An exceptional witness of the city's history

1869-1887

Garden of the Palace of Llorenç Oller

Behind the Palau d’Exposicions de Belles Arts, the splendid garden of the Palacete de Llorenç Oller i Bultó (Count of Sant Joan de Violada) was created. Its main entrance was located at the corner with Paseo de Gracia, and the garden stretched along much of the old Cortes street façade.

This meticulously designed garden stood out for its well-maintained vegetation and elegant pathways, offering a recreational space for the family and their guests. It featured lush trees, ornamental fountains, sculptures, and wrought iron furniture, reflecting the refined taste of Barcelona's bourgeoisie in the late 19th century.

Over time, this space evolved along with the city, becoming part of the urban development that gave rise to new iconic buildings
 

1887 – 1934

Garden and carriage entrance of the Marcet Palace

Almost two decades later, the Palacete de Llorenç Oller became the property of Frederic Marcet i Vidal, a member of an influential Catalan family. He commissioned Tiberi Sabater i Carné to demolish the original building and construct the new Palacio Marcet, which was completed in 1890.

Its grand entrance corresponded to what was once the main façade of the Cine Comedia, while part of its extensive garden, located at the back, and its carriage entrance now form the site of El Avenida Palace.

This palace, with its eclectic style, combined classical and neo-Plateresque elements, standing out for its architectural elegance, which represented the bourgeois splendor of the time. Its spacious halls and ornamental details made it a landmark in the urban landscape of late 19th-century Barcelona.

1897 – 1909

Bernareggi, Estela & Cía. Piano Showroom and Listening Room

It occupied a part of the garden of the Marcet Palace. It was an important cultural space in Barcelona, dedicated both to the exhibition of high-quality pianos and to the celebration of auditions and concerts. This place was a landmark for music lovers, offering a complete experience with presentations of new instruments and performances by prominent musicians.
The building had great architectural value, standing out for its elegance in an area where prestigious constructions predominated. Its design combined classical elements and modernist details, in line with the sophisticated style of bourgeois Barcelona, which made it harmonize with the surroundings and increased its cultural relevance.
Moreover, its carefully designed acoustics and exquisite interior decoration made it an ideal space for live music, attracting recognized performers and composers of the time.

1910 – 1911

Metropolitan Cinemaway

It was one of the first cinemas in Barcelona, noted for its modernity and comfort, offering a very innovative cinematic experience. The auditorium was shaped like a train carriage, and the ambiance included sounds typical of a train station, steam engines... Basically, travel documentaries were projected on the screen, giving the audience the sensation of traversing those places. 
It became a cultural reference for having introduced new technologies for the public and for reflecting the rise of cinema as entertainment in the city. Its immersive approach not only captivated audiences but also served as inspiration for other cinematic exhibition spaces in Barcelona. 
The building's design does not have many known details, although it probably combined functionality with the prevailing architectural style of the time, ensuring an enveloping experience from the moment one crossed its doors.

1911 – 1916

Ideal Cinema

Designed by architect Josep Plantada i Artigas and owned by Pere Garriga Roig, it stood out as one of the first significant cinemas in Barcelona, recognized for its innovation and the quality of its screenings. This emblematic space became a meeting point for film lovers, consolidating the seventh art as a form of mass entertainment in the city. 
Among the films that premiered there, Los últimos días de Pompeya (1908) and Vida y obra de Richard Wagner (1913) can be highlighted. In addition to screening films, the Cine Ideal offered a comfortable and cutting-edge experience, with elegant interior design and advanced projection technology, creating an attractive and sophisticated atmosphere for the audience of the time. 
Its varied programming and careful selection of films made it a benchmark for cinema in Barcelona.

1916 – 1924

Palace Cinema

In 1916, the Cine Ideal changed ownership and was renamed Palace Cinema, an iconic cinema in Barcelona, famous for its sophisticated atmosphere and distinctive architecture. This space stood out not only for the films it showcased but also for its ability to attract a select audience. 
With a diverse program, the Palace Cinema became a venue for premieres, special events, and exclusive screenings, solidifying its status as a cultural meeting point. Its elegant decor and advanced projection technology offered an unparalleled cinematic experience. Moreover, its privileged location made it a reference for leisure and culture in the heart of the city. 
Over the years, the Palace Cinema witnessed the evolution of the seventh art, hosting everything from the earliest black and white films to the innovations of sound cinema. 
Its history lives on in the memory of Barcelona, forming part of the cultural legacy of El Avenida Palace.

1925 - 1948

Casa Llibre

In March 1925, Guillem Llibre, owner of the Confitería Llibre in Plaza Catalunya, acquired a new location on Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, where El Avenida Palace stands today, and commissioned architect Enric Sagnier to design the new Casa Llibre.

On the ground floor was Restaurante Ribas, frequented by personalities such as Carlos Gardel, along with a tea salon and an American bar. On the upper floor, accessible by an elegant double staircase purchased in Paris—still preserved today—were various luxury lounges, including the confitería, chocolate shop, and a space dedicated to selling exclusive art pieces.

Casa Llibre quickly became a reference point for high society and royalty, hosting important social events. Its terrace-garden and exclusive lounges were the preferred meeting place for Barcelona's elite, establishing the venue as a symbol of distinction and sophistication.

1935

Dancing Oshima

After a profound renovation of the terrace-garden of Casa Llibre, Dancing Oshima was inaugurated on October 5, 1935, an exclusive venue for shows and dancing for the wealthy classes of Barcelona. Its Japanese-style decor, designed by interior designer Carles María Baró, added an exotic and sophisticated touch to the atmosphere. 
At Dancing Oshima, elegant night parties were held, with renowned orchestras such as Crazy Boys, Demon’s Jazz, and Rabassa entertaining the events. In addition to the dances, gala evenings and private parties for high society were organized, making it one of the most exclusive places in the city. 
With the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, the venue was socialized and renamed Salón Internacional until the end of the war in 1939. After the war, with the establishment of the Franco regime, the venue was closed and began a process of transformation. After this period, the building continued to have different uses over the years.

1948

The Gaspart family acquires the historic property

The property was acquired by Juan Gaspart Bonet for the construction of a luxury hotel together with the Gimferrer family. 

1952

Inauguration of El Avenida Palace

The Avenida Palace was inaugurated as a luxury hotel that quickly became a reference point in Barcelona. The project was led by architect Josep Maria Sagnier, son of Enric Sagnier, who had already designed the Casa Llibre on the same site. The design of the hotel stood out for its elegance, merging classical aesthetics with the latest technological innovations of the time, which offered its guests an exceptional experience of luxury and comfort. 
The inauguration of the hotel was a highly significant social event, presided over by the Archbishop of Barcelona, Gregorio Modrego, marking the beginning of a new era for luxury hospitality in the city and consolidating its place in Barcelona's history.

El Avenida Palace today

Over the years, the hotel has been renovated and updated to adapt to new times, incorporating modernity and comfort without losing its charm, elegance, and history. Maintaining the spirit that has characterized it since its inauguration, it remains owned by the same family that founded it more than 70 years ago. Throughout the generations, the Gaspart family has upheld the legacy of the hotel, ensuring that its tradition of excellence and hospitality remains alive, adapting to new needs without losing its essence.