Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Thepillaredfoyerandstaircaselitbystainedglassareliketheinsideofsomeromanticcastle.
The building was renovated in 1900 for the chocolate baron and philanthropist Antoni
Amatller (1851-1910) and it will one day open partly to the public. Renovation - still con-
tinuing at the time of research - will see the 1st (main) floor converted into a museum with
period pieces, while the 2nd floor will house the Institut Amatller d'Art Hispanic (Amatller
Institute of Hispanic Art).
For now, you can wander into the foyer, admire the staircase and lift, and head through the
shop to see the latest temporary exhibition out the back. Depending on the state of renov-
ation, it is also possible to join a 1½-hour guided tour of the 1st floor, with its early-20th-
century furniture and decor intact, and Amatller's photo studio. These are generally held on
Saturdays; check the website for details.
Amatller was a keen traveller and photographer (his absorbing shots of turn-of-the-20th-cen-
turyMorocco are occasionally onshow).The touralso includes atasting ofAmatller chocol-
ates in the original kitchen.
Palau RobertEXHIBITION
deGràcia107;icon-hoursgif
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10am-8pmMon-Sat,to2.30pmSun;icon-metrogif
m
Diagonal)
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Catalonia'sregionaltouristoffice,whichholdsahugerangeofbooksandleaflets,alsoserves
as an exhibition space, mostly for those with Catalan themes. In summer concerts are occa-
sionally held in the peaceful gardens at the back of this fine building or in its main hall.
Fundación Francisco GodiaGALLERY
la Diputació 250; adult/child under 6yr/student €6/free/3; icon-hoursgif
h
10am-8pm Mon &
Wed-Sat, 10am-3pm Sun; icon-metrogif
m
Passeig de Gràcia)
Francisco Godia (1921-90), head of one of Barcelona's great establishment families, liked
fast cars (he came sixth in the 1956 Grand Prix season driving Maserati) and fine art. An
intriguing mix of medieval art, ceramics and modern paintings make up this varied private
collection.
