spanish academic classicism, is one of the most visited places in the country by tourists. Since the beginning of the last century, the National Museum of Art of Catalonia has been opened here . The National Palace (Barcelona, ​​Spain) is the place from which it is best to start acquaintance with the original and freedom-loving Catalonia.
History. Architecture. Composition
Plaza de España appeared in Barcelona in 1929. The city then hosted the World Exhibition, and the new square became the center for major events, and the opening and closing ceremonies were held in the palace. Copies of the Venetian campanellas, an illuminated magic fountain and the wide avenue of Maria Cristina - all this was intended to symbolize the national spirit and indivisibility of Spain. The center of architectural composition was the National Palace. Barcelona is a city of historical and architectural masterpieces, therefore, during the construction of the palace, a classic style was chosen, thanks to which the building harmoniously blended with its general appearance.
Spanish engineer and architect Carlos Buigas built a palace on the hillside of Montjuic, towering above the south side of the city. Near the entrance is an observation deck. The palace steps offer stunning views of Barcelona. The National Palace is one of the largest architectural complexes in Catalonia. The interior decoration is not inferior to external grandeur - an oval hall under a huge dome with broken lines, a staircase of honor decorated with stucco molding, personal royal chambers - palace luxury from the first minutes captivates visitors with grandeur and grace.
The palace and the museum. From gothic to avant-garde. Middle Ages and Modernity
1934 was a new reference point in the history of the museum. It was that year that the National Museum of Catalan Art was housed in the palace. He combined the expositions of two museums that were once independent - the arts of Catalonia and contemporary art. Today, the museum’s collection contains all genres - sculpture, painting, graphics, a large collection of numismatics.
Of great interest to visitors is the collection of the rarest exhibits of Gothic Catalan art - in addition to painting and sculpture, here you can see bas-reliefs, fragments of frescoes, wooden sculptures. The collection of modern art covers the period from the end of the XIX century to the present day. It includes all areas of painting and sculpture - from neoclassicism to avant-garde; collections of photographs, prints, posters, drawings, a unique collection of furniture. You can plunge into the atmosphere of real art by visiting the National Palace. Barcelona has long been a cult city for all lovers of fine art and creativity, and the National Museum of Catalonia is one of the best museums in Spain.
Location Service. Atmosphere
The palace is located on a high hill, a cascade of waterfalls and stairs leads to the main entrance, but in order to avoid a tiring climb, it is better to drive to the main building on an escalator. In addition to the museum ticket office, tickets can be ordered on the sites of ticket and travel agencies. Having passed the lobby, guests enter the huge Oval Hall, from which you can go to all museum galleries. Signs hang everywhere, elevators work, you can use the audio guide and free Wi-Fi - attention to the guests is felt here in every detail.
There is a restaurant, cafe and cocktail bar, and on the roof there are several observation platforms that can be reached through the side entrances, the cost of a visit is only 2 euros.
The cost of visiting. How to get to the palace for free. Transport and travel
Find the National Palace in Barcelona is not difficult - Plaza de España is located in the city center. You can get here by red tourist bus, metro or municipal transport. Metro lines - red (L1), green (L3), the station is located immediately below the square. The number of city buses going to the area: 55, 150, 13, 37.
Entrance fee is 12 euros, children under 16 years old and guests over 65 years old visit the museum for free. And once a week, absolutely everyone can freely get to the National Palace - Barcelona, ​​like most European cities, gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy art, it is enough to come here on Saturday - from 15:00 until the closing time, admission is free.
The museum constantly operates exhibitions and special exhibitions, the cost of visiting which ranges from 4 to 8 euros.
Barcelona National Palace: opening hours
- In winter (from October to April) - 10: 00-18: 00.
- In the summer season (May-September) - 10: 00-18: 00.
- On Sundays and Spanish national holidays, the palace is open until 15:00.
- On Monday, as in many museums in the world, here is a day off.
- The palace is closed to visitors on New Year's Day, Christmas and May 25.
- Tickets at the box office stop selling half an hour before the closing of the palace.
Unusual architectural solutions, outstanding museum collections, a cozy restaurant, viewing platforms and dizzying views - all this is the National Palace (Barcelona), the real pride of Catalonia.