The Gaviria Palace, located in the center of Madrid, near Puerta del Sol, at Calle del Arenal, number 9, has been revitalized and is ready to welcome the public with the permanent exhibition titled “Infinite Dalí”. This space, which was first inaugurated in 1851 with the presence of Queen Isabella II, reopened its doors in March 2026 to host the show dedicated to the master of surrealism.
Built during the second half of the 19th century, the palace was designed by Spanish architect Aníbal Álvarez Bouquel for Manuel Gaviria y Douza, known as the Marquis of Gaviria, a prominent banker of the time. Bouquel's design is a notable example of the Isabelline style, showing strong inspirations from Italian Quattrocento buildings, such as the Rucellai and Farnese palaces in Florence and Rome.
The interior of the palace boasts luxury, characterized by three rooms adorned with paintings by Joaquín Espalter y Rull, grand staircases, and an Andalusian patio equipped with cast iron structures. After being used as an aristocratic residence, the building underwent several changes over time; in the 1940s, it served as a center for reselling seized goods, and between 1991 and 2011, it operated as a well-known nightclub. After a period of inactivity, the venue underwent extensive restoration and has recently reopened.
Currently, Gaviria houses the permanent exhibition “Infinite Dalí,” which focuses on the artistic production of Salvador Dalí. The works are from the Clot Collection and offer a less explored perspective of the surrealist artist. Among the featured pieces are famous sculptures such as “Cosmic Elephant,” “Nude Woman Climbing Stairs,” “Soul of Don Quixote,” “Christ of Saint John of the Cross,” and “Saint John the Baptist.”
The exhibition also includes a graphic series dedicated to Dante's Divine Comedy, in addition to original drawings covering the painter's entire trajectory. Beyond the exhibited art, visitors experience an immersive environment, as the palace utilizes rooms equipped with projections to provide context to the works. The historical ambiance of the halls themselves, with their painted ceilings, mirrors, and bronze lamps, contributes significantly to the overall impression of the place.
Access to the palace is available daily from 10 am to 8 pm, and the ticket cost is approximately 15 euros, which can be purchased in advance through the palace's official website.
The secret section of the iconic Casa Batlló building, designed by Antoni Gaudí, has been opened to the public for the first time and can be booked for various events.
Casa Batlló, located at Passeig de Gràcia, 43 in Barcelona, is one of the most iconic works of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Since 2005, this site has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and receives about two million visitors annually.
The traditional tour route only allows visitors to see certain areas of the house, such as the Andar Nobre, which consists of 60 catenary arches, and the terrace known for its ceramic cladding resembling a dragon's back.
Casa Batlló now offers the option to rent private spaces located on the third floor of the building. These spaces can be used for various celebrations and meetings, providing full immersion into one of Spain's main architectural attractions.
Before Gaudí's interventions, Casa Batlló was a typical residential building consisting of several apartments. However, in 1904, the architect was hired by Josep Batlló, a Spanish industrialist and entrepreneur in the textile industry, to transform the property. Gaudí controlled almost every aspect of the project, from the ergonomics of the door handles to the lighting systems.
Despite the initial intention to demolish the structure, the architect decided to carry out a complete renovation: the interior spaces, spatial distribution, and facade, which became a symbol of Catalan modernism, were changed.
Part of the house was opened to the public in 2002 during the celebration of International Gaudí Year. Nevertheless, the third floor maintained a special atmosphere because it was used by descendants of the Batlló family for over a hundred years until the last family member passed away in 2019.
Therefore, this area was first opened to the public in May 2026, coinciding with the centenary of Antoni Gaudí's death, which occurred on June 10, 1926. The restoration work took three years and required investments estimated at 4 million euros. During the work, a previously uncatalogued original sample of a door handle created by Gaudí was discovered.
Private rooms on the secret floor of Casa Batlló are available for booking for corporate events, parties, cultural gatherings, and social get-togethers. Renting each space costs approximately 200 euros per hour. Spaces can be booked through the official website of the venue.
The cost may vary depending on the type of event, the number of participants, and the ordered services, which may include banquets, special receptions, and other tailor-made gastronomic experiences. The booking system shows availability for events starting anytime between 9:00 AM and 10:30 PM, with the end time potentially extending until 3:30 AM. The possibility of extending the rental time depends on the specific needs of the event. It is important to note that access to the 'secret floor' does not include a tour of the entire house.
