The Can Papiol Romanticism Museum ( ca, Museu Romàntic Can Papiol) is a museum located in the historic centre of
Vilanova i la Geltrú
Vilanova i la Geltrú () is the capital city of Garraf '' comarca'', in the province of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Historically a fishing port, the city has a growing population of approximately 66,000, and is situated 40 km south-west of ...
in
Catalonia
Catalonia (; ca, Catalunya ; Aranese Occitan: ''Catalonha'' ; es, Cataluña ) is an autonomous community of Spain, designated as a '' nationality'' by its Statute of Autonomy.
Most of the territory (except the Val d'Aran) lies on the nort ...
, Spain. It is a
manor house
A manor house was historically the main residence of the lord of the manor. The house formed the administrative centre of a manor in the European feudal system; within its great hall were held the lord's manorial courts, communal meals w ...
dating from the end of the 18th century and is characteristic both for the furniture and decorative elements preserved from the time. Its aim is to evoke 19th-century society by analysing the everyday life of a well-to-do family of the time.
The museum is part of the
Barcelona Provincial Council Local Museum Network.
History
In 1959, a descendant of the Papiol family sold the house and all its furniture to
Barcelona Provincial Council, to turn it into a museum. After some restoration work, the museum was opened in 1961 and the Romanticism Museum became a museum with two centres, one in Vilanova and one in
Sitges
Sitges (, , ) is a town about 35 kilometres southwest of Barcelona, in Spain, renowned worldwide for its Film Festival, Carnival, and LGBT Culture. Located between the Garraf Massif and the Mediterranean Sea, it is known for its beaches, nights ...
, until 1995, when its management was split.
The building
Can Papiol is the manor house of the Papiol family. The building, comprising a ground floor, first floor, two upper floors and an attic, was built between 1790 and 1801 by politician and scholar Francesc de Papiol. It is
Neoclassical in style with decorative elements (ashlars, columns, tympanums) painted on the walls; inside, the walls of the main room are decorated with biblical themed
grisaille
Grisaille ( or ; french: grisaille, lit=greyed , from ''gris'' 'grey') is a painting executed entirely in shades of grey or of another neutral greyish colour. It is particularly used in large decorative schemes in imitation of sculpture. Many g ...
s. The space also has a garden from the
Romantic period
Romanticism (also known as the Romantic movement or Romantic era) was an artistic, literary, musical, and intellectual movement that originated in Europe towards the end of the 18th century, and in most areas was at its peak in the approximate ...
.
Through the analysis of everyday life for a well-to-do family of the time, it brings 19th-century society to life.
See also
*
Biblioteca Museu Víctor Balaguer
The Biblioteca Museu Víctor Balaguer (Víctor Balaguer Museum & Library) is located in Vilanova i la Geltrú and was founded in 1884 by Víctor Balaguer so as to thank the city for its support during his politician career. Since 2000 the museu ...
*
Can Llopis Romanticism Museum
Bibliography
*
References
External links
Museum site
{{Authority control
Houses completed in 1801
Barcelona Provincial Council Local Museum Network
Romanticism
Vilanova i la Geltrú
Historic house museums in Catalonia