Barcelona's Famous Art Museums Provide a Sense of Place.  An urban adventure in Barcelona includes an array of world-class art museums hosting the works of Picasso, Gaudi, and Miró. The museums are enhanced by a tapestry of fountains, sculptures, architecture, gardens, boulevards, and pedestrian streets populated by buskers, tapas stands, and family-friendly cafés creating a delightfully unique sense of place.

   
Barcelona is one of my favorite cities because of the art, the food, and the sea. Any visit will provide doses of cleverness juxtaposed with examples of ageless creative energy. It is a living kaleidoscope of light, textures, and shapes inspired by the spirit of Picasso, Gaudi, and Miró. I have assembled a short list of not-to-be-missed museums - some awesome, and others slightly quirky. My advice for parents with kids planning a semester abroad put Barcelona on the list. What better excuse to visit the city?

   
Fundació Joan Miró – The name says it all. View the surreal and become inspired the master. Barcelona is the hometown of Joan Miró who became famous for his departure from the traditional. His surrealistic works remain on display and this beautiful location serves as a window to view his life through his works. (Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc, Barcelona.  93 443 94 70  or www.fundaciomiro-bcn.org)

 
Picasso Museum – A Picasso mega dose. Located within a magnificent network of medieval palaces in the Gothic Quarter of the city, the Picasso Museum houses more than 3,500 works in its permanent collection including much of his earliest work and his famous series Las Meninas. Tours in English are available on select days. Here’s the deal: Entry is free the first Sunday of each month and entry is free for those younger than 16 years of age. (Carrer Montcada 15-23, Barcelona. 93 256 30 00 or www.museupicasso.bcn.cat) 

Palau Güell - One of Barcelona’s best Gaudi locations. This Neo-Gothic urban palace located along Les Rambles represents Gaudi’s work as a young architect. It has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site because it exemplifies Modernisme - a variant of Art Nouveau originating in Barcelona.  Entrance is free. (Nou de la Rambla 3-5, Barcelona. 93 317 39 74 or www.palauguell.cat)

 
Casa- Museu Gaudi – The Gaudi name is Spain. Located within Parc Güell, this house offers visitors a more personal glimpse of Gaudi. It contains many furnishing designed by him and was his residence 1906 until late-1925.  (Carrer d’Olot 7 Vallacarca, Barcelona. 93 219 338 11 or www.casamuseugaudi.org)

 
Casa Batlló – Remember St. George and the dragon? Gaudi’s dragon house is located on the Passeig de Gràcia. The whimsical building appears to symbolize the legend of St. George killing the dragon. The fluid doorways, curving walls, artful yet functional chimneys, and facades adorned with tiles and abundant wrought iron work surprising well together making the building one of the most memorable in Barcelona. Wait for it! The magic of Casa Batlló may be enjoyed after nightfall. During the summer months (late June to late September) enjoy cocktails and tapas, live music, and entertainment. (Passeig de Gràcia 43, Barcelona. 93 216 03 06 or www.casabatllo.es/en)