In Barcelona,Casa Vicens, the emblem of the modernist genius Antoni Gaudì and UNESCO World Heritage Site, opens its doors to public.
After 130 years as a private home and thanks to a meticulous restoration that began in 2015, from November, the 16th, in Barcelona it will finally be possible to visit Casa Vicens, the first building entirely designed and built by Antoni Gaudì, who created not only the architectural design but also artistic finishes. Declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, Casa Vicens is considered the utmost expression of Gaudi’s genius, a precursor of times and styles that contributed to spreading modernism in
Europe at the end of the 19th century. The building was restored in accordance with the original project of the architect – the primary source of study elements for restorers – and the analysis of all available archival sources on Gaudì and on the historical, social and architectural context of the time. A restoration and public opening project made possible by MoraBanc, a private reference bank in Andorra that acquired the property in March 2014. The recovery works included the architectural interventions needed to adapt the interiors to the new use of Casa Vicens as a cultural and exhibition space and to facilitate the understanding
and discovery of visitors. Casa Vicens will host both the permanent collection – occupying the entire second floor – as well as temporary exhibitions of contemporary artists, designers and architects who will focus on the themes of art, architecture, construction and decorative arts in Gaudí’s era, of local and international view. The Casa Vicens Gaudí management model, which is part of the international network Iconic Houses, is based on quality and not on the amount of visits, reservations and “tailor made” visits that will last about 90 minutes with a maximum of 100 people at interior of the building at the same time. (Ticket € 16, guided tour € 19).
Photo Credits © Pol Viladoms
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