Apartment Museum

Explore the Apartment Museum inside Casa Milà (La Pedrera) in Barcelona, Spain. Discover early 20th-century bourgeois life and Gaudí's unique, organic interior designs.

Overview

Tucked away within Antoni Gaudí's iconic Casa Milà, affectionately known as La Pedrera, lies a meticulously restored 'Apartment Museum' that offers a rare window into Barcelona's past. This remarkable space, situated inside the UNESCO World Heritage site, transcends mere architecture to present a vivid tableau of early 20th-century bourgeois life. As visitors step into this preserved dwelling, they are invited to experience not just a home, but a living testament to Gaudí's revolutionary vision and the era's sophisticated lifestyle. Every detail, from the curved walls to the period furnishings, speaks volumes about the artistic and social fabric of Catalonia during the Modernisme movement. It's a journey back in time, providing a profound understanding of how daily life intertwined with Gaudí's organic and groundbreaking designs.

History & Cultural Background

Casa Milà, a masterpiece of Catalan Modernisme, was commissioned in 1905 by Pere Milà and Roser Segimon, a wealthy couple from Barcelona's burgeoning bourgeoisie. Completed between 1906 and 1912, it quickly earned the nickname 'La Pedrera' (the stone quarry) from locals, who were initially bewildered by its unconventional, rough-hewn stone facade and undulating forms that defied traditional architectural norms. Gaudí's design philosophy for Casa Milà was deeply rooted in nature, shunning straight lines in favor of organic shapes, and creating a building where not a single right angle exists. A pioneering example of its time, Casa Milà boasted structural innovations like a self-supporting stone facade and flexible interior walls, allowing for adaptable living spaces. While the Milà family occupied the opulent main floor, the other apartments were designed to be rented out, making the building a microcosm of early 20th-century urban living.

What Makes It Special

The 'Apartment Museum' is a curated space that transports visitors directly into the domestic environment of a prosperous family in the first third of the 20th century. It is meticulously furnished with original pieces designed by Gaudí himself, alongside authentic period furniture, decor, and household items, offering an unparalleled authenticity. What truly sets this apartment apart is how it embodies Gaudí's distinctive interior design principles. Visitors will notice the absence of conventional straight walls, replaced by flowing, curved surfaces that create a sense of movement and harmony, reflecting the natural world outside. The ceilings feature dynamic reliefs, some even bearing poetic inscriptions, showcasing Gaudí's holistic integration of art and functionality. The apartment also highlights his innovative use of natural light and ventilation, ingeniously channeled through the building's two grand interior courtyards, demonstrating his commitment to healthy and harmonious living spaces.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Despite its current acclaim, Casa Milà was initially a source of considerable controversy and ridicule, leading to its 'quarry' nickname. Gaudí himself faced numerous disputes with the Milà family and the Barcelona city council over design and financial matters, at one point even abandoning the project before its completion. A fascinating aspect of Gaudí's forward-thinking design was the modularity of the interior. The absence of load-bearing walls meant that apartment layouts could be reconfigured with relative ease, allowing tenants to adapt their living spaces over time. This flexibility is evident in the history of the main floor itself, which, after serving as the Milà family residence, was subsequently used as offices, a bingo hall, and is now an exhibition space. Adding a personal touch to the building's legacy is Ana Viladomiu, who was the last private resident of Casa Milà and penned a novel inspired by her unique experience of living within Gaudí's masterpiece, surrounded by its iconic stone chimneys and constant stream of curious visitors.

Visitor Perspective

Stepping into the Apartment Museum is an immersive experience that transports visitors to another era. You can wander through various rooms, including the living areas, bedrooms, a period kitchen, and a bathroom, all faithfully recreated. This intimate exploration provides a deep understanding of the daily rhythms and sophisticated tastes of the Catalan bourgeoisie of the early 20th century, offering a tangible connection to the past. Beyond its historical significance, the apartment profoundly enhances a visitor's appreciation for Gaudí's architectural genius, revealing his innovative approach to interior spaces and how he sought to infuse every aspect of design with natural forms and functionality. The Apartment Museum is typically a key part of the comprehensive Casa Milà tour, complementing the breathtaking views from the sculptural rooftop and the interpretive 'Espai Gaudí' exhibition in the attic, making for a truly unforgettable exploration of this architectural marvel.