The Palace of Music in Barcelona, Spain was started in 1905 and completed in 1908 as the home for Orfeo Catala(the Catalan Choral Society) which still occupies, and owns the building. It is architect Domènech i Montaner’s most significant building. Astonishingly it took only 2 years and 8 months to build. With the quantity of detailed art work involved and the number of artisans working on it a truly unimaginable feat.
The stained glass skylight is a focal point in the concert hall,
but there are so many other artistic elements to take in. Banisters with blown glass balusters,
mosaic tile decorations on pillars, and the ceiling, sculptures of Beethoven,
other prominent people, figures, and animals, and of course St. George the Patron Saint of Barcelona, amazing woodwork, and wrought iron, and needless to say other stained glass windows.Performers have included Lenard Bernstein, Herbie Hancock, Ravel, Zubin Mehta, and Pau Casals to name a few.
The Palace of Music is the only concert hall is the world to be declared a UNESCO world heritage site. It is in what we call the Art Nouveau style. In Barcelona it is referred to a Modernisme( modernismo for the rest of Spain), in Italy Stile Floreale, or Stile Liberty. If you are in Barcelona it is a must see. Tours are given regularly,. and worth every penny. If you have time take in a concert or a flamenco show. You won't be alone. The Palau seats over 2,000.
