The Eixample district in Barcelona is full of beautiful architecture. When strolling along its streets, you’ll definitely notice an unusual building with a wire cloud on its roof. It is the building of Montaner i Simon publishing house with an interesting and dense history.

In 1879, the founders of the publishing house acquired land on Carrer d’Arago (Arago Street) and put a then-novice Catalan architect, Lluis Domenech i Montaner, in charge of designing a new building for their manufacturing. Eventually, the master created a bright and unusual piece of art and secured his status as a founding father of Art Nouveau architecture in Catalonia.

Lluis Domenech i Montaner took a brave step. His creation with brick facades and metal load-bearing structures became the first civilian building in Barcelona to use this construction method previously reserved for industrial buildings. Despite its active use of harsh materials, Montaner i Simon publishing house is more reminiscent of a palace than a printer. The facade is decorated with large ornate windows and busts of European authors of classics, bas-reliefs and decorative figures that symbolise industrialisation, resourcefulness, and the great power of literature. When visitors step inside, they find themselves in a light and spacious hall that resembles a luxurious Ancient Greek atrium. It comes as no surprise, that in 1977, this architectural creation of Lluis Domenech i Montaner was added to UNESCO's list of National Cultural Heritage Sites.

In 1981, the publishing house stopped operating. A few years later, its building was passed on to Antoni Tapies Foundation Museum, founded by a Catalan artist and sculptor to support the development of contemporary art in Barcelona. Architects Lluis Domenech i Montaner and Roser Amado i Cercos reconstructed the building of the former printer to meet the needs of the new art gallery. In 1990, its official opening took place.

Today, Antoni Tapies Foundation displays works of the museum’s founder, including the Nuvol i Cadira (Cloud and Chair) sculpture that decorates the roof, and the works of young, independent and talented artists from all over the world. Aside from permanent and temporary exhibitions, the place hosts educational events for anyone interested. The museum’s biggest pride is its library with a rich collection of books about global contemporary art.