We like coffee for its flavour, its revitalizing aroma, how warm it makes our hands in the cold winter mornings… but there is something else. Coffee is also that moment when you meet your friends after a long day or you stop to forget about the world with your favourite book or magazine. It might be the caffeine, that activates us, but there is something undeniable and it is the fact that there is something inherently inspiring in it, that encourages us to carry on with our activities, make new plans and absorb everything we like. Barcelona knows it and that has lately brought about some small and magical places that keep this culture alive. We are talking about the coffee shop and galleries where emerging artists showcase their work and the audience is surrounded by their concepts while they enjoy a peaceful moment. This is our selection of the best art galleries and coffee shops in Barcelona:
1. Art galleries hidden in coffee shops in Barcelona: Artte
It isn’t only their breakfasts, with delicious natural juices, chocolate or homemade pastries which attract their clients; Artte is also an artistic-gastronomic space that aims to be a platform for the exhibition, diffusion and support of artistic and cultural projects. It is 400m2 and it has an amazing and natural light that brings peace and inspires creativity. The best thing about this place is that you will be surprised every time you go back: paintings, live music, poetry… Gastronomy and culture are mixed for you to discover new things. (C/ Muntaner 83)
2. Art galleries hidden in coffee shops in Barcelona: Cosmo
It is a very modern place inspired in a minimalist decoration, colourful and vintage at the same time which perfectly expresses the character of its gallery: itinerant and avant-garde. The owners have achieved a very personal style through the use of leather sofas and varied colours, original printed stools and hanging lamps in different shades. It all alternates with paintings and illustrations that find a more prominent spot in the rear gallery. Don’t forget to try their natural shakes or the carrot cake, presented with great care and exquisite taste. (C/ d’Enric Granados, 3)
3. Art galleries hidden in coffee shops in Barcelona: Akashi Gallery
It isn’t strictly speaking a cafeteria but it is the best option for sushi lovers. Akashi is a space created by the photographers Tina Bagué and Toru Morimoto. Both travelled 42.000 km around Japan to complete “The Japan Photo Project”. It was during their journey that they had the idea to start up a small Japanese restaurant combined with a photographic gallery. Akashi is a meeting between art and Japanese culture, deeper than sushi. You can buy typical products from Japan and sit on authentic tatami. (C/ Rosselló, 197)
4. Art galleries hidden in coffee shops in Barcelona: The BlueProject Café
Javier Medvedovsky and Vanessa Salvi decided to get together to create The BlueProject Café, a foundation that combines art, workshops for creative youngsters and healthy eating. Besides a slowfood proposal and biologic and ecologic products, The BlueProject Café hides a collection of works of big artists such as Andy Warhol or Mark Tansey. Their aim is to attract the audience with renowned artists and mix their works with the talent of the new generations. (c/ de la Princesa 57)
5. Art galleries hidden in coffee shops in Barcelona: Babèlia Books & Coffee
There are also cafés for book lovers. Babèlia is a café specialized in multilingual narrative that aspires to be an open space both for national and foreign culture and promote the communication between the two. It is also an exhibition room and hosts recitals, workshops and (how couldn’t they?) tasting sessions. Teas, wines and coffees go alongside original and international pastries. (C/ Villarroel 27)