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Casa Mila - La Pedrera by Gaudi

The Ultimate Guide to Casa Milà (La Pedrera) – Tickets, Arts & Architecture

by Christian Petzold - updated November 22, 2023

Known as “La Pedrera”, Casa Milá is one of the most extravagant houses you can imagine. Find out all you need to know to visit and skip the waiting line.

1. Architectural Introduction to Casa Milà.

La Pedrera is located in Passeig de Gràcia 92 and was commissioned by Rosario Segimon and Pere Milà, an accommodated couple from Barcelona.

They were so impressed by Casa Batlló that they also wanted their own iconic house. Do you dream about it too?

The project was ready in 1912. Due to its radical looking, it became famous very fast. Antoni Gaudí, one of the main figures of modernism in Spain, made it again. He surprised the world with this masterpiece!

When you arrive, you will see an undulating white facade without corners in front of you. Gaudí’s design makes you think of the plasticity of the sea. Light and heavy at the same time.

Casa Milà is also known as “La Pedrera” (The Quarry), due to its material and shape.

You can imagine it as a big rock that was carved directly from the ground. It seems more natural than artificial!

“One of the most hideous buildings in the world.”

George Orwell

This project is a reflection of Gaudí’s artistic fullness: it belongs to his naturalist stage (first decade of the 20th century).

Casa Milà represented a radical difference from the Eixample houses, however rich and ornate they were. This new house was not comparable to anything else.

The idea was to build a large and paradigmatic building. The main floor was established as the main residence, the rest of the building for renting. Something common at the time.

It was built as two blocks of houses, with independent entrances. Both blocks are connected by two large interior courtyards, with a sinuous common facade that shows the interior rhythm.

Casa Mila Staircase

The building is divided into nine levels: basement, ground floor, mezzanine, main floor, four upper floors, and the attic.

In 1986 Casa Milà was acquired by Caixa de Catalunya, which has carried out continuous conservations and restorations works.

The houses on the fourth floor, the attic, and the roof terrace are open for visitors. The other floors are occupied by offices or still by some residents.

Casa Milà was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument in 1969. In 1984 Unesco included it within the World Heritage Site “Works of Antonio Gaudi”.

“La Pedrera” is one of Antoni Gaudí’s most controversial designs. Wavy shapes, ornamental delusional details, surrealistic roofs, dreamy paintings on the walls, etc.

Are you ready to discover more about it? Don’t just use your eyes, open your five senses.

2. The Building’s Unique Design

Entire building: One thing you’ll quickly notice? Casa Milà doesn’t have many straight walls or regular corners. It’s uniquely curved everywhere.

“The straight line belongs to men, the curved one to God.”

– Antoni Gaudí

Rooftop terrace: Besides the rooftop events, there’s a lovely rooftop terrace. Back in the day, it was meant as a space for families to relax. They even had a swimming pool and a stable for horses.

No load-bearing walls: Here’s a fun fact! You can easily move the inside walls of Casa Milà. This design, without the need for load-bearing walls, is similar to modern buildings now.

Organic forms: Gaudí loved nature-inspired designs. At Casa Milà, you’ll see this with the building’s organic forms. There are colorful mosaics and a mix of old and new materials everywhere.

3. What to See in Casa Milá?

Casa Milà will allow you to explore more about Gaudí’s mind. Here, you will find magic spaces where you will experience Gaudí’s connection with nature.

He had an innovative spirit, and he was a great observer of nature.

“Nothing is invented, for it’s written in nature first.”

“Those who look for the laws of Nature as a support for their new works collaborate with the creator.”

These are some of his thoughts where we can appreciate his deep connection with nature and its laws.

Inside view of Casa Mila from the courtyard

Antoni Gaudí was an extremely peculiar figure and in Casa Milà he developed an incredibly personal and fascinating masterpiece.

“Gaudí was the great master of Spanish Modernism. His work is of global importance.”

Salvador Dalí

If you like discovering new ways of understanding art and life, welcome to Casa Milá, one of the most extravagant houses you will ever see.

The Facade: An architectural sculpture

La Pedrera gets its name because of the marvelous limestone facade. It seems like a huge wave that appears in the middle of Passeig de Gràcia.

The facade is self-sustaining and independent of the rest of the building. Casa Milà is divided between the structure and the skin.

Gaudí had total freedom to design an iconic facade without structural limitations. Steel beams with the same curvature support the weight of the facade.

The iron-made balconies of Casa Mila

The balconies are made of wrought iron, with a decoration of abstract and vegetal motifs. Antoni Gaudí even designed a type of ceramic hexagonal tiles to place on the pavement of the street.

He was up to designing everything you can imagine.

The facade can be read in three parts: the ground floor facade, the main and upper floors, and the roof structure, where the attic is located and supports the roof garden.

The facade was covered with stones forming wavy arches, which were then retouched by the stonecutters until the desired shape by Gaudí was achieved.

With undulating shapes evoking sea waves, this facade introduces you to this eccentric world. You will feel you are dreaming once you enter here!

The Flowers Courtyard

Inside the building, you will find a colorful courtyard. The walls are full of vibrant paintings inspired by flowers and nature.

A magical bright atmosphere invites you to enter here. Take the spectacular staircase and keep discovering.

Courtyards of Casa Mila

The Butterflies Courtyard

In this courtyard, everything seems to be alive. Again, natural feeling against artificial.

You will see here a big butterfly waiting for you. It is in between inside and outside. Close to the staircase, another butterfly is calling you to go up. Just magical!

The Pedrera Apartments: How were people living 100 years ago?

Entering here is like traveling to the past. You can feel how a rich family was living during the first years of the 20th century. The decorations and the furniture are close reproductions of how it was before.

Casa Mila's bedrooms

You will also find all the small details Gaudí designed, like knobs, handles, moldings, doors, pavements, etc. Take a look!

The Attic: Are you inside a fairy tale?

In the attic, you will discover a very original Gaudí design.

It was designed independently of the rest of the building. It was built as a system of brick catenary arches, and it was placed above the roof. It seems like you are inside of a big whale skeleton.

Gaudí used nature to get inspired, and he found fascinating solutions one more time. Here, you will find “Exposición Gaudí” as well.

An exhibition which is full of information about the artist’s works and ideas. You can not miss this!

The Roof Terrace

Beyond its sculptural beauty, Casa Milà was conceived as a functional, modern family home. The rooftop terrace isn’t just a space for events but an integral part of the home’s design.

Imagine a time when a building came equipped with a swimming pool, a stable for horses, and a rooftop terrace for the family to enjoy the summer evenings.

The views from the roof terrace are simply spectacular. Almost 360º to enjoy Barcelona. You will take the best pics ever!

Few chimneys, made specially to provide ventilation and lighting, are standing as warriors with ceramic helmets.

The famous chimneys of Casa Mila

The balconies here are also something to appreciate. They are made of iron simulating climbing plants.

The structure of the roof is an organic geometry that is composed of 270 parabolic arches.

This is one of the must-see places in the city, enjoy it!

The Floor of the Milà Family: Showroom

On the main floor, you can find the residence of the Milà family, the first owners of the building, and those who commissioned the project.

You will see a few original elements such as stone columns sculpted with sea-shaped reliefs and inscriptions and some nice ceilings.

Inside the apartments

In this space, you can also find exhibitions from time to time. It will be open only if there is an exhibition.

4. Guided Tours

If you want to visit Casa Milà and get to know first-hand all the details and ideas, maybe you could be interested in a guided tour. Discover how nature inspired the design of the building and Gaudí’s imagination.

This is one of the most impressive buildings in Barcelona, don’t miss it!. Take the chance and enjoy the experience as best you can.

The visit will be made with a small group and with a knowledgeable guide.

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Your visit will be unforgettable!

4. Visit on your Own

If you prefer to visit it on your own rather than taking a tour, there are some tips you might need.

Due to its popularity, Casa Milà can be very crowded, so it is best to buy tickets online.

By avoiding long lines, you will have more time to enjoy your visit. And better memories! No one likes long waiting times.

It can be handy to avoid peak hours. If you want to take nice pictures, it is better to go early in the morning or in the evening when you will find fewer people.

The view from the roof terrace is impressive. Get inspired by its shapes and take original pics.

View from the rooftop terrace

The upper floors close 15 minutes before the closing time, be aware of it and don’t miss anything.

You would need approximately one or one and a half hours for the visit. The opening times change depending on the season, so check our FAQs below and decide what is best for you.

6. How and Where to Buy Tickets?

You can buy the tickets at the Casa Milà but it can be a hard task. This masterpiece is one of the most famous attractions, so it’s going to be busy. For sure.

The best idea is to buy tickets online and avoid the admission queues. Receive them via email, SMS or in our app and show them on your smartphone (no need to print), easy!

You will have to worry only about enjoying it!

6. FAQs

Opening times. What’s the best time to visit Casa Milà?

Casa Milà is open every day from 9:00 a.m.

The closing times can change depending on the season. From March 1 to November 4 it closes at 8:30 p.m. and from November 5 to February 28 it closes earlier at 6:30 p.m.

Special hours: Christmas, from December 26 to January 3, closes at 8:30 p.m. January 1 opens at 11.30 a.m. and closes at 8.30 p.m.

Try to avoid peak hours and your visit will be calmer. Early in the morning is the best choice.

Remember the earlier you go, the fewer the people. And then, you can have the rest of the day to continue enjoying Barcelona.

Is Casa Milà accessible for disabled people and for people with reduced mobility?

Everyone is welcome at Casa Milà. They have different programmes and services to ensure that La Pedrera is accessible to visitors with diverse capacities and needs.

Accessibility for people with physical disabilities is not a problem here. The house is accessible to people who use wheelchairs. Some lifts and ramps connect the various floors.

They also offer different sensory resources for people with impaired vision or hearing and people with learning disabilities.

If you have any questions you can contact them at accessibilitat@fcatalunyalapedrera.com.

What is the average length of the Casa Milà visit?

The average length might be between one and one and a half hours. It depends on how much time you want to spend there.

You will find plenty of details and a very nice roof terrace where you can take a break, enjoy the amazing views and take plenty of pics.

What are the rules when visiting Casa Milà?

To enter you will have to show the ticket. It is important to keep it during the visit in case they ask you later.

Children under twelve must be accompanied by an adult.

Handbags will be checked at the entrance checkpoint.

Backpacks must be left at the free left-luggage office on the ground floor.
Guide dogs are allowed into the building.

It is forbidden to touch artworks or the pieces of the collection.

It is forbidden to use a flash when taking photos.

Smoking, eating and drinking inside the building are not permitted.

How much do the tickets to Casa Milà cost?

General ticket: 24.00€
Kids: (7-12): 12.00€
Kids (0-6): free
Students: 18.50€
Disabled: 18.50€
Seniors (+65): 18,50€
Locals (adult): 12.00€
Locals (kids 7-12): 6.00€

Where is Casa Milà?

La Pedrera is located in the centre of Barcelona, in the Eixample district. It is in the corner with Passeig de Gràcia 92 and Calle Provenza.

How to get to Casa Milà?

Casa Milà is located in the centre so it is quite easy to reach.
-Bus: V15, V17, H10, H8, 7, 22, 24, 6, 33, 34.
-Metro: Lines 3 and 5. Diagonal Station.
-Train: Passeig de Gràcia Station.
-FGC: Estación Provença – La Pedrera

TLDR

Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, is a unique modernist building in Barcelona designed by Antoni Gaudí. Renowned for its undulating stone facade and innovative architectural elements, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and a key example of Gaudí’s creative genius. The building serves as a cultural center and museum, attracting visitors worldwide to admire its artistic and architectural significance.

Did you know?

Casa Milà’s distinctive undulating façade, which appears as if it has been sculpted from living rock, was actually inspired by natural forms. Gaudí drew inspiration from the shapes of mountains, caves, and the ocean’s waves when designing the building’s exterior. The irregular balconies and twisted ironwork on the balconies further emphasize this organic and naturalistic design approach. This connection to nature is a common theme in Gaudí’s work and is evident throughout Casa Milà’s design.

Any further questions? Just let us know!

We hope that you have gained valuable insight from this article. Acquiring knowledge about the city you are traveling to ensures that you fully enjoy the experiences.

Knowledge is power for your upcoming adventure to Barcelona. The more familiar you are with the tour on offer, the more prepared you are to tailor the trip to meet your expectations and create memories that last a lifetime.

If you are a fan of UNESCO world heritage architect Antoni Gaudi, make sure you don’t miss his other highlights in Barcelona like La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and Casa Batlló.

Now it is your turn! We love feedback so don’t be shy. Please leave comments and questions below!

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