Think architecture in Barcelona and the first name that comes to mind is Gaudi. Perhaps if you’ve spent more time on ‘modernisme’ you’ll also come up with Lluís Domènech i Montaner.
But while Barcelona has the best examples of their work, it has other masterpieces as well, including the 1975 museum of the Joan Miró Foundation, designed by Miró’s close friend Josep Lluís Sert, a leading figure in modern, not modernist architecture.
On the other hand, the Port of Barcelona building, above, opened in 1907 as a customs house and passenger terminal. Handsome, impressive, and clearly going in an opposite direction to Gaudi and Domènech, despite touches of moderniste decoration.
And another only-in-Barcelona touch. The monumental staircase was built to accommodate huge crowds expected for the 1929 International Exposition in Montjuic Park. The fair was an artistic success, but its commercial chances were ruined by a world-wide financial collapse just as it was opening.
