Dali Escultor, Barcelona

At the Dali Escultor Museum in Barcelona, one can see a over 60 sculptures (and numerous sketches and photos) by a man better known for his paintings. The works there range from the beautiful and poetic to the unsettling, to the outright silly. In addition there are quite a few exhibits chronicling the life and death of the eccentric, mustachioed Catalan artist. And you can take all the photos you like.

Although it is likely no substitute for the Dalí Theatre and Museum in Figueres, the Dali Escultor is an interesting and informative place dedicated to one of the 20th Century's greatest self-promoters.

(Be sure to click on and enlarge the final image above the text.)

Clinton Riddle

Parc Diagonal Mar

The Parc Diagonal Mar is a park located in Barcelona in an area of newer development. This development is is located where the famous avenue Diagonal meets the sea north of the city center. It consists of 5 residential phases, offices, commercial, hotels, and a park system that connects all these elements. The park has active and passive recreation, water features, playgrounds, furniture, labeled plants, and many metal sculpture pieces found throughout the development. The sculpture is reminiscent of a roller coaster track as it loops and jumps over the area. The park itself has won several awards, but at the same time, heavily criticized. It is mainly criticized for being too far outside the city and its perceived lack of use. I think this will be corrected in time as all of the housing developments are not complete and that will lead to more users. I found this park very enjoyable, if lightly populated. It bears a distinct contrast to the usual, grass and shade tree parks found in most city and only time will tell if it succeeds.

Parc Guell

Gaudi's Parc Guell lies above the city of Barcelona. The land the park lies on was donated by Count Eusebi de Guell to be developed into a garden city around 1900. After failing to succeed commercially the decision was made to change the area into a municipal garden. The entry is free but the Gaudi museum in his old house charges admission. This park is an explosion of Gaudi and Spanish modern style. Everything is covered in organic stone forms and mosaics. Playful fountains and sculptures are found all over within the park. One of the most famous parts of the park are the serpentine benches found atop the central pavilion. These benches curve back and forth around a large square to alternately create private conversation spaces and people watching spaces. Another main draw the park is the view from it. From atop the pavilion you can see all of the city and the sea beyond. It was the best view of the city I saw while in Barcelona. Getting to the park is slightly off the path. The closest Metro station is about a 20 minute walk and the last 5 minutes is sharply uphill. If in Barcelona, this park cannot be missed and is a proper companion to studying Gaudi's architecture throughout the city.

Elizabeth Conte