Description:
In 1987 the foundation "La Caixa", a private-sector cultural foundation set up by a major savings bank, purchased the building of the former Gran Hotel, in the centre of Palma de Mallorca. This was built in 1902 according to the designs of Lluís Domenech i Montaner, one of the celebrated Catalan "Modernist" architects of the turn of the century . It was the principal example of "Modernist" architecture in the Balearic Islands, and it became one of the centres of social life in the city during the interwar years. The original use was changed in the late 1930's, and since then the building was modified and seriously disfigured, serving mainly as official office premises. Many of the original features were lost or concealed, and the distribution was altered. The present project has achieved the total restoration of the original facades, and restoration of such original features as had survived in the interior. The facade, stained-glass windows, wrought-iron and handrails were meticulously reconstructed and the interior has been given a new use as a cultural centre and exhibition space. In this way , Mallorca has recovered a highly significant landmark of its cultural history.