Els 4 Gats: A Café That Once Hosted Picasso and Still Captivates Today
From Parisian Inspiration to a Barcelona Icon
A step through the doors of Els 4 Gats isn’t just a café visit—it’s time travel. Tucked away on Carrer de Montsió, 3, 08002 Barcelona, this historic spot in the Gothic Quarter has long been a gathering place for artists, rebels, and free spirits. I recently stopped by to soak in its old-world charm, imagining the echoes of lively debates, poetic musings, and the unmistakable hum of an era when Modernisme was reshaping Catalan identity.
The café’s story begins in 1897 with Pere Romeu, a dreamer who envisioned Barcelona’s answer to Le Chat Noir, the famous bohemian haunt in Paris. With backing from artists Santiago Rusiñol, Ramon Casas, and Miquel Utrillo, Els 4 Gats was born inside Casa Martí, a striking neo-Gothic masterpiece by Josep Puig i Cadafalch. The name, meaning “The Four Cats,” was a cheeky nod to the idea that only a few eccentric souls would ever visit. That proved to be a wild understatement.
Els 4 Gats quickly became the place for Barcelona’s avant-garde. It was more than a café; it was an incubator for creative minds, hosting art exhibitions, literary gatherings, concerts, and even shadow puppet shows. Among its regulars was a young Pablo Picasso, who held his first-ever public exhibition here in 1899 and even designed the café’s menu cover. Other legendary visitors included Antoni Gaudí, Isaac Albéniz, and Enric Granados.
While sipping a coffee at my table, I couldn’t help but imagine the heated artistic discussions that once filled this very room. Did Picasso sit where I was sitting? Was Gaudí sketching ideas in a dimly lit corner? The thought of visiting feels almost surreal.
Despite its artistic success, financial woes forced Els 4 Gats to close in 1903, after just six years. But Barcelona never forgot. In 1978, a restoration effort brought it back to life, carefully preserving its bohemian spirit. Today, the café still serves food and drinks, but it’s also a living museum, where history and modern life intertwine. Its global recognition grew even further when Woody Allen featured it in Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008).
Visiting Els 4 Gats is more than just stopping for coffee—it’s about experiencing a piece of Barcelona’s artistic soul. The vintage furniture, flickering chandeliers, and walls lined with portraits transport you to another time. Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or just looking for a memorable café in Barcelona, this place is a must-visit.
And if you do stop by, take a moment to look around. You might just feel the presence of a young Picasso, sketching away in the dim candlelight, dreaming of a future that would change art forever.
📍 Els Quatre Gats
Carrer de Montsió, 3, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
I am going to Barcelona in 10 days. I will check it out. Do you know the address?
Oh yes! Love these photos.