Palau de la Virreina (La Virreina – Centre de la Imatge)
The Palau de la Virreina is a beautiful baroque building located on the famous Las Ramblas, and is house of the Barcelona Culture Institute, which is a public institution created by the Barcelona City Council to foster cultural activities in the city, as well as the events in La Virreina Image Centre.
The Palau de la Virreina was the residence of the Viceroy of Peru, Manuel Amat Junyent. This magnificent property was built between 1772 and 1777 in baroque style, with a rich decorated facade, a courtyard and staircases which will give you an idea of the wealth of the owners.
The Viceroy himself directed the work from Peru with the help of the architect Carles Grau. However, Manuel Amat did not live in this residence for a long time, because he died a short time after his return to Barcelona. Thus, the main occupant of the building was his widow, Maria Francesa de Fiveller, the vicereine or “Virreina” in Catalan.
The family Amat sold the property to the family Carreras, who were the owners between 1835 and 1944. Then the City Council purchased the building, which was used to showcase diverse art collections until the space was converted into the seat of the Barelona Culture Institute.
From 1980 the Palau de la Virreina hold contemporary art exhibitions, which are related to different subjects. In 2007 was established the Virreina Image Centre (La Virreina Centre de la Imatge) in part of the premises with the purpose of promoting new cultural experiences.
The program of La Virreina includes exhibitions related to photography, art, audiovisual works, literary festivals, digital documentation, lectures, book publishing, and more.
The Palau de la Virreina is a reference centre for the cultural activity in Barcelona, where the visitor can not only get information about the cultural events in the city, but also buy tickets for a wide range of shows.
Regular Price: 0€
Opening Hours: Tue – Sun and public holidays: 12pm – 8pm
Address: La Rambla, 99
Transport: Metro: L3 (stop Liceu)
Bus: 14, 59
Bus Turistic: stop Plaza Catalunya
Tips & Secrets!
Discount with Bus Turistic: Free access to everybody
Discount with Barcelona Card: Free access to everybody
Special Price
Free access to everybody
Free?
Free access to everybody