Els 4 Gats returns to its essence to celebrate its 120th anniversary
Literature and painting and photographic exhibitions are the focus of the celebrations at this iconic Catalan modernist hangout
Modelled on Le Chat Noir in Paris, Barcelona’s Els 4 Gats was founded on 12 June 1897 by a group of young middle-class men led by Pere Romeu and it soon became a favourite haunt of local artists, including legendary names like Gaudí, Russinyol, Utrillo and Casas, as well as the young Picasso, whose first exhibition was held there.
120 years have passed since then and the café is holding a 12-month long celebration. For the first three months of the year, it will become an art gallery, with a selection of Catalan painting and photography. The first exhibition, which will run from 9 to 29 January features the finalists in a competition to design a poster to celebrate the anniversary, which was won by Noemí Carrau with Brindis. Later exhibitions will feature work by Gerard Quintana, Nuria Feijoo, Rocío Bonilla and Pilarín Bayés, among others.
The Ploma 4 Gats literary prize is now in its third year and is now open to writers of all ages. It is given to the author of the best stories in Catalan or Spanish with a maximum length of 3,000 characters.
Another highlight is the Hora del Conte Solidari, which will take place on one Sunday per month and features storytelling for charity. In the autumn there will be a Competition of Sketching with themes related to the café and to Catalan modernism.
The building that houses the café was designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, who is also celebrating the 150th anniversary of his birth this year and the 100 years that have passed since he became the President of the Mancomunitat de Catalunya.
120th Anniversary of Els 4 Gats.
When: During 2017.
Where: Els 4 Gats.
Additional information can be found here.