The city of Barcelona is known for its architecture. Although there are stunning buildings throughout the city, nothing beats the work of Antoní Gaudí. As the leader of the Catalan Modernism style, Gaudí is undoubtedly the most well-known and loved architects in Barcelona. But, before the icon designed his most famous works, like Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, Gaudí created his first masterpiece: Casa Vicens. This extraordinarily unique home will stun both you and your children alike, making it perfectly suitable for a family outing in Barcelona!
A Litte Bit of History:
When Antoni Gaudí was just 31 years old, in 1883, he was commissioned to create a summer residence for Manuel Vicens i Montaner in what is now the Gràcia neighborhood. The home, completed in 1885, was the first project Gaudí designed and built. Until 2014, Casa Vicens was maintained as a private residence. After it was purchased, a significant restoration took place to return the home to its original condition. In November of 2017, Casa Vicens opened to the public as a museum to celebrate Gaudi’s first main creation.
The Home
From the moment you and your family enter the property, you will be taken away by the beauty. The nature-inspired home is stylistically unique because it mixes aspects of Catalan modernism and Moorish styles. Children will love the colorful, green, white, and floral ceramic tile that covers the façade of the home. These hand-painted tiles with yellow carnations are instantly recognizable and arguably the most beautiful aspect of the house.
The interior of Casa Vicens is equally as stunning and colorful as the façade and palm-tree filled garden. With Gaudí, beauty is in the details. Every wall, ceiling, window, and tile was carefully planned and intricately designed with nature in mind. In fact, there are so many small details that you and the kids could even play a fun game of I spy! All members of the family will love a tour of this colorful home, which was declared a World Human Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2005.
Kid-Friendly?
Casa Vicens is suitable for families with children of all ages. The museum is well-equipped with amenities necessary for those traveling with young children, such as stroller storage and changing tables. And it is handicap accessible, so the young ones can stay in the stroller if they please.
Your kids will love to visit this colorful home, designed by Barcelona’s most famous architect. It only takes between one and two hours to explore the museum and take photos, so there won’t be a chance for any of the little ones to get fussy. Plus, there is a café within the property, which is perfect for a quick drink or bite to eat.
After you finish exploring, head downstairs to the gift shop for a souvenir. Here you will find Casa Vicens themed coloring books and kids’ books, which will be the perfect memory of your family’s trip to Gaudi’s first masterpiece.
Another bonus: children under 11 enter for free! And children and young adults between 12-25 can get a reduced student rate.
Tickets
Buy your tickets for Casa Vicens here.
Hours: Monday-Sunday 10am-8pm, last admission at 6:40pm
Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 43, 08007 Barcelona
Casa Vicens is easily accessible by metro. In fact, the home is just a short four-minute walk from the Fontana metro station.
What’s Next?
If you want to explore more of Gaudís creations with your children, reserve a ticket for our Gaudí and Modernism Family Tour! If you and your family are hungry after exploring, check out our article for places to grab a bite to eat nearby!
