In short
At the intersection of Passeig de Gràcia and Carrer de Provença, Casa Milà—popularly known as La Pedrera (“The Stone Quarry”)—is Antoni Gaudí’s final civic masterpiece. Characterized by its rough-hewn limestone facade, undulating wrought-iron balconies, and iconic roofscape filled with surreal warrior chimneys, this apartment building stands as a landmark of architectural innovation.
- Gaudí’s grandest residential apartment building
- Renowned rooftop featuring sculptured chimneys
- Espai Gaudí exhibition housed inside
- Dual inner courtyards designed for natural ventilation
- UNESCO World Heritage site
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Prices and opening times of Casa Milà
See the current operating schedules and admission fees before planning your visit:
Hours
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Summer hours 09:00 - 20:30
Night visit: 20:40 - 22:20
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Winter hours 09:00 - 18:30
Night visit: 19:00 - 23:00
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Last entry 1 hour prior
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Special openings
Christmas days: 09:00 - 20:30 (day) and 21:00 - 23:00 (night)
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Closures
6 july, 7 september, 25 december, 11 -> 17 january
Prices
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Standard from 25€
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Reduced price from 13€
Children 12-17, over 65, people with disabilities and companion, students
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Free entry 0€
Under 12, people with disabilities over 65%
What to see in Casa Milà
Discover the distinct architectural spaces and sculptural elements across the premises:
Warrior Chimney Roofscape Great views
Open-air terrace boasting surreal sentinel chimneys, ventilation towers, and city vistas.
Attic (Espai Gaudí)
Vaulted gallery supported by 270 brick catenary arches showcasing Gaudí’s models.
Pedrera Apartment
Recreated residential unit showing furnishings, decorative art, and lifestyle of the 1900s.
Courtyards of Light
Two massive open-air interior courtyards featuring painted murals and natural ventilation.
Wrought-Iron Balconies
Unique ribbon-like window railings forged from recycled scrap metal by Josep Maria Jujol.
Quick summary of a Casa Milà visit
Review these useful operational details prior to booking your entry slot:
Best moment
Late afternoon for golden hour light
Crowd
Moderate to high
Kid friendly
Interactive exhibits in the attic
Unmissable
Walking among the imposing warrior chimneys
Type of experience
Architectural, historical, cultural, and panoramic city viewpoint
What to expect
Multi-level walking, elevator access, rooftop steps, and rich architectural displays
How to visit Casa Milà
Explore day entry tickets, combined audio tours, or night visual light experience passes:
Good to know
- The rooftop contains multiple small staircases
- Heavy rain or bad weather can cause temporary closure of the roof
- Luggage and large bags must be stored
- The main building remains a working apartment
Practical tips
- Book tickets online in advance
- Take the elevator straight to the roof first
- Download the official audio guide app before arriving
- Photograph the curved exterior from the opposite corner
How to reach Casa Milà
Access this central Eixample site easily using the public transport network:
Lines L3 and L5 stop directly at Diagonal station.
Local city bus routes 7, 16, 17, 22, 24, and V17 stop steps away.
Located a short 5-minute walk north along Passeig de Gràcia from Casa Batlló.
Pg. de Gràcia, 92, 08008
Official Transport in Barcelona
History of Casa Milà
In 1905, wealthy developer Pere Milà i Camps and his wife Roser Segimon commissioned Antoni Gaudí to build a grand residential building on Passeig de Gràcia. Construction began in 1906, but the project faced immediate controversy. Local municipal authorities fined the owners repeatedly for building code violations, as the massive structure exceeded height limits and extended into public sidewalk space.
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The unconventional design also drew mockery from local citizens, who dubbed it “La Pedrera” (The Stone Quarry) due to its rough, cave-like stone appearance. Tensions mounted between Gaudí and the Milà family over cost overruns and artistic direction, leading Gaudí to abandon the project in 1910 before completing all interior decorations.
Despite the controversy, the building was finished in 1912 and became an important architectural reference point. After decades of neglect and partial modifications, the building was acquired by Catalunya Caixa in 1986.
A comprehensive restoration program brought the landmark back to its original state, paving the way for its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. Today, La Pedrera functions as a major cultural center, host to art exhibitions, and home to several private tenants.
Curiosities about Casa Milà
- Casa Milà was the first private residential building in Barcelona to feature an underground parking garage for horse carriages and early automobiles.
- The building uses a self-supporting stone facade connected to the internal structure by iron beams, eliminating the need for load-bearing interior walls.
- None of the apartments feature straight structural walls, allowing residents to modify their interior floor layouts freely.
- George Lucas reportedly drew inspiration from La Pedrera’s rooftop chimneys when designing the helmets for Darth Vader and Imperial Stormtroopers in Star Wars.
- The entire stone facade was carved on-site using stone quarried from nearby Garraf and Vilafranca del Penedès.
Tickets and tours Casa Milà
Find your stay near Casa Milà
Find top hotels and serviced apartments located in the upper Eixample neighborhood near Casa Milà:
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
Is La Pedrera the same landmark as Casa Milà?
Yes, Casa Milà is the official name of the building, while La Pedrera is the popular nickname given to it by local residents.
How long does a standard self-guided visit take?
A complete tour of the roof, attic museum, historic apartment, courtyard, and exhibition spaces takes about 1.5 hours.
Is Casa Milà wheelchair accessible?
Most of the building—including the attic, apartment, and courtyards—is fully accessible, though parts of the rooftop have steps.
Are people still living inside Casa Milà today?
Yes, a few private residential apartments remain occupied by long-term local tenants.
What is the night tour at La Pedrera?
The night experience features a guided walkthrough culminating in a multimedia projection show on the rooftop chimneys accompanied by cava.
Can I visit the rooftop if it rains?
If rain makes the stone steps slippery, the rooftop is closed for safety, but alternative access to other floors is provided. Check what to do in Barcelona when it rains.
Which Gaudí house should I visit if I can only choose one: Casa Batlló or Casa Milà?
Casa Batlló focuses on vibrant colors and organic interior shapes, whereas Casa Milà offers broader engineering insights and an iconic open roofscape.
Are tickets valid for a specific time slot?
Yes, all entry tickets are tied to a strict time slot to control visitor flow through the building.
