Casa Batlló: all you need to know before visiting it
Casa Batlló is an incredible, unique residence of over 5,000 m2, created by Gaudí between 1904 and 1906.
Open to the public since 2002, Casa Batlló received the prestigious Europa Nostra Prize for architectural heritage conservation in 2004.
A modernist setting
Casa Battló forms part of the Manzana de la Discordia, between Carrer Aragó and Carrer Consell de Cent. Several architects created buildings in this area during the same period, leading to some fierce competition – hence the name, meaning “the block of discord”.
Hint: make sure you take a look at the other houses on the block – there are some real gems to be seen!
- If you’re a fan of Art Nouveau, the guided visit mentioned in this article is sure to be a hit.
Casa Batlló: the façade
Dream or reality?
Set in a prime location in the middle of the Passeig de Gràcia, the building’s exterior is both fascinating and intriguing.
Nothing was left to chance here. During construction, Gaudí himself supervised the workforce from the street, telling them exactly where to place each different element to create the right distribution of materials and colours.
A façade packed with symbolism
The exact theme of the façade remains a mystery, but it was clearly inspired by the natural world, and more specifically by marine life.
For starters, the balconies can be seen as masks, skulls or open mouths. Some people have even referred to Casa Batlló as “the yawning house”.
Casa Batlló: interiors
A spectacular under-sea world
The interiors at Casa Batlló live up to the promises of the façade, expressing the full scope of Gaudí’s imagination.
The only “straight” things in the house are the floors. Everything else is curved, wavy like the sea. The result is extremely impressive.
The walls are painted to look like fish scales, and the stained-glass windows are decorated with bubbles.
Gaudí House, first floor
Several different areas of the house are open to visitors.
The main reception rooms are on the first floor, and feature a superb panoramic veranda overlooking the street, alongside a number of other unfurnished rooms.
The light well
From the central staircase, you can see that the windows and the colour of the mosaics change on each floor: the windows get smaller as you go higher, and the blue gets darker. This means that the lighting is completely balanced when the sun is right overhead.
The attics
The former laundry rooms at the top of the house are completely white, very different in style to the rest of the house, but are still unmistakably Gaudí, with a series of curved arches and unusual light effects.
The roof terrace
“Classic” Gaudí, the roof terrace features several chimneys decorated with coloured ceramic fragments. The roof also offers fantastic views of the upper sections of the façade.
Christmas at Casa Batlló
From 22nd November – 7th January, experience the magic of Christmas at Casa Batlló! Visual effects are used in the facade of the Casa Batlló to celebrate Christmas. In addition, inside you will have the opportunity to discover the works of restoration of the masterpiece of Gaudí!
Useful information
Opening times of the Gaudí museum
- Casa Batlló is open 365 days a year.
- Tuesday to Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Friday to Monday: 9:00 a.m. to 20:00 p.m.
Casa Batlló tickets: 4 euros less by booking online!
- The ticket to the Casa Batlló 10D experience costs 35 euros. It’s not cheap, but this is partly due to the fact that new immersive spaces complement the classic visit to the Casa Batlló.
- New Gaudí Dome space with 1000 screens.
- New Gaudí Cube space: each face of the cube reveals the magic of Gaudí.
- A new augmented reality smart audioguide available in English is included in the price of the visit.
- Attention! Tickets cost €4 more at the ticket office.
- Our advice? Book your tickets in advance to save money and time!
- Discounts are available for students, over-65s and children aged 7-18. A valid ID card or student card (with photo) may be requested on entry. Entrance is free for under-7s.
- Tickets bought online can be presented using your smartphone.
- Holders of Tour Bus tickets, the Barcelona Card, Barcelona Pass, Barcelona City Tours, Barcelona Walking Tours, Ruta del Modernisme or Minicards tickets also get money off.
- The audio-guide is included in the price.
When to visit Casa Batlló
- Casa Batlló gets very busy, and there can be a long queue to get in. Buy your tickets in advance onine to avoid the wait.
- You may still have a short wait if a lot of people show up with pre-booked tickets at the same time. We recommend visiting Casa Batlló early in the day, around 9am. Visitor numbers tend to increase as the day goes on.
Access
- Casa Batlló is fully accessible for wheelchair users. The lift isn’t very big, so if your own chair doesn’t fit, staff will lend you one of the right size.
- Casa Batlló is located near the Passeig de Gràcia metro station (L2, L3, L4).
- Buses 7, 22 and 24 also stop nearby.
