An art fundi friend of mine sent me a list of some great art galleries to visit in Barcelona. I haven’t been back to Barcelona in over a decade, but these are definitely on my to-do list the next time I’m there. If you’re in Europe or are heading there soon, check these out.
Barcelona has tons to offer every kind of traveler and is especially known for its bustling nightlife. However, there are lots of fabulous daytime activities for art and culture lovers. Barcelona’s galleries, museums, and theater attract travelers all year long. The two biggest cities in Spain are Barcelona and Madrid and if you decide to visit Barcelona, you must also get prepared to visit Madrid.
The most convenient and easy way to travel between these two cities is certainly by train. So you can book your train ticket from Madrid to Barcelona online well in advance. Once you get there, enjoy some of the best food, art and culture that Spain has to offer. Here are some of my favorite cultural activities and art galleries in Barcelona:
Discord Block on Passeig de Gràcia
Take some time to get a feel for Barcelona on foot. Start wandering down any of her streets are you are sure to notice art on every surface, corner, angle and sidewalk. I recommend you check out the Discord block on Passeig de Gràcia street where you will see all sorts of modern architecture giants. For example, you will see houses by Domènech, Puig, Gaudí and Sagnier. These beauties are characteristic of Barcelona in the 19th and 20th centuries, so take a stroll and enjoy!
Galeria 3 Punts
This Eixample gallery offers the best of contemporary art, and its exhibits range across all facets. it is a fairly large gallery, about 175 square meters, which makes it capable to host all kinds of medium. There are usually eight different exhibits per year and the 3 punts puts a strong emphasis on international collaboration. So you’re likely to see artists and exhibits from all around the world here.
Matches
This is another outdoor exhibit, in the form of a 21-meter-high sculpture of – you guessed it – matches. The sculptors Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, who are a husband and wife sculptor couple, made Matches to remind us that simple, everyday items should not be overlooked. They can actually be works of art!
Joan Prats
This modern art gallery was one of Barcelona’s pioneer contemporary galleries. Since 1976, the Joan Prats gallery has been collaborating with art fairs the Arco and Art-Basel to bring and send art all around the world. They continue to advocate for modern art and the incorporation of strange, unusual, and new mediums.
Petritxol Street
Petritxol Street is a tiny little street found in the Liceu neighborhood. Liceu is usually visited for its great array of cafes, chocolate shops and boutiques, but it is also full of great little art galleries. I loved the Galería Trama, which has been open since 1991. They are dedicated to already famous foreign and local artists but also promote many fresh new faces on the scene. Of course, after the gallery, grab yourself some delicious chocolate from the areas famous homemade chocolate boutiques.
Castell de l’Oreneta Park
Get in touch with nature at this heavily wooded park in the heart of the city. Take a stroll on the stone paths and gaze up at the stone pines, oaks, and Spanish broom trees. Breath in that fresh air and enjoy the quiet. You almost forget you’re in a metropolitan city!