La Caixa bank's premier Barcelona expo space hosts part of its extensive global art collection, as well as fascinating temporary international exhibitions, in the renovated Casaramona factory, an outstanding brick Modernista creation by Josep Puig i Cadafalch.
In the courtyard is a steel-and-glass tree designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, who led the 2002 renovation. From 1940 to 1993, the building housed the First Squadron of the police cavalry unit. The major international exhibitions are the key draw, though portions of La Caixa’s own collection of 800 works of modern and contemporary art also go on display occasionally. Musical recitals are sometimes held here too, especially in the warmer months.
