I really enjoy a good art exhibition and I really enjoy good architecture. Here, at the CaixaForum, I get to enjoy both.

The building, housing five exhibition spaces, a kids’ art workshop, 350 seat auditorium, café-restaurant and museum shop, is a former state-of- the-art textiles factory.

Based on a romantic re-invention of a medieval castle, and informed by a Utopian desire to provide an inspiring and safe working environment for its workers, when opened in 1912 local people refused to believe the building was a factory.

It only served as a factory for eight years. In 1940 the abandoned building was taken over by Franco’s police as a stables and garage.The current complex opened in 2002. Take the lift to the roof for a good view of the decorative brick, tile and ironwork.

They’ve had some very good exhibitions here including one exploring Dalí’s forays into fashion, graphic design and film – including a never before screening of an animation Dalí made for Disney in the 1940s.

As well as retrospectives they also promote an interesting programme of contemporary art. They have a pretty good permanent collection – featuring works by artists such as Joseph Beuys and Sol Lewitt (who produced the permanent work you’ll see on the wall in the entrance).

The venue also promotes a lively music programme. And, when done with wandering this inspired and inspiring building, there’s a café-restaurant which serves drinks, snacks and full blown meals.

Photo by Bill Sinclair

By Bill Sinclair, from SpottedbyLocals.com/barcelona.
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