Fundació Palau

About the museum

The Fundació Palau opened on 4 May 2003, after more than fifteen years of searching for a home. Around 1987 the poet and Picasso scholar Josep Palau i Fabre drafted a founding text in which he wished to bring all his possessions together as a single unit to establish a foundation. Before settling in Caldes d'Estrac he tried to set it up in many other towns, without agreement.

In Caldes d'Estrac the then mayor, Joan Rangel, saw the potential from the start. The buildings the foundation occupies, Can Muntanyà and the Casa de las Monjas, had been earmarked for a spa centre, but the tender had received no bids. For a spa town, a first-class cultural centre was an unbeatable opportunity.

Being both an art centre and a writer’s legacy, the foundation is unusual. It stages art exhibitions, publishes catalogues and reissues of Palau i Fabre’s work, and organises the Poesia i + festival, with poetry performances across the region. Its permanent collection is shown in two rooms: “Un pare pintor i un fill poeta”, which traces the 20th century from Josep Mompou, Pablo Gargallo, Isidre Nonell and Ismael Smith to Torres-García, Juli González, Joan Miró, drawings by Miquel Barceló and paintings by Perejaume; and “Estimat Picasso”, with works from all periods of the artist, from his academic studies at La Llotja to the ceramics and graphic work of his final years.

The foundation also has a library and an archive.

Highlights

• Picasso collection: from the studies at La Llotja to late ceramics and graphic work
• “Un pare pintor i un fill poeta” room, with Nonell, Gargallo, Torres-García, Miró, Barceló and Perejaume
• “Estimat Picasso” room, a tribute to the friendship between Palau i Fabre and Picasso
• Literary legacy of Josep Palau i Fabre, with library and archive
• Poesia i + festival and activities such as “Els dijous a la Palau”

Permanent exhibitions

• Un pare pintor i un fill poeta – Tour of the 20th century with works by Josep Mompou, Pablo Gargallo, Isidre Nonell, Ismael Smith, Torres-García, Juli González, Joan Miró, Miquel Barceló and Perejaume, set up as if they were still part of the surroundings of the painter father and the poet son.
• Estimat Picasso – Works from very diverse periods and styles by Picasso, from his academic studies at La Llotja to the ceramics and graphic work of his last years, in memory of his relationship with Josep Palau i Fabre.

Founded

2003

Operated by

Fundació Palau

Visitors per year

approx. 7,012

Admission & discounts

Free admission: The first Sunday of every month.

Free admission for residents of Caldes d'Estrac, Sant Vicenç de Montalt and Sant Andreu de Llavaneres, accredited teachers, members of ICOM, the Associació de Museòlegs de Catalunya, Amics dels Museus de Catalunya and Amics del MNAC, among other groups, group companions, tourist guides, journalists and employees of the Diputació de Barcelona. With the annual fee of €30 for “Fes-te amic Palau” you get free access and a 20% discount on publications.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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 foundation has ramps and lifts linking the floors. Wheelchair-accessible toilet in the library. Only guide dogs are admitted.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities

Educational workshops and guided activities for schools, with workshops inspired by Picasso. Baby-changing table in the women’s toilet next to reception. Free admission for under-12s.

Getting there & parking

By car: N-II road or C-32 motorway (exit 108).

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi throughout the premises; the password is requested at reception. Free cloakroom with lockers measuring 25 × 25 × 35 cm (no space for bicycles, scooters or large suitcases). Shop with publications. Rest and reading areas on all floors.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 80 guests.

Courtyard of 192 m², with capacity for 80 people (€120 per hour on weekdays, €200 per hour at weekends), suitable for civil ceremonies, birthdays and performances; assembly hall of 44 m², for 50 people (€100 per hour on weekdays, €120 per hour at weekends), with Wi-Fi.

Plan your visit