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As you begin walking through the streets of Barcelona, you can encounter Antoni Gaudi’s works at every corner. However, Casa Vicens (Gaudi House Museum), Gaudi’s first significant work, holds a special importance for Barcelona. I want to share with you the history of this unique structure and what it contains today.
A Tobacco Merchant’s Dream
The story begins in 1883 when Manuel Vicens i Montaner, a wealthy tobacco merchant, wanted to build a summer house in Barcelona’s Gracia neighborhood and made an agreement with Antoni Gaudi, who was then a young and talented architect. Gaudi wasn’t yet a well-known name, but he was attracting attention with his innovative ideas and interest in nature.
First Lights of Gaudi’s Genius
Casa Vicens is considered Gaudi’s first significant work. This house reflects the foundations of his unique style that he would later develop. While you can see the influences of Neo-Mudejar and Art Nouveau movements in the structure, you can also distinctly feel Gaudi’s nature-inspired design philosophy.
Architectural Details and Innovations
The house’s exterior catches attention with its vibrant colors and intricate ceramic decorations. In particular, the ceramic tiles with marigold flower motifs reflect Gaudi’s admiration for nature. This motif was designed with inspiration from the plants that grew on the land where the house was built.
The ironwork is also one of the important features of the house. The complex patterns used in balcony railings and garden fences demonstrate Gaudi’s mastery over the materials he used. Additionally, the house’s asymmetrical structure and roofs of varying heights represent an innovative approach that diverged from the architectural understanding of that period.
The Fascinating World of Interior Design
The interior of Casa Vicens is just as impressive as its exterior. Gaudi designed each room with different themes and colors. Wooden ceiling decorations, handmade ceramics, and windows that make optimal use of natural light add a warm and inviting atmosphere to the interior. The smoking room, in particular, was specially designed for Manuel Vicens, who was a tobacco merchant. This room features decorations inspired by eastern culture and comfortable seating areas.
The Transformation of Casa Vicens Over Time
After using the house as a summer residence for several years, the Vicens family sold it to the Jover family in 1899. The new owners made some additions while staying faithful to Gaudi’s original design. In 1925, architect Joan Baptista Serra de Martinez expanded the house by adding more living space. During this expansion, materials and design elements consistent with Gaudi’s style were used.
Over the years, Casa Vicens served as a private residence for different families, remained closed to the public for a long time, and maintained its mystery.
The Process of Restoration and Becoming a Museum
In 2014, Casa Vicens was purchased by Andorran MoraBanc and entered a comprehensive restoration process. This work, carried out under the supervision of the Casa Vicens Foundation for Thought, Culture and Art, was accomplished while staying faithful to the building’s original state. During the restoration, many details designed by Gaudi were brought to light, and the historical texture of the house was preserved. After restoration, in 2017, Casa Vicens opened its doors to the public as a museum. This provided a unique opportunity for art and architecture enthusiasts who wanted to see Gaudi’s first significant work up close.
Casa Vicens Gaudi Museum today
Today, Casa Vicens offers visitors the opportunity to explore both Gaudi’s early works and the lifestyle of 19th century Barcelona.
Museum Highlights: Original Rooms: Rooms designed by Gaudi are displayed with original furniture and decorations. Each room features different themes and color palettes.
Temporary Exhibitions: The museum hosts temporary exhibitions featuring Gaudi’s works and modern art pieces.
Garden Area: The garden, filled with natural vegetation and water features designed by Gaudi, offers a peaceful environment.
Gift Shop and Café: At the end of your visit, you can purchase souvenirs inspired by Gaudi’s works and relax in the café area.
The Importance and Legacy of Casa Vicens
Casa Vicens holds great importance as the first concrete example of Gaudi’s architectural style that would later become world-renowned. In this house, one can clearly see Gaudi’s respect for nature, his innovations in material use, and his ability to blend traditional and modern elements. Additionally, Casa Vicens was included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2005.
If you’re planning to visit Barcelona, make sure to add Casa Vicens to your itinerary. Seeing this early work of Gaudi will help you better understand his later major projects.
Casa Vicens Gaudi Museum is a fascinating space where history and art intertwine. Seeing the first sparks of Gaudi’s genius and discovering the story of this unique structure offers an unforgettable experience for every visitor.
In this article, I tried to share with you Casa Vicens’s story from past to present and what it contains today. I hope I’ve been able to inspire you to visit this unique house.
If you’ve visited the Gaudi Museum, you love museums, now it’s time for the Barcelona Picasso Museum.
Casa Vicens Gaudi House Museum
Website
https://casavicens.org
Visiting Hours
Weekdays: 09:30 / 20:00
Weekends: 09:30 / 20:00
Address
Carrer de les Carolines, 20-26, Gràcia, 08012 Barcelona
