Free art and culture in Palma
Casal Balaguer in Palma is an essential stop in the city’s old town. Known also as Can Balaguer or La Casa Possible, this mansion offers free entrance and an impressive exhibition of architecture, furniture, and art objects.
Centrally located in Palma, Casal Balaguer boasts one of the most beautiful and best-preserved courtyards open to the public, complete with its original furnishings. Every step you take in Casal Balaguer is a feast for the senses, allowing you to walk through history and contemplate the past. Come and visit Casal Balaguer in Palma.
Looking for a hotel in Palma or a holiday home in Palma – book with our partners.
Please take a moment to watch the brief presentation in the video below:
Location and opening hours
Behind the wooden gate on Calle de la Unió, you can step straight into the courtyard and marvel at the columns and staircases of this historic mansion in Palma.
Opening hours of Casal Balaguer in Palma:
- Tuesday to Friday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
A brief history of Casal Balaguer
The old Baroque mansion was given its current form in the 18th century by the Gual Sanglada family. In the 20th century, it was owned by Josep Balaguer in Vallès, from whom the mansion takes its name.
Josep Balaguer (born in Inca in 1869 – died in Palma in 1951) was a musician, businessman, art collector, and advocate for the arts. He played a pivotal role in promoting Palma’s cultural activities in the first half of the 20th century. His collection of art objects, furniture, and personal belongings reflect his deep passion for the arts of his time.
Upon Balaguer’s death, the property and his belongings were handed over to Palma City Council. The building was neglected until a thorough renovation began in 2009, restoring the mansion to its former grandeur.
More text after the Video section
Video (will be updated)
The Purpose of Casal Balaguer
Casal Balaguer serves as a cultural center for both the city’s citizens and visitors, showcasing the evolution of Palma’s mansions. In addition to Josep Balaguer’s art and belongings, the mansion also contains items from other municipal collections, private collections, and other Mallorcan institutions.
What can you experience in Casal Balaguer?
The entrance hall is awe-inspiring, not just for its paintings and furniture but also for its staggering ceiling height and impressive wooden beams. This room has also served as a dining area, inviting you to linger and imagine life within its walls.
The music room, with its striking pipe organ and carefully placed chairs, has a reverent atmosphere that recalls the concerts attended by the finer bourgeoisie of the past.
The alcove’s dark red walls and heavy fabrics surrounding the wooden bed create an intimate, dream-like space.
The fireplace room is the most modern in the mansion, characterized by a lower ceiling and more comfortable furniture, reflecting the modern concept of comfort.
The Louis XV room, decorated by Josep Balaguer, features furniture and fabrics that reinterpret the Louis XV style from the late 19th century, with a stunning gold mirror and chandelier as focal points.
The mansion offers several rooms to explore, including a long corridor adorned with various art objects.
After immersing yourself in the splendor of Casal Balaguer, stepping back onto the bustling shopping streets, filled with clothing shops, cafes, and city buses, can feel surreal.
More Art and cultural experiences in Palma
Palma is home to classic sights such as the cathedral, the stock exchange La Lonja, and the city’s museums. For a budget-friendly visit, you can explore the many free experiences Palma offers, including its beaches, markets, and numerous parks. Palma is a city that continuously provides remarkable experiences.
Explore the markets of Palma, go shopping in Palma or go sightseeing in the old town of Palma. No money? No problem discover more free cultural experiences in Palma.
Join our SoMe group in Facebook and explore the island Mallorca.Â
Also do explore our travel guides to Mallorca’s captivating destinations, from the vibrant city life in stunning Palma to the sun-soaked shores of Alcudia and Puerto de Pollença. Don’t miss the charming mountain villages of Sóller and Deià , where nature and tradition blend harmoniously. Also take a look at the hot spot for wine lovers – Binissalem.
Top image for the article Discover Casal Balaguer in Palma: A hidden gem in the old town © Nemesio Jimenez Jimenez Dreamstime.com
Mallorca CommunityÂ
Â
