Palace of Catalan Music (Palau de la Música Catalana)
Carrer Palau de la Música, 4-6, Barcelona, Catalonia, 08003
One of Barcelona’s most impressive architectural feats, the Palace of Catalan Music (Palau de la Música Catalana) is renowned for its spectacularly ornate interiors. In fact, its design is so impressive that it’s one of the few concert halls in the world to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1908 by Catalan art nouveau architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the venue hosts a range of traditional Catalan folk music performances.
The basics
A striking redbrick façade marks the entrance to the Palace of Catalan Music, which also boasts an ornamental balcony, intricate mosaics, and colorful pillars. The interiors are even more impressive, with a lavishly decorated auditorium centered around an eye-catching stained-glass window. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, the concert hall features decor by some of Spain’s most prominent Catalan architects.
Although not renowned for its acoustics, the palace provides a suitably glittering backdrop to musical performances, making attending a concert here a rich audio-visual experience. The 2,000-seat auditorium regularly sells out, so book tickets well in advance or opt for a guided tour to fully appreciate the architecture. Tours of the concert hall can be combined with an opera or flamenco performance at the nearby Teatre Poliorama.
Things to know before you go
The Palace of Catalan Music is a must-see for architecture buffs and music lovers.
Choose between a live performance or a guided tour of the concert hall; guided tours last about 55 minutes.
Be sure to purchase your Palace of Catalan Music (Palau de la Música Catalana) tickets ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Photography of any kind is prohibited during concerts.
The venue is wheelchair accessible.
How to get there
The music hall is well connected to public transportation. Take the Barcelona Metro to Urquinaona (lines 1 and 4), or take buses V15, V17, or 47. Additionally, City Tours stops at Catalunya Square (Plaça de Catalunya), and it is just a short walk to the venue from there.
When to get there
Palace of Catalan Music (Palau de la Música Catalana) tours run every half hour daily throughout the year except during scheduled performances, so be sure to check the schedule prior to arriving. Tours and concerts tend to sell out early, particularly during the summer high season (June to August).
A modernist architecture tour of Barcelona
The Palace of Catalan Music is one of many modernist monuments in Barcelona—perhaps the most famous not built by Antoni Gaudi. To get a feel for the work of this period, consider the Gaudi and Modernism - Private Walking Tour, and make sure to visit Josep Puig i Cadafalch’s Casa Amatller.
Ways to explore
A striking red brick facade marks the entrance to the Palace of Catalan Music, which also boasts an ornamental balcony, mosaics, and colorful pillars. The interiors are even more impressive, thanks to a lavishly decorated auditorium centered around a stained-glass window and organ.
Although not renowned for its acoustics, the palace provides a suitably glittering backdrop to musical performances, and attending a concert here is a rich audio-visual experience. The 2,000-seat auditorium regularly sells out, so book tickets well in advance or opt for a guided tour to fully appreciate the architecture. Audio guides are also available to explore at your own pace.
Accessibility
Lifts to all levels, plus ramps and a stair lift, ensure the palace is completely barrier-free. There are accessible restrooms and wheelchairs available for loan.
Age limits
None
What to pack
There’s no cloakroom at the Palace of Catalan Music, so travel light and only bring a small bag.
What to wear
If you’re watching a show, wear clothing that is comfortable to sit in.
Not allowed
Smoking, food and drink, wearing a wedding dress for the tour
Amenities
Gift shop, café, bar, restrooms
Address
The Palace of Catalan Music is on Carrer del Palau de la Música—yes, it even has its own street named after it—in the attraction-packed Gòtic neighborhood of Barcelona, so put aside some time for exploring after your visit.
Driving
If you can, it’s best to avoid driving in Barcelona and opt for a taxi, rideshare, or public transportation instead.
Public transportation
The closest subway station is Urquinaona, a 2-minute walk away, which is served by red line 1 and yellow line 4.
Best times to visit
Daily guided tours of the palace take place between 9am and 3:30pm and last 50 minutes; tour numbers are capped, so book in advance to secure a spot.
Best days to visit
The Palace of Catalan Music is open every day, but visit midweek if you’re planning on a self-guided tour. Guided tours are available in a variety of languages throughout the week; check the calendar ahead of your visit for an upcoming schedule of which languages are available on which days.
Best months to visit
Visiting Barcelona in winter promises two advantages: the crisp weather is perfect for indoor exploration, and you’ll encounter far fewer people.
Special events
The Palace of Catalan Music hosts special evening tours that combine a drink at the café with a night tour of the concert hall.
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