In the heart of Barcelona is the Museum of Modernism (Museu del Modernisme), a gallery and exhibition space designed to showcase Catalan modernist art. This petite museum has a collection that far surpasses its small size, and includes sculptures, stained glass, and paintings. See works by Antoni Gaudí, Joan Busquets, and Ramon Casas, and enjoy learning about a movement that inspired many artistic developments across Europe in the early 20th century.
Three centuries of history lie behind the distinctive, sgraffito-adorned facade of the House of Silk (La Casa de la Seda), Barcelona’s only guild house. On the central boulevard of Via Laietana, the opulent headquarters of the Art of Silk Association is just as impressive on the inside—decorated with silk wall coverings and filled with original antiques and archival documents.
Spanning an area of 38 square miles (98 square kilometers), Delta del Llobregat is one Catalonia’s most important wetland zones and its second largest delta. Here you will find 20 natural habitats and designated areas of conservation that support a rich biodiversity of plant species—and make it an excellent spot for bird-watching.
Nestled in Catalonia’s eastern Pyrenees, the Masella ski and snowboard resort forms half of the Alp 2500 ski area with neighboring La Molina. It’s perfect for beginners and intermediates. Masella’s 17 lifts span 65 ski runs covering 46 miles (74 kilometers) and a snowpark. Thirteen runs and the park are open for night skiing.
The Zoo del Pirineu (Pyrenees Zoo) focuses on the wildlife, especially birds, of the Pyrenees mountains. Besides eagles, owls, vultures, and other birds, come to see polecats, wild boars, foxes, and a petting zoo. In high season, enjoy shows, workshops, and hands-on experiences.
After opening its doors in 1896, Els Quatre Gats quickly became the meeting point du jour for the artists, literary maestros, and luminaries of Barcelona’s modernist era; Pablo Picasso, Santiago Rusiñol, and Antoni Gaudí all frequented the Gothic Quarter café. Today, the famous café remains a memorable spot for a coffee break, while the atmospheric restaurant is known for its traditional Catalan cuisine.
One of Barcelona’s most fascinating museums, the Museum of Forbidden Art (Museu de l'Art Prohibit) is true to its name, exhibiting banned, censored, and controversial artworks. The collection spans pieces by Ai Weiwei, Andy Warhol, Banksy, and Robert Mapplethorpe, as well as Picasso etchings, a Klimt sketch, and Andres Serrano’s notorious Piss Christ.
