Gran Hotel

Gran Hotel is a Modernisme-era building on Plaça Weyler in the heart of Palma de Mallorca, now serving as a cultural centre rather than an actual hotel. Despite the name, no one has booked a room here in decades — instead, the building houses an art gallery and exhibition space behind one of the old town's most striking facades.

Where did this building come from?

The project dates back to 1901–1903, commissioned by businessman Juan Palmer Miralles together with the Marqués de la Torre, who wanted Palma to have a hotel worthy of Europe's great resort towns. They hired Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, one of the leading names of Catalan Modernisme, who worked alongside local architect Jaume Aleñar Ginard on the design. The result was the island's first luxury hotel — and also the first building in Mallorca with its own telephone line and independent electricity supply. Guests could count on central heating, lifts and running water, all rare comforts at the start of the 20th century.

The hotel operated for several decades, but the collapse of tourism after the Spanish Civil War and World War II forced it to close in 1941. The building then sat neglected for years until the Fundació "la Caixa" purchased it in 1987. A thorough restoration in the early 1990s brought it back to life, and in 1993 it reopened as CaixaForum Palma, the cultural centre that still occupies the space today.

What will you see inside?

The architecture itself is the main draw. The facade combines brick, wrought iron and glazed ceramics, with floral and animal motifs, carved stonework and stained glass — a showcase of Mallorcan Modernisme that's less famous than its Barcelona counterparts but just as carefully crafted.

Inside, you'll find a permanent collection of paintings by Hermen Anglada-Camarasa, an artist closely tied to Mallorca, shown alongside rotating temporary exhibitions covering everything from photography to contemporary art. Viewing the facade and entering the building is free; temporary exhibitions usually carry a small fee or are free on certain days, so it's worth checking current terms before you go, since the programme changes seasonally.

How do you get there?

Gran Hotel sits on Plaça Weyler, right in the centre of Palma, just a short walk from La Seu cathedral and the old town's main streets. It's a purely walkable location — most visitors come across it while exploring the centre on foot, with no need for public transport. If you're staying outside the centre, the nearby Passeig des Born makes a handy landmark, as the building is just a few steps away.

When is the best time to visit?

Since this is an indoor cultural venue rather than an outdoor attraction, the season matters far less than it would for a beach or hiking trail. What matters more is checking the opening hours of the current exhibitions — CaixaForum typically closes one day a week, and the calmer morning hours are the best time to see the interiors before the crowds from nearby sights arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gran Hotel still a working hotel? No. It closed in 1941, and since 1993 the building has operated as the CaixaForum Palma cultural centre.

Who designed the building? Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, one of the most important figures of Modernisme, working with local architect Jaume Aleñar Ginard.

What can you see inside? A permanent collection of paintings by Hermen Anglada-Camarasa, rotating temporary exhibitions, and above all the Modernisme architecture of the facade and interior itself.

Is entry free? The facade and part of the space can be visited for free, while temporary exhibitions usually carry a small fee — it's worth checking current details before visiting, as terms can change.