Casa Amatller is a Modernist house museum at Passeig de Gràcia, 41, beside Casa Batlló in Barcelona’s Eixample. Architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch remodelled the residence for chocolate maker Antoni Amatller between 1898 and 1900. Inside, original furnishings, dark wood and stained glass set the scene, while the house’s archaeological glass collection adds another layer to the visit. Choose a guided or audio-guided tour to explore the rooms, then stop at the ground-floor shop or café for Amatller chocolate or hot chocolate.
A Modernist home on Passeig de Gràcia
Casa Amatller stands at number 41 on Passeig de Gràcia, immediately beside Casa Batlló. The two belong to the stretch known as the Block of Discord, where buildings by different architects sit side by side. Casa Lleó Morera is also part of this celebrated group.
The house began as a building from 1875. In 1898, chocolate industrialist Antoni Amatller commissioned Josep Puig i Cadafalch to redesign it as a family residence. The work was completed around 1900. Puig i Cadafalch’s design brings together Catalan Modernist details with Gothic and Dutch influences, including a stepped gable inspired by Dutch townhouses.
Details on the façade
Take a moment outside before entering. The stepped roofline is finished with decorative ceramic tiles, while sculptor Eusebi Arnau’s work covers parts of the façade and entrance. Look for figures including dragons, knights and Sant Jordi, as well as details connected with chocolate making and almond blossoms, a reference to the Amatller name. The entrance also has two asymmetrical doors linked by a figure of Saint George.
Ironwork and sculpted stone add further detail. The exterior is easy to see from the pavement, so it can be appreciated even if you are not taking a tour. From the street, the building’s different styles and ornament make a useful contrast with the neighbouring Casa Batlló.
Rooms, furnishings and glass
The interior gives a view of how the Amatller family lived. Original furniture and decoration remain in the rooms open to visitors, with dark wood and stained glass shaping the atmosphere. The tiled foyer, staircase and skylights are among the architectural details to notice as you move through the house.
The visit does not include every room, but it covers a selection of spaces and corners. An audio-guided route or a guided tour helps explain the house and its former residents. Guided visits have been conducted in Catalan and English. The house also preserves a collection of archaeological glass that Antoni Amatller gathered from different parts of the world; some pieces are more than a thousand years old.
Photography and the Amatller family
Antoni Amatller’s interests extended beyond chocolate. He was also a photographer, and the house includes a photography studio connected with that interest. Access to the studio may require a separate ticket, so check the visit options when booking if it is a priority for you.
The family’s story is part of what gives the rooms their context. Antoni’s daughter was an early woman driver in Barcelona and an early businesswoman, and the home hosted people involved in archaeology, history and science. A guided visit can help connect these details to the objects and rooms on display.
Chocolate after the visit
Chocolate remains part of the house’s identity. At the end of the tour, you can browse the ground-floor shop for Amatller chocolates or take a break at the café. Hot chocolate with whipped cream is one option, and it can be served with ciabatta bread. If you are planning to visit both Casa Amatller and Casa Batlló, their adjacent locations make it straightforward to see the façades together.
FAQ
How long does a visit to Casa Amatller take?
A tour takes about 45 to 60 minutes.
Do you need to book Casa Amatller in advance?
Advance tickets are recommended. Entry is organised at a set time, so arrive promptly for your visit.
Can you visit Casa Amatller without a guide?
An audio-guided visit is available as well as guided tours.
Is there a café at Casa Amatller?
Yes. The ground floor has a café where you can order hot chocolate with whipped cream, as well as a shop selling Amatller chocolates.
