The Real Círculo Artístico of Barcelona has been the preferred meeting point for Catalan artists since 1881. The entity, housed in two impressive 16th century architectural jewels, the Pignatelli Palace and the Bassols House, promotes and exchanges the culture of Barcelona, Catalonia and the world. An emblematic location full of Gothic windows and Renaissance reliefs that will now also be the setting for Candlelight.
You can visit its magnificent headquarters, which preserves the classic atmosphere of its ancient rooms, if you go to the Gothic Quarter. It is close to the Cathedral of Barcelona and Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, so you can go to its upcoming events using the bus or the metro, specifically the Plaça Catalunya or Passeig de Gràcia stops.
Candlelight concerts at the Real Círculo Artístico de Barcelona
Let yourself be carried away by the flickering glow of thousands of candles with Candlelight, the incredible concert series that brings together live music, intimacy and the most unforgettable settings. A magical experience that will bring you closer to the hits of Queen, ABBA or La Oreja de Van Gogh in a Real Círculo Artístico de Barcelona in its maximum splendor.
Facts, curiosities and interesting things about the Royal Artistic Circle of Barcelona
1. The portrait of Alfonso XIII that derived in the title of “Royal” of the entity
In 1906, the famous painter Carlos Vázquez Úbeda portrayed the King for the headquarters of the entity and, since then, the Circle and the Royal House maintained excellent relations that resulted in the title of “Royal” in 1917. It should also be added that Alfonso XIII inaugurated with his signature the Golden Book of the Mutuality of Spanish Artists, a book that today is signed by those personalities who visit the building.
2. Born for lovers of all different artistic styles
The Royal Artistic Circle of Barcelona was born as an association that sought the independence of artists and the promotion of artistic expressions. For this reason, scholars and lovers of all kinds of styles coexisted here, from the modernists to the ochocentistas.
3. The country’s most prestigious artists crossed their doorsteps
The organization has worked with such illustrious artists as Casas, Urgell, Picasso, Xavier Gosé and Anglada-Camarasa. A huge list that still today includes internationally renowned artists born or based in Spain.
4. A discovery made during the renovation of the headquarters inspired Lluís Montané to create the statue of the dog located in the entrance courtyard
When visitors enter the entrance courtyard of the Royal Artistic Circle of Barcelona, they find a statue of a dog sculpted by Lluís Montané. This piece, entitled Cave canum, was inspired by an amazing find: the skeleton of a canine- possibly the guard dog of the Earls’ palace—which was rescued from the rubble during the refurbishment in the 19th century.
5. The Hall of the Atlanteans was not discovered until the 1960s
The splendid neoclassical space, Salón de los Atlantes, was accidentally discovered together with an Elizabethan-style ceiling behind some walls during the renovation of the palace in 1963. At present, this hall is one of the most used, hosting concerts, book presentations and various conferences.
What else can you do at the Real Círculo Artístico de Barcelona?
In addition to concerts, you can also visit its exhibitions from 10 am to 2 pm and from 3 pm to 8 pm from Monday to Sunday. Until September 11, 2023, you can get to know the work of the Catalan painter Joan Abelló i Prat —which fuses the essence of impressionism and expressionism— through the free exhibition La colección vivida, la vida pintada.
Discover the beautiful headquarters of the Royal Artistic Circle of Barcelona, from the sixteenth century and renovated in the nineteenth century by Josep Fontserè Domènech, through the soothing light of thousands of candles. The candlelight concerts are here to stay, so don’t miss your chance to experience a night like no other at this iconic Barcelona location.