Gran Hotel (Palma) facts for kids
| Gran Hotel | |
Quick facts for kids  |
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| Hotel facts and statistics | |
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| Location | 33 Plaza Weyler, Palma de Mallorca, Majorca, Balearic Islands, Spain. |
| Coordinates | 39°34′18″N 2°38′59″E / 39.57167°N 2.64972°E |
| Opening date | 1903 |
The Gran Hotel is a very old and important building in Palma. Palma is the capital city of Mallorca, which is the largest of the Balearic Islands in Spain. This historic building is located in the heart of the city.
Today, the Gran Hotel is not a hotel anymore. It is now a CaixaForum, which is a special place for art and culture. The banking group La Caixa runs these cultural centers. The building became a CaixaForum in 1993.
Contents
A Look at the Gran Hotel's Past
How the Gran Hotel Was Built
A famous architect named Lluís Domènech i Montaner designed the Gran Hotel. It was finished in 1903. This building was very modern for its time. It was the first building on the island to have a telephone. It also had its own electricity supply.
The Gran Hotel is known for its unique style. It uses brick, fancy ironwork, and shiny ceramic tiles. You can see many flower designs in its decorations. This building is a great example of a style called Modernisme. Its front is covered with amazing sculptures and colorful ceramics.
Changes Over the Years
The hotel closed its doors in 1941. This happened after big events like the Spanish Civil War and World War II. The government bought the building the next year. It was used for a different purpose for a while.
During this time, the building changed a lot. Some parts of the first floor were altered. Its original look, which was very modern and special, was partly lost.
Becoming a Cultural Center
In 2003, the Spanish government recognized the building's importance. It was declared a "site of cultural interest." This was because of its careful restoration. The building was brought back to its original beauty.
Now, the Gran Hotel is a lively cultural center. It is home to the Fundación la Caixa. Inside, you can see a permanent display of paintings. These artworks are by a painter named Anglada Camarasa. It is a wonderful place to explore art and history.
See also
In Spanish: Gran Hotel (Palma de Mallorca) para niños
