Last Updated on January 4, 2025 by Christian Heide
On October 1, 2024, The Barcelona Feeling was able to participate in a very special experience. We were invited to an exclusive private tour of the renowned Studio 46. To mark its 50th anniversary, the studio of the Barbarà family of artists has decided to open it to the public. The studio was founded and made famous by Joan Barbarà in 1974. Joan was one of the greatest Catalan artists until his death and specialized in printmaking throughout his life. He worked with other world-famous artists such as Picasso, Dalí and Beuys in his studio and was close friends with Joan Miró.
Photos: © Studio 46
Studio 46 is located in the Barbarà family home in Gracia, now Barcelona’s trendy district. It is a classic house from the Catalan Modernism period (also known as Art Nouveau): high floors with stucco ceilings, wooden doors with leaded glass elements and the original tiled floor from the turn of the century. When we entered the studio, we were immediately taken by the historical aura. We were surrounded by art treasures of engraving printing. The old press that Goya used 200 years ago for his art works was very impressive. A painting by Joan’s father was also a must. He came to Spain from the Black Forest in Germany at the beginning of the 20th century, where he married Joan’s mother.
The conversation with Joan’s son Virgili was therefore held in German and a certain pride in the German heritage was clearly audible. He showed us a collection of stone jars from Germany that adorned one room and the collection of wooden ducks from the Black Forest that his father owned until his death in 2013. Virgili was working on his new masterpiece on a huge press in the basement while we were able to explore the lower rooms. The intense smell of paint added to the exciting atmosphere as we saw rooms with paint and etching baths.
Photo to the left: Virgili Barbarà © Studio 46
A residence with a decades-long tradition for young artists
In addition to Virgili, the third generation, Om Barbarà, has also discovered his passion for art. Om led us through the upper rooms of the family home and introduced us to other artists from Mexico and Germany who both live and work here. Studio 46 has always been a place where artists come together. It is known for giving young, talented artists from all over the world the opportunity to live their passion and create unique works.
Photos: © Studio 46
Guided tour of the Studio 46 art gallery
The Barbarà family home also functions as an art gallery. The rooms contain around 3,000 works of art by important historical and contemporary artists. A tour is possible at any time and many works are available for purchase. The Barcelona Feeling will be happy to help you with a booking.
Photos: © Studio 46
New private tour offered by The Barcelona Feeling
Inspired by our visit to Studio 46 and after numerous discovery walks in Gràcia, we are currently working on a new private tour: Discover Barcelona’s artists’ quarter Gràcia, a village in the middle of the big city.
The flair in the winding streets of this district of Barcelona is unique. Full of new energy thanks to many artisan shops and art spaces, a visit is absolutely worthwhile. After a 1.5 hour city tour, there is the opportunity to visit Studio 46.
If you are already interested, contact us directly.
