Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona

Casa Calvet "Quadrat d'Or" is the name given to that area of the Eixample containing the best and most numerous examples of the Modernist style of architecture. It is bordered mainly by the Plaça de Catalunya to the south, by the Avinguda de la Diagonal to the north, by the Passeig de Sant Joan to the north and Carrer Muntaner to the southwest. The main road through it is the Passeig de Gràcia.What gives the Quadrat d'Or its special charm is the large number of well-preserved late 19th and early 20th C. residences designed by a number of different architects and thus providing a varied cross-section of the Modernist style. Literally at every step the visitor will stumble across interesting details - ceramic art, stained glass windows, wrought-iron work, reliefs, mosaics, statues and much more besides - a genuine "open-air" museum.

On the Carrer Aragó, not far to the southwest of where it crosses the Passeig de Gràcia, is the brick building designed in 1880-85 by Lluís Domènech i Montaner which used to be the premises of the publishing house of Montaner i Simon. Since 1984 it has been occupied by the Fundació Antoni Tàpies, a foundation established by this Barcelona artist who was born in the city in 1923. On the roof there is a surrealistic sculpture made of metal wires and bands.The interior of the building has been emptied as far as possible in order to make space for the exhibitions. On the main level slightly below the entrance are temporary exhibitions while one level lower is the permanent exhibition which comprises a selection of Antoni Tàpies' graphic works. The gallery, supported by decorative cast-iron pillars and leaving the middle of the building clear rather in the manner of a Roman impluvium, is occupied by the well-stocked specialist library devoted to 20th C. art and Asian culture. The foundation possesses the most comprehensive collection of the artist's works and has taken on the role of a research center for contemporary art.

In the Avenida de la Diagonal, which cuts across the Eixample district of the city, near the Plaça de Joan Carles I which forms the junction with the Passeig de Gràcia, lies the Museu de la Música, founded in 1947. The house in which it is contained was built in 1902 by the architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, and is one of the most important examples of Modernisme in Barcelona.The collection is arranged by groups of instruments. Among the string instruments the collection of guitars dating from the 17th C. is one of the most comprehensive in Europe. Attention is also drawn to the collection of instruments played with a bow; there are also dulcimers, harps, lutes, balalaikas and mandolines.Wind and percussion instruments are exhibited on the floor above. Adjoining is a display of keyboard instruments, including harpsichords and organs.The museum also contains a collection of music reproduction equipment, a record library and a specialist library. The staff are happy to give advice on technical matters.

In recent years Barcelona has developed into a notable design center. The Centre Permanent d'Artesania has in three rooms exhibitions and displays on various topics and themes (open during shopping hours). As a result of European regions having gained more importance, close co-operation has also existed with the Rhône-Alpes area of France and Baden-Württemberg in Germany, especially with the Stuttgart provincial inspectorate.

A private perfume company has its offices on the broad Passeig de Gràcia, and runs a small specialized museum. This provides an interesting insight into the history of fragrances and scents, including highly artistic antique containers, bottles and the like, from the Baroque period (17th/18th C.) to the present day.

Casa Amatller showa a variety of different influences for the architect, Josep Puig i Cadafalch. These include Neo- Gothic windows and general Flemish air about the house especially visible on the top.

Designed by Domènech i Montaner, Casa Thomas is an unusual example of neo-gothic architecture.

Found on Passeig de Sant Joan, the Palau Macaya is home to the La Ciaxa Foundation.

This palace is now used for concerts of jazz and other modern musical styles as well as a variety of exhibits.

The modernist Cassa Comalat was designed by Valeri.

Casa Lleó Morera on Mançana de la Discórdia features a modernist floral façade.

Church of Las Salesas is a neo-gothic church designed by Joan Martorell.

Designed by Antoni Folguera, this building is now used for recitals and concerts.

Palau Montaner was designed by Doménech i Montaner.