The Arts In Barcelona
SPRING 2024
March 11. Casa Museu Amatller
By Queenie
After finishing the walking tour and walking along Pg. de Gràcia, we came to Casa Museu Amatller. The house was built in 1875 and completely remodeled between 1898 and 1900 by the architect Puig i Cadafalch. In 1910, Antoni Amatller's family moved into the house. There are many amazing and exquisite decorations in the building, such as lamps that reflect patterns on the walls, almond flower decorative elements distributed throughout the house, sculptures with different meanings, etc. In addition, the decoration on the roof of each room is also different, which is dazzling. More
March 11. Sagrada Familia: Visionary Architect, Antonio Gaudí and Oriol Carrasco
By James Scoville
You are dust, and to dust you shall return.
-Genesis 3:19
This is what God said to Adam as he cast him out of Eden, alluding to how He had made humans from the dirt of the ground and that in death they will decompose back into the soil. I couldn’t help but think of this verse looking up at Antonio Gaudí’s sandcastle-like magnum opus, Sagrada Familia. The figures of the story of Jesus’ life emerged from the sandstone basilica as if they were animating of their own accord from a sandy beach, only to be imminently washed away by the rising tide. The life-like figures included all the usual suspects: the shepherds, the magi, an angel band (one playing a bassoon), roman soldiers, and Apostles. Present above all were the namesake figures of the basilica, the Holy Family: the world’s most famous stepdad, Joseph; Jesus himself, the star of the show; and Gaudí’s personal favorite, Jesus’ mother Mary, who is particularly (and in my opinion, properly) revered here. Though my personal favorites were the chameleons and turtles. More
March 11. Navigating the healthcare system in Spain
By Jeanna Heezen.
March 10. Casa Ràfols
By Madeleine Farmer.
The Gold gilding of statues mounted upon historical fountains glinted from the street lamps lighting our way under the azul butterfly blue sky, as we walked past Plaça de Sonia Rescalvo Zafra on our way to Casa Rafols. History, stories, experiences, and people to share it all with play a major role in the experience of dining at Casa Rafols. What was once a well-appreciated hardware store with its own secret social spaces is now one where people can gather not so secretly to enjoy delicious tapas with local sourcing and community care. Upon entering one may find the charity that Casa Rafols is donating to posted to the door, or they may notice a beautiful Art Deco bar and seating area. Our group was lucky to be able to enter this historical space further to be seated in a private room which may have once been a secret meeting place for individuals during the Spanish Civil War. More
March 9. Street Art Tour
By Ariel Campbell
On a rainy day in Barcelona, we met our tour guide, Juan, for the Hidden Street Art Tour run by Art Space. Despite the terrible weather, our guide's enthusiasm for the world of street art brightened our day as he led us on an incredible tour. Armed with our umbrellas, we embarked on our adventure. More
Introduction to The Arts In Barcelona
Classes 1 & 2
As we get ready for an exciting week exploring Barcelona, students met twice on campus, to share their interests, expectations, and travel tips. During the first session, we had the presence of Raquel Pelua and Ursula Imbernon Valls as our guest speakers, while enjoying some Spanish treats.