CaixaForum Barcelona

"A unique piece of industrial modernist architecture, Caixa Forum is old Catalan textile factory built in the early 20th century and designed by the architect Puig i Cadafalch. Now, it’s a cultural space which is definitely worth checking out, either to take a look at the programs they offer or simply to gaze at the building’s renovation from the outside, completed by international architects such as Arata Isozaki with his twin trees in steel and glass. During the day, visit the dazzling limestone patio, in reference to the Barcelona Pavilion designed by Mies van der Rohe. Caixa Forum is kids-friendly, with sections exclusively for children. It also has its own book shop specialising in art, architecture, design and photography – great for gifts (or for treating yourself!)." - ZeClé

"The artwork here is almost secondary to its home: a 1911 former textile factory designed by Catalan architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch and inspired by medieval castles. The sprawling redbrick complex comprises several multilevel buildings featuring crenellated roofs, arches, and turrets connected by a series of courtyards. A modern white-stone, glass, and steel entrance was added in 2002, when the complex was renovated and turned into an exhibition space for the Caixa Foundation's extensive art collection. Climb the stairs to the roof terrace for the best view of this treasure's rich architectural details—not to mention the magnificent domed National Art Museum of Catalonia just across the way."

"CaixaBank is Spain's largest bank, and its foundation, La Caixa, is one of the largest in the world. CaixaForum, their signature cultural program, exists in every major Spanish city (and a few smaller cities as well), offering cultural programs such as art exhibitions, live music, kids programs, film screenings, and more. The Barcelona iteration, housed in a renovated textile factory, is one of the largest in the country."

"CaixaForum is an odd mashup of a warehouse and a castle whose architect, Josep Puig i Cadafalch, was (alongside Gaudí) a maestro of Catalan Modernism. Originally created as a textile factory for Casimir Casaramona (the name written in mosaics on the tower), the building was both a functional space and also a highly decorative one. CaixaForum is a permanent space for temporary exhibits whose selling point is the epic seasonal shows loaned from other museums. In 2017, 300 Andy Warhols were installed; in spring 2018, the British Museum loaned its Ancient Greek relics." - Gemma Askham