A must-see cultural experience from Hotel Continental
In Barcelona, a city open to art, the sea and Mediterranean culture, there are exhibitions that go beyond a simple visit and become an essential emotional experience.
The exhibition dedicated to Joaquín Sorolla at the Palau Martorell is one of them. An invitation to look, to feel, and to reconnect with a way of life in which light, simplicity and everyday scenes take centre stage.
From Hotel Continental, we invite you to discover this exceptional exhibition as one approaches the Mediterranean: unhurriedly, with sensitivity and with all the senses open.
Palau Martorell: a building with soul and cultural purpose
The Palau Martorell is, in itself, a first work of art to be admired. Built between 1886 and 1900 by architect Joan Martorell i Montells, this neoclassical building avoids decorative excess and embraces harmony, symmetry and restraint. Its serene monumentality conveys values we deeply share: balance, solidity, functionality and respect for heritage.
Located opposite Plaça de la Mercè, it offers privileged views of the Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy, reinforcing the dialogue between heritage, spirituality and urban life. Details such as the lion’s head at the entrance — a symbol of protection — or the allegories of trade and industry recall the building’s history as the former Mercantile Credit Society and later as the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce.
Since 2022, Palau Martorell has established itself as a new cultural landmark in Barcelona, bringing major international and Spanish artists closer to local residents and to visitors with a genuine cultural curiosity.
A once-in-a-lifetime exhibition: Sorolla as never seen before in Barcelona
The exhibition brings together 78 original works by Sorolla from the Sorolla Museum, currently closed for an ambitious renovation project. This circumstance has made something truly exceptional possible: enjoying in Barcelona a broad and representative selection of his work, something rarely seen outside Madrid.
The exhibition is curated by Manuel Vicent, one of the most prominent voices in contemporary Spanish literature. His literary perspective offers a different, approachable and deeply Mediterranean interpretation. Vicent has often been described as “the Sorolla of literature”, and not by chance: both share the ability to narrate life through light, detail and simple emotions.
Painting life: a journey in four movements
The exhibition is structured into four thematic sections that allow Sorolla’s painting to be read almost like a story:
- Childhood and play by the sea, with scenes full of movement, joy and spontaneity.
- Work and the harshness of the Mediterranean, featuring fishermen, nets and boats, portraying dignity and effort without idealisation.
- Leisure and bourgeois life on the coast, moments of calm, seaside walks and luminous summers.
- Intimate landscapes and nature, especially views of Xàbia, where light becomes the absolute protagonist.
The experience is not only visual. It invites visitors to imagine the smell of salt, the texture of sand, the sea breeze. All of this is presented in an accessible, unpretentious way that connects with diverse audiences, whether or not they have prior knowledge of art.
Sorolla today: why he still moves us
Sorolla did not only paint the sea. He painted a way of being in the world. His work celebrates everyday life, our bond with nature, childhood, dignified work and the beauty of simplicity. Values that remain deeply relevant today and that connect with an understanding of culture as a space for encounter, humanity and shared sensitivity.
At a time when we need references that help us reconnect with what truly matters, rediscovering Sorolla is also a way of learning to look again — calmly and with soul.
A cultural proposal to enjoy without haste
The visit can be rounded off with a stroll through the wonderful El Born neighbourhood, lunch at one of its diverse restaurants and shopping in the area’s unique and original local shops. A complete experience that brings together art, city life and Mediterranean spirit.
Practical information for your visit
- Dates: from 5 December 2025 to 6 April 2026
- Venue: Palau Martorell, Carrer Ample, 11 – Barcelona
- Opening hours: daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Admission: €16 general · €14 reduced
- Tickets: advance booking is recommended
- Website and information: available here
From Hotel Continental, we encourage you to treat yourself to this encounter with light, art and Mediterranean culture. Because travelling is also about learning to look anew.
