The CaixaForum Barcelona is a cultural center located in the Montjuïc district of Barcelona, Catalonia. It is particularly well known among architecture lovers for its minimalist entrance area.
Originally designed as a textile factory, the building was completed in 1911 on behalf of Casimir Casaramona i Puigcercós (a cotton industrialist) according to the designs of the renowned Catalan architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch. The so-called “Casaramona Factory” was awarded a city prize for the best industrial building in the same year, before it ceased operations 8 years later.
In 1963, the building was acquired by the non-profit bank foundation “La Caixa”. After extensive restoration and modernization, the cultural center finally opened its doors in February 2002. A central component of this modernization was the design of a new entrance area by the Japanese architect Arata Isozaki. Isozaki’s design was careful to respect the original modernist aesthetic while introducing new, contemporary elements.
The entrance area itself is located below street level. By excavating the basement, space was also created for the auditorium and a media library. Access is via a staircase, an escalator or elevator. While the older brick building with its characteristic battlements preserves the historical charm of the original factory, the newly created entrance area below is characterized by modern, light limestone with minimalist clarity and straight lines. This harmonious fusion of old and new gives the area a unique and special atmosphere.
Today, the CaixaForum offers visitors almost three hectares of exhibition space, an extensive media library, a modern auditorium, as well as classrooms and a restaurant.
