Barcelona: National Art Museum of Catalonia

The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) 

is housed in the Palau Nacional, 

a huge neo-baroque palace dating to 1929. 

The museum building is located at the foot of the mountain of Barcelona, the Montjuïc.

The Palau was originally constructed for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition. 

Since 1934 it has been home to the National Art Museum of Catalonia. 

Overall, the museum exhibits more than 260,000 works of art and 

is therefore the largest and most important museum in Barcelona.

On Stranger Tides

"We are imprisoned in the realm of life, 

like a sailor on his tiny boat, 

on an infinite ocean."

Anna Freud 

Barcelona: Arch of Triumph

"The Triumphal Arch was designed by the architect Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas, 

and was built in 1888 as the main entry to the Barcelona International Exposition. 

The brick design has a series of embossed images 

that depict allegorical scenes of industry, traditional craft work and business. 

The arch measures 30 meters tall and 

is abundantly decorated on all sides with stone carvings and ceramic tiles. 

The front frieze was designed by Josep Reynes and 

represents the city of Barcelona welcoming visitors to the Exhibition fair. 

The other side, designed by Josep Llimona, shows a prize-giving ceremony. 

The frieze on the right, created by Antoni Vilanova, 

symbolizes industry, trade and agriculture, 

while the frieze on the left, created by Torcuato Tasso, symbolizes trade and the arts. 

The arch is embellished with a stone carving of the Spanish coat of arms. 

Two roaring lions flank the coat of arms, which is topped with a crown. 

Below, following the contour of the arch, are the emblems of all provinces. 

The central one on the keystone, representing Barcelona, is slightly larger than the others. 

The arch is also adorned with twelve allegorical statues of women, symbolizing fame.

Under the lions, even though it can be hard to spot from ground, stands the words 

“Plus Ultra” – a motto which means 'Further and beyond' in Latin."

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TTD: Golden Love

*Photos Studio 8mm

"Each golden sunrise ushers in new opportunities 

for those who retain faith in themselves, 

and keep their chins up... 

Meet the sunrise with confidence. 

Fill every golden minute with right thinking and worthwhile endeavor. 

Do this and there will be joy for you in each golden sunset."

Alonzo Newton Benn

Barcelona: As Sunshine Flows into Trees (Parc de la Ciutadella)

"And see the peaceful trees extend

their myriad leaves in leisured dance—

they bear the weight of sky and cloud

upon the fountain of their veins."

Kathleen Raine

MySpot: I Will Bring You the Lily that Laughs

"Have you seen but a bright lily grow

Before rude hands have touched it?

Have you marked but the fall of snow

Before the soil hath smutched it?

Have you felt the wool of beaver,

Or swan's down ever?

Or have smelt o' the bud o' the brier,

Or the nard in the fire?

Or have tasted the bag of the bee?

O so white, O so soft, O so sweet is she!"

Ben Jonson