International Women's Forum 2019 Cornerstone Conference Barcelona
 

Behind the Scenes

The Gothic Quarter: Santa Eulalia Cathedral and City Hall

Nestled in Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella (Old City), the Gothic Quarter is a fascinating neighborhood steeped in history. Join us as we venture through the narrow streets and squares to Barcelona’s City Hall — the same spot where kings and queens once reigned. We will also tour the Cathedral of Barcelona, a monument to Gothic architecture, with breathtaking stained glass windows dating back over 500 years. Welcome remarks provided by Joaquim Romañach, Project Manager of the Protocol Office for the Barcelona City Council.

 


The Picasso Museum

Explore the brilliance of Pablo Picasso through the over 4,000 works that make up the permanent collection of the Picasso Museum. The museum focuses on Picasso’s relationship with the city of Barcelona — a deep relationship that was shaped in his youth and adolescence and continued until his death. Taking a step back in time, we will explore the formidable years of Picasso’s work within Catalan Gothic mansions. Welcome remarks provided by Emmanuel Guido, Director of the Picasso Museum.


The Gaudi Houses: Casa Batlló and Casa Milà - La Pedrera

Antonio Gaudí is one of Barcelona’s most famous names. His distinctive style and whimsical designs can be seen all over the city. Join us as we explore two of his crowning masterpieces: Casa Batlló (House of Bones) and Casa Milà – La Pedrera (The Stone Quarry). Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 and one of Barcelona’s most popular landmarks, Casa Batlló is an essential stop in understanding the work of Gaudí and Catalan Modernism. Casa Milà – La Pedrera is Gaudí’s last and most iconic civic work, and it has been featured in books, music videos, and international films. Experience the spectrum of Gaudí’s genius as we tour both sites. Welcome remarks provided by Nina Bernat, Chief Executive Officer of Casa Batlló and Marta Lacambra, Director of the La Pedrera Foundation.

Pasqual Maragall Foundation 

At the Pasqual Maragall Foundation, researchers are not simply trying to find solutions to how we can live longer, but how we can live better. Established in 2008 by the former Mayor of Barcelona and President of the Government of Catalonia who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the foundation works to beat the disease through its research and scientific activity at its Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center. Join us as we tour this globally renowned foundation and learn about innovations, medical advances, and progress being made in preventative research today. Welcome remarks provided by Jordi Camí, MD, PhD, Director of the Pasqual Maragall Foundation.


The National Art Museum of Catalonia

Experience a special tour of the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC), one of the best and most visited art museums in Spain. Housed in the impressive Palau Nacional, the museum features Romanesque and Gothic collections considered among the finest and most complete in the world. The museum illustrates the history of Catalan art between the Romanesque period and the 21st century across art forms. The MNAC houses the best collection of Romanesque mural painting in the world, works from Catalan Modernism geniuses Gaudí and Casas, Gothic art, European Renaissance and Baroque painters, and stunning photography galleries. Join us for a tour of the exquisite Romanesque collection and take in the renowned city views from Palau Nacional. Welcome remarks provided by Pepe Serra Villalba, Director of the National Art Museum of Catalonia.


The Egyptian Museum 

Take a journey outside of Spain to the Egyptian Museum of Barcelona, the oldest and most comprehensive museum dedicated to Egypt. With a permanent collection comprising more than 1,000 works, the museum allows visitors to experience the life and customs of Ancient Egypt — one of the most fascinating civilizations in the world. Participants will learn about the origins of the museum and given a tour of the collection. Welcome remarks provided by Jordi Clos, Founder of the Egyptian Museum and the Clos Archaeological Foundation.


Barcelona's Opera House: The Liceu and Circulo del Liceu 

Join us as we take a look behind the curtain at Barcelona’s Opera House, the Gran Teatre del Liceu. Founded in 1847, the Liceu has continued to fulfill its role as a culture and arts center for the city, featuring the world’s leading singers, ballet troupes, dance companies, and operas. Step into the Círculo del Liceu, one of the oldest private clubs and a meeting place for cultural activities beyond operatic performances. Explore the rich history of the opera, its exquisite style and the private art collection on this exclusive tour. Welcome remarks provided by Salvador Alemany, President of the Gran Teatre del Liceu.


Recinto Modernista Hospital Sant Pau 

Take a trip back to the early years of the twentieth century at the Hospital de Sant Pau, Europe’s largest Art Nouveau site. A fully functioning hospital until 2009, Hospital de Sant Pau is now a museum, cultural center, and testament to the union of history and architecture in Barcelona. Join us as we explore the crowning achievements of renowned Modernism architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, Catalan Art Nouveau, and a marvel of historic restoration. Welcome remarks provided by Isabel Bassedas, Head of Venues at the Hospital de Sant Pau.


Sagrada Familia 

It would be difficult to find a church more emblematic, distinctive, and with such an extraordinary story as the Sagrada Familia. Widely regarded as Antonio Gaudí’s most important building, the Sagrada Familia embodies elements of Gothic architecture and Art Nouveau and is the epitome of Catalan Modernism. Five generations have already witnessed the cathedral’s rise in Barcelona, and construction still continues today. Join us on an exclusive visit of Gaudí’s tour de force with an in-depth explanation of the symbolic meanings and trip to the museum dedicated to Gaudi’s creative genius in designing the Sagrada Familia. Welcome remarks provided by Estefania Sort, Head of Institutional Relations and Public Relations at the Sagrada Familia.


Ferran Adria - Caixa Forum

Visit CaxiaForum, a former textile factory designed by Catalan architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, that now functions as an art gallery. Explore the museum's latest exhibits and close the visit with a conversation led by Chef Ferran Adrià. Referred to as 'the Salvador Dali­ of the kitchen' by Gourmet magazine, Adrià is well known for his food experiments and innovations associated with Molecular Gastronomy. 


Adolfo Dominguez Fashion Designer

Join us for an exclusive fashion experience at the Adolfo Dominguez Boutique in Barcelona to explore “the story of a brand with soul.” From beginning a career in the 1980s by celebrating the philosophy of creating poetic simplicity and dressing the cast of Miami Vice and Iberia Airlines to gracing the pages of Vogue and the Parisian runway, Adolfo Dominguez has grown into a firm with over 500 stores around the world. Behind the emblematic modernist facade of his boutique in Barcelona, history, heart, and tradition are expressed through fabrics, patterns, and lines. The store will be closed for this event, exclusive to the IWF conference. Adriana Domínguez, Chief Executive Officer of the company, will provide remarks before viewing the new collection.