Museu Vilà

Museu Vilà is a small, privately run art museum in Llagostera, a town in the Girones district of Catalonia, housed in the historic Casa Franquesa on Carrer Sant Pere 25. It was founded by the painter Emili Vilà i Gorgoll, who spent most of his working life in France and opened his collection to the public in September 1967 — just months before he died that December at the age of 80.

How do you get to Museu Vilà?

Llagostera sits in Girona province, a short drive inland from the Costa Brava coast, so the easiest way to reach the museum is by car from Girona or Sant Feliu de Guíxols. The town also has regular bus connections from Girona for travelers without a car. Casa Franquesa itself stands in Llagostera's historic centre on Carrer Sant Pere, a few minutes' walk from the main square once you're in town.

One thing to keep in mind: visits are by appointment only, arranged in advance by phone or email. Without booking ahead, the doors simply won't be open, so contacting the museum before you set off is essential rather than optional.

What will you see inside?

At its core, Museu Vilà tells the story of its founder — a painter, cartoonist and portraitist who left Catalonia for France in 1906 and built his career there. The rooms hold his paintings, sketches and personal memorabilia, tracing his path from a small Catalan town to the art circles of France.

The collection goes beyond the founder's own work, though: it also includes pieces associated with names such as Modigliani, Toulouse-Lautrec, Degas, Goya, Picasso, Corot and Rousseau. That mix makes the modest rooms of Casa Franquesa an unexpectedly rich stop for a town of only a few thousand residents.

Visits are guided and last around ninety minutes — enough time to hear Emili Vilà's biography, learn the stories behind individual works, and take in the details of the nineteenth-century building itself, which is part of the town's architectural heritage in its own right.

When is the best time to visit?

Because the museum runs entirely on pre-booked visits, almost any time of year works — what matters is calling ahead to reserve a slot. It's worth pairing a visit with a wider look at Llagostera and the surrounding Girones towns, for instance as a stop between Girona and the Costa Brava coast. Morning or early-afternoon slots tend to work best, leaving room for the full ninety-minute tour without feeling rushed.

Families travelling with young children can factor in that admission is free for children under 12, making it an affordable addition to a longer stay in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book in advance to visit Museu Vilà? Yes. Visits happen only by prior arrangement over the phone or by email — there's no walk-in access.

How much does it cost? Adult admission is 3 euros, and children under 12 visit for free.

How long does a visit take? The guided tour lasts about an hour and a half.

What is in the museum's collection? Alongside paintings and personal items belonging to founder Emili Vilà, the collection includes works associated with artists such as Modigliani, Toulouse-Lautrec, Degas, Goya, Picasso, Corot and Rousseau.