El Capricho de Gaudí

About the museum

El Capricho is a summer villa that Antoni Gaudí designed in Comillas, Cantabria, for Máximo Díaz de Quijano, an indiano (a Spaniard who had made his fortune in the Americas) who had returned from Cuba in 1882. It was built between 1883 and 1885, which is why it was first known as Villa Quijano. It is one of the few buildings by the architect outside Catalonia, and a work that anticipates European Modernisme.

Gaudí already knew Comillas through an earlier commission: in 1881, thanks to his relationship with Eusebi Güell, he received from the Marquis of Comillas the project for some kiosks in an Oriental style. The town was then in its spa era, marked by the summer stays of the royal family in 1881 and 1882. The history of the house and the origin of its nickname, “El Capricho” (The Whim), are among the curiosities explained during the visit.

Today the building is a monument open to the public that is sustained only by visitor revenue and receives no public subsidies. The route includes the exterior, with gardens and the horseshoe area, and the main floor, with a permanent exhibition on Gaudí’s student years and his relationship with Comillas. In the attics a collection of chairs designed by the architect is on show, which visitors can try.

Highlights

• Gaudí modernista villa, one of his few works outside Catalonia
• Permanent exhibition “Gaudí: el origen”
• Chairs designed by Gaudí that can be tried in the attics
• Gardens with the horseshoe area, the cave and the south courtyard
• Guided tours in Spanish and English

Permanent exhibitions

• Gaudí: el origen – Exhibition on the main floor about Gaudí’s student years, his link with Comillas and nature at El Capricho, with photographs, drawings and illustrations.
• Sillas de Gaudí – The attics display examples of furniture designed by Gaudí, which visitors can try in order to understand how he thought about every detail.

Founded

1883

Admission & discounts

The €7 admission (free visit, with audio guide in five languages) is the cheapest; reduced rates require accreditation. There is also a junior ticket for ages 13 to 18 at €5. Admission gives access to both the exterior and the interior; no exterior-only ticket is sold. Tickets can be bought at the ticket office or online, with date changes or refunds up to 24 hours before.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The ground of the outdoor area is cobbled and uneven, but most of it can be covered by wheelchair or pushchair. Some garden paths have steps, whereas the horseshoe area, the cave and the south courtyard are accessible. The main floor is reached by a pair of ramps; the attics are reached by spiral staircases and there is no lift. Guide dogs may enter the building. Transcripts of the audio guide and audiovisuals are available for anyone who needs them.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

The family visit with workshop, recommended for children aged 6 to 10, includes an adapted route and a themed workshop in the “gauditeca”. Those who do not take the guided tour receive a children’s leaflet. There are mediation corners and creative spots. The outdoor ground is cobbled, but almost everything can be covered with a pushchair; the attics are not accessible with a pushchair. Baby changing facilities are available.

Getting there & parking

From Oviedo or Santander, along the A-8 motorway, take exit 249 towards Comillas; also via the CA-131. The entrance is at Plazuela de Fuente Real. Santander airport is about 45 minutes away by car. There are bicycle racks.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

There is no restaurant. Wi-Fi is among the visitor services. There is a shop, toilets, gardens and bicycle parking.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Offers corporate events; contact eventos@elcaprichodegaudi.com.

Plan your visit