From the Sagrada Família to the cityscape, it’s hard to imagine a Barcelona without the former resident of the Gaudí House Museum (Casa Museu Gaudí). Antoni Gaudí, perhaps the most famous proponent of Catalan Modernism, lived here from 1906 to 1925. It is from this urban retreat that he designed and built the Sagrada Família. Come here to sense Gaudí’s presence throughout, although the house was designed by Francesc Berenguer i Mestres, a close friend of the architect.
Approach the house along the lush Walk of Palms of the Park Güell. See it peeking through the trees, pink walls contrasting gaily with the abundant greenery of the park. It was built at first to try to create a new urban space and attract other people to build in the area. Appreciate how the home’s somewhat detached location gives it a sense of being a fairy castle, a hidden fantasy in the middle of the city. On your approach, look up to the chimney, from which protrudes a green-and-yellow smokestack decorated with the trencadís mosaïc that became Gaudí’s calling card.
Linger in the well-landscaped gardens, where plantings are interspersed with examples of Gaudí’s metalwork from other residential complexes across the city. Admire the twisting forms of the wrought iron, which evoke natural shapes. Inside, appreciate the atmosphere. Tour slowly through his living quarters, which reflect not only his ascetic tastes but also his religiosity, a faith that inspired him in his work. Spot the painting of Gaudí himself, with austere face and wild hair.
Find the Gaudí Museum in the freely accessible area of the Park Güell. The site is northwest of the city center, a 30-minute drive or subway ride from the center of Barcelona. Reach the house from the Sagrada Família in 30 minutes by public transit or 10 minutes by car. Limited metered parking is available in the surrounding area. The museum is open daily from mid morning until evening, with slightly shorter hours during winter. Pay the admission fee, which can be combined with a visit to the Sagrada Familia.
