Since 1945 Güell Palace has belonged to Barcelona Provincial Council, a local government institution that promotes the progress and welfare of the citizens in its area of influence, the province of Barcelona.

Antoni Gaudí i Cornet (Reus, 1852 - Barcelona, 1926) built Güell Palace commissioned by Eusebi Güell (Barcelona, 1846-1918), who wanted a new house in Barcelona, in Nou de la Rambla street. Güell Palace was in fact the only building that Gaudí actually completed and has undergone no significant alterations since then. This makes is one of Gaudí’s most communicative works, a piece of architecture of complex eloquence.

Güell Palace was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 2 November 1984 for its contribution and influence on technique and form in modern 20th-century building and for its remarkable creative character.

After it became the property of Barcelona Provincial Council, the building underwent restoration work to house the Institut del Teatre and its museum. In 1996, once the Institut del Teatre had moved to new premises, the Palace was opened to the public and for many years drew visitors from around the globe who were interested in Gaudí’s work.

Güell Palace, in the Raval district of Barcelona, is an architectural jewel of Catalan Art Nouveau and not to be missed on any tour of Gaudí’s work in the city. It is representative of Barcelona Provinical Council, which, as an institution with a cultural vocation open to the city, aims to be accessible to the public and close to its environment.