Would you like to learn about Spanish and Catalan art of the 20th century beyond Dalí and Picasso?
What is the title of the exhibition?
Antoni Clavé in capital letters.
Where, when, how, and how much does it cost?
Antoni Clavé in Capital Letters is an exhibition organized by the Palau Martorell, the Reial Cercle Artístic, and the Generalitat of Catalonia. It is open to visitors until November 16, 2025. Admission to the exhibition costs €16, although there are discounts for students and seniors over 65 (€14) and children between 6 and 12 (€9; children under 6 are admitted free of charge). The ticket gives access to the exhibition at the Palau Martorell, the Reial Cercle Artístic, and the Generalitat de Catalunya.
What languages is it in?
The information in the exhibition rooms is in Spanish and Catalan. The exhibition is divided into three sections, and there is only one information panel per section, so if you want to practice your Spanish and you have a B1 level or higher, you will have no problem understanding almost everything. If your Spanish is not so good or you want extra information, you can download an audio guide that is available in Spanish, Catalan, English, and French.
What is it about and why should I go?
Antoni Clavé is one of the great figures of 20th-century Catalan art, an artist with a major international reputation who was a personal friend and disciple of Picasso. He was a total artist who worked as a painter, sculptor, set designer, engraver, and poster artist. He was an artist of great curiosity and talent who experimented with new formats and materials throughout his life and created a unique personal language. This exhibition is a major retrospective commemorating the 20th anniversary of his death and a unique opportunity to learn about the life and work of Antoni Clavé, whether you are already familiar with the artist or simply enjoy modern art and are curious to discover him. The exhibition takes visitors on a journey through his early work in Barcelona, his time in Paris, where he met Picasso, and his trips to New York and Japan, which had a profound impact on his visual language. What's more, with a single ticket you can visit two of the city's most interesting art centers and also pop into the Palau de la Generalitat 😉.
Is it a good idea to go with children?
The Palau Martorell offers discounts for children, but it does not have a space specifically dedicated to them or children's activities. Clavé's works, with their abstract forms and intense colors, can capture children's attention and encourage their curiosity about contemporary art. If you take breaks, explain things to them, or suggest games, children can enjoy the exhibition, but it will require some effort on your part.
Can I have a drink or grab something to eat near the exhibition?
The Palau Martorell does not have its own café, and the Reial Cercle Artístic has a restaurant with a terrace that is an elegant place for a special occasion, but perhaps not the ideal option if you just want to have a drink. If you want a coffee with something sweet in a pleasant setting, halfway between the two main exhibition venues, there's Caelum. It's a beautiful place in the heart of the Gothic Quarter where they serve and sell traditional sweets made from original recipes from Spanish monasteries. And Spanish monasteries are famous for their sweets! 😋
If you enjoyed this recommendation, check out more exhibitions, hidden corners, and cultural plans in our Barcelona section, a guide full of ideas to explore the city while learning Spanish.
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