Masterpiece by Spanish architectural legend Gaudi to open to the public for the first time in 130 years as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

By: Little Traveler

Everyone who visits Spain goes to see the works of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. Although long queues often form outside iconic sites like Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, and the Sagrada Família, visitors always leave in awe after witnessing these architectural marvels. If you’ve already visited all of Gaudí’s creations, get ready to fly to Spain again this fall of 2017—Gaudí’s very first work, “Casa Vicens,” will be opening to the public for the first time ever.

This debut masterpiece was built between 1883 and 1889, and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. It has now stood for 130 years. “Casa Vicens” is located at 24 Carrer de les Carolines in Barcelona’s sixth district (Gràcia), which was then a suburb dotted with many luxurious villas.

The house was commissioned by a ceramics merchant, who asked Gaudí to incorporate a large amount of ceramic tilework into the design to showcase his products. Gaudí employed his signature free-flowing curves to fuse Eastern, Spanish, and Arabic cultural elements through vibrant bricks, tiles, and steel materials, resulting in a rich Moorish aesthetic.

According to museum director Joan Abellà, the emphasis is on displaying the original features. Since no photos exist of the 1885 interior furnishings, the decision was made to leave the house unfurnished in order to highlight Gaudí’s design essence. Ticket prices will be divided into two tiers: €12 for access to designated areas, and €22 for entry to three additional themed exhibitions.

The transformation of this 130-year-old building into a museum is also thanks to the support of MoraBanc. Restoration work will also include expansions to create supplementary spaces such as exhibition halls, a café, bookstore, and souvenir shop.

Casa Vicens
Address: Carrer de les Carolines, 20, 08012 Barcelona, Spain

Image source: Pol Viladoms

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