Palau de la Música Catalana

The story

The building went up between 1905 and 1908 for the Orfeó Català, a choral society founded in 1891 that helped drive the Catalan cultural revival, and was inaugurated on 9 February 1908. Inside, mosaic-covered columns, sculpture and coloured glass frame the main auditorium, where a stained-glass skylight pours natural light into the room. For all its ornament, the hall feels intimate, with seating arranged close to the stage. The programme mixes visiting orchestras, chamber ensembles and the house choirs with flamenco and gospel nights, while the smaller Petit Palau hosts recitals and new productions. Guided tours show the building by day, including a chance to stand on stage when no rehearsal is on, and a Premium Visit reaches lesser-known corners before ending with a glass of cava.