Modernisme is much more than an architectural style; it is a fascinating journey through time that takes us back to early 20th century Barcelona, a time of unprecedented innovation, creativity and cultural change. And now, thanks to the Casa Amatller Digital Museum, this journey has become even more exciting and accessible to all.
We can now enjoy Casa Amatller again.
Located in the heart of Barcelona, this museum offers a unique experience that combines history, art and cutting-edge technology. Upon entering the Casa Amatller Digital Museum, visitors are transported to the birth of modernism through virtual reality.
Equipped with 3D glasses, they have the opportunity to live a unique adventure: flying on a dragon through the modernist Barcelona of 1900.
The Digital Museum of the Casa Amatller
Casa Amatller, the first modernist building in the famous “Apple of Discord”, serves as the perfect setting for this immersion into modernism.
Designed by the architect Puig i Cadalfalch for the Amatller family, this house is an impressive example of modernist aesthetics, with baroque forms and references to the past that make it unique in its kind.
But the experience is not limited to just flying over Casa Amatller. Visitors also have the opportunity to explore modernist Barcelona in all its glory, from the streets to the parks, while riding on the back of a dragon. It is an exciting and educational experience that will delight young and old alike.
Modernisme Gourmet Train: the gastronomic route along the Catalan coast
Dragons, symbol of modernism
The museum’s temporary exhibition, dedicated to dragons as symbols of modernism, offers more than 60 figures of these mythical beings, which meander along the building’s façade and adorn its interiors.
But the real jewel in the crown is the virtual reality experience, where you become the protagonist of your own modernist adventure.
The Casa Amatller Digital Museum is the result of a collaboration between Amatller MUBA, the Amatller Institute of Hispanic Art Foundation and Layers of Reality, an augmented reality production studio. Since opening in 2019, the museum has captivated visitors with its immersive experiences and innovative approach.
Digital Museum Hours
Open seven days a week, the museum offers multiple time slots to accommodate everyone’s schedule. With a recommended duration of 60 minutes, this experience is perfect for those who wish to immerse themselves in the history and art of modernism in a completely new way.
The Casa Amatller Digital Museum offers a unique opportunity to explore modernist Barcelona in an exciting and immersive way. So put on your 3D glasses and get ready to fly on a dragon into the past.
Casa Amatller: A Journey through Time and Innovation
Casa Amatller in Barcelona is not just a building; it is a testimony to the social and economic evolution of an era. Located in the heart of the Eixample, this architectural gem tells the story of how a traditional society was transformed into a much more dynamic and open one, characteristic of the industrial and contemporary world of the early 20th century.
The Legacy of Antoni Amatller
Antoni Amatller, the central figure in this story, not only inherited a chocolate company from his family, but also propelled it into modernity with his innovative vision. His contribution goes beyond the industry, and is also reflected in the construction of the Casa Amatller, which has become a symbol of splendor and history in Barcelona.
Three Generations Dedicated to Chocolate
Since the end of the 18th century, the Amatller family has been deeply involved in chocolate production. From Antoni’s grandfather, a master artisan chocolate maker, to the consolidation of industrial production under the management of his descendants, the family played a crucial role in the development of this sector in Spain.
The industrialization of Barcelona in the 19th century opened up new opportunities for the Amatller family, allowing Antoni, with his entrepreneurial spirit, to travel around Europe in search of innovations to apply in the family factory. His efforts materialized in the opening of a new plant in Sant Martí de Provençals in 1878, marking a milestone in the history of Spanish industrial chocolate making.
Innovation and Marketing in the Industrial Age
Antoni not only focused on chocolate production, but also introduced modern marketing and branding techniques. Its use of advertising images, created by renowned artists, on chocolate wrappers and the creation of posters and collectible stickers, positioned Chocolates Amatller as a leader in its sector.
The Amatller House: An Architectural Icon
Casa Amatller is not only notable for its family and industrial history, but also for its unique architectural design. Designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, the façade of the house is a masterful fusion of Romanesque and Catalan Gothic styles, full of symbolism and decorative elements.
A Façade Loaded with Symbolism
The stepped façade finial, inspired by the medieval architecture of northern Europe, is admired not only for its aesthetics but also for its functionality. It housed Antoni Amatller’s photography studio, separated from the neighboring houses for security reasons. Puig i Cadafalch played with asymmetry and a variety of decorative elements to reflect the activities and interests of the Amatller family, including sculptures and sgraffito symbolizing their family name and hobbies.
Casa Amatller is undoubtedly a reflection of Barcelona’s history and of a family that played a crucial role in the transition to modernity. Visiting it is a journey through the history, innovation and aesthetics of an era that marked a before and after in the city.
