Palau Robert

Palau Robert occupies a prominent spot on Passeig de Gràcia 107 in Barcelona, where it now operates as a free public exhibition venue and the official tourist information point for the whole of Catalonia. The building pairs a private-mansion past with a long-running public role, and its gardens plus exhibition halls make it an easy, no-ticket stop for anyone strolling this stretch of the city.

Who was the building named after?

The mansion takes its name from Robert Robert i Surís, an aristocrat, politician and businessman who was influential in Barcelona at the turn of the twentieth century. He commissioned the residence at a time when Passeig de Gràcia was becoming the address of choice for the city's wealthiest families, and the house reflected that ambition through its scale and its garden setting, unusual for a townhouse in this part of the Eixample district.

How did its use change over the decades?

Palau Robert's story tracks the turbulence of twentieth-century Catalonia. Between 1936 and 1939, during the Spanish Civil War, the building housed the Ministry of Culture of the Generalitat de Catalunya, the region's autonomous government. Once the war ended, ownership reverted to the Robert family, who kept the property for several more decades. It was not until 1981 that the Generalitat purchased the palace a second time, and this purchase turned it permanently into a public institution open to residents and visitors alike.

What can visitors see inside today?

Today the building runs as a government-managed cultural institution with several strands under one roof. Three exhibition halls host rotating shows covering art, photography, design and Catalan themes, so the programme changes throughout the year. A concert hall is used for cultural events tied to the exhibitions, and the surrounding gardens offer a quiet green space just steps from one of Barcelona's busiest avenues. The same building also houses Catalonia's official Tourist Information Centre, where staff help visitors plan trips across the wider region, not only within Barcelona itself.

Where exactly is it located?

The palace sits at Passeig de Gràcia 107, in the upper section of the avenue near its junction with Avinguda Diagonal. This part of the city is known for its modernist architecture and upscale shopfronts, so a visit to Palau Robert fits naturally into a longer walk through one of Barcelona's most recognisable districts.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to Palau Robert free? Yes. As a publicly run cultural institution, its exhibition halls, gardens and tourist information desk are open to visitors without an admission charge.

What are the opening hours? Palau Robert opens Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 20:00. On Sundays, public holidays, and on December 24, December 31 and January 5, hours are shortened to 9:00–14:30. The building is closed on December 25, December 26, January 1 and January 6.

How can visitors contact Palau Robert? The centre can be reached by phone at +34 932 92 12 60 for current exhibition and event information.

Can I get information about traveling around Catalonia here, not just Barcelona? Yes, the building hosts Catalonia's official Tourist Information Centre, where staff provide guidance and materials covering destinations across the whole region.

Does the palace have gardens open to the public? Yes, the gardens adjoining the building are open to visitors and provide a calm break from the dense urban surroundings of Passeig de Gràcia.