Palace of Catalan Music, in Barcelona. Author Tudoi61. WIKIMEDIA

Top 10 Outstanding Facts about Palau de La Música Catalana


 

Palau de la Catalana is a concert hall located in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. The hall was designed by architect Lluís Domènech I Montaner. It was constructed between 1905 and 1908 for Orfeó Català which was the choral society that was the driving force of the Catalan cultural movement. The cultural movement was also known as the Renaixença and was inaugurated on 9 February 1908.

Below are some of the top 10 Outstanding Facts about Palau de la Música Catalana

 

1. Construction of the Building was Financed by the Orfeó Català

The main source of funds for the construction of the concert hall was the Orfeó Català. However, some of Barcelona’s wealthy industrialists and bourgeoisie helped to finance the construction. Due to its best architectural styles, the concert hall won an architectural award in 1909 from the Barcelona City Council.  The building underwent various restorations Between 1982 and 1989, it was also remodeled by architects Oscar Tusquets and Carles Díaz who were in charge of the whole restoration.

2. It was Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997

Barcelona – Palau de la Música Catalana. Author Fred Romero. WIKIMEDIA

Together with Hospital de Sant Pau, the palace de la Música Catalana was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The concert hall welcomes at least 500,000  visitors annually. People across the world travel to the concert hall because of musical performances which range from symphonic and chamber music to jazz and Cancó

3. Palau de la Música Catalana has a Lluís Millet Hall

Palau de la Música Catalana. Author Kent Wang. WIKIMEDIA

Located on the second floor of Palau,  Lluís Millet hall is a salon which was fouiby Orfeó Català. The hall is known for concert-goers, it also serves as a teaching area for visitors.

The hall is decorated using bronze busts of different musicians related to the palace, this includes Lluís Millet and Amadeu Vives (Orfeó Català founders), Pablo Casals, Eduard Toldrà, and a pianist Rosa Sabater

4. The Concert Hall had a Capacity of 2,200 People

Palau de la Música in the Catalan. Author Frederic Ballell I Maymí. WIKIMEDIA

Palau de la Música Catalana has a Capacity of about 2,200 people. The concert hall goes in history as the only auditorium in Europe which is illuminated during daytime hours by natural light.

The walls of the hall have glass panes that are set in magnificent arches. Furthermore, the hall has a skylight of stained glass which was designed by Antoni Rigalt, the center of the skylight has a dome shape with gold shades and is surrounded by blue colors which symbolize the sun and the sky.

5. The Architecture Design Exhibit the Art of Creativity

Palau de la Música Catalana ceiling. Author Bep. WIKIMEDIA

The Plaza architectural decoration all over the concert hall shows the level of creativity and also imagination. Everything in the hall has been utilized carefully for the presentation of music. The hall is not considered as a theatre because of the sculptures on the stage. The hall is not a church despite a noble pipe organ that graces the hall above and behind the stage.  

 

6. The Concert Hall was Restored to Origin State Between 1982 and 1989

 

Parts of the building were restored to their original state between 1982 and 1989. The hall was expanded and upgraded to accommodate more activities.

The restoration however didn’t interfere with the decorative or the original plaza’s structural integrity. The building’s iron, Stone, brick, glass, and ceramics were also used as they were used at the original building. However, the building experience an expansion of six stories which were used as a library, dressing rooms, and an archive.

Between 2006 and 2008, the concert hall witnessed another restoration were carried the building’s lantern was reinstalled.

 

7. Palau de la Música Became a Theater for Catalan Singers

During the 1960s, the concert hall became a theater for Catalan who sang the Nova Cançó a Catalan popular song. Using the concert was a consecration for the singers. The concert hall has hosted singers such as Raimon, Joan Manuel Serrat, Maria del Mar Bonet, and Lluís Llach.

The concert hall has also hosted various plays. Different Companies such as the Teatre Experimental Català, Compania Adrià Gual, or Agrupació Dramàtica de Barcelona 1955 and 1963 held their shows at the concert hall respectively 

8. It was Declared a National Monument in 1971

Palau de la Música Catalana. Author Kent Wang. WIKIMEDIA

In 1971, the government declared Palau de la Música Catalana a national monument. Palau enjoys full legal protection from the government through law 16/1985 of 25 June.

It is also protected by the Spanish Historical Heritage law,  Law 9/1993 of 30 September. Catalan Cultural Heritage, and the Decree 276/2005. Another law protecting the Palau de la Música is Law 13/2002, which is about  Tourism in Catalonia.

All Business Management at Palau together with  Administration is managed by the Territorial Commission for Cultural Heritage. However, various authorities are also involved in management such as State, Autonomous community, and local levels.

9. It is a Tourist Attraction Site

 

Apart from being used as a concert hall, it is used for public visits. The Palau de la Música is owned by Orfeó Català, which is a private choral association. However, it is managed by Palau de la Música Catalana Consortium.

Nominated members by the municipal administration, the Government of Catalonia, and the Orfeó Català also help in managing the concert hall. The concert hall has various sections which are responsible for heritage,   restoration, and a strategic management plan for maintenance purposes.

10. Palau de la Música Deployed Ingenious Methods in the Installation of Equipment

Modern equipment at the Palau de la Música Catalana has been installed using different ingenious methods. This equipment includes air conditioning and soundproofing. These ingenious methods have also been used to reinforce structural elements at the concert hall. 

Palau de la Musica is one of the best places for visitors in Spain. The concert hall design is attractive and gives the audience one of the best experiences. The decoration of the whole building is attractive and the methods used to install equipment at the building are impressive.

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