CaixaForum Girona

Gallery, Historic Building and Museum in Girona

CaixaForum Girona
CaixaForum Girona
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Enfo

CaixaForum Girona is a compact, design-forward cultural center set inside one of the Old Town's most striking historic buildings, just off the atmospheric lanes of the Barri Vell. It's the kind of place that rewards curiosity: step in for a quick look and you may end up lingering over a photography show, graphic art, or a themed exhibition that feels surprisingly polished for a small venue.

Because it sits right in the heart of Girona's walkable historic core, CaixaForum fits perfectly into a self-guided stroll or a guided walking tour that also covers the Cathedral area, the Jewish Quarter, and the riverfront viewpoints. If you're looking for a “best of Girona” day, this is an easy cultural stop between sightseeing highlights and café breaks.

History and Significance of the CaixaForum Girona

CaixaForum Girona occupies the Fontana d'Or, a landmark of Catalan civil architecture with medieval roots. The building's layered history is part of the appeal: even before you see an exhibition, the stonework, proportions, and sense of age place you firmly in Girona's historic narrative.

Over time, the site transitioned from a historic residence into a public-facing cultural venue, and today it functions as a contemporary arts and ideas hub in the Old Town. That contrast—modern exhibitions inside a centuries-old structure—is exactly what makes a visit feel distinctive.

As part of the broader CaixaForum network in Spain, the Girona center is significant for bringing rotating, professionally curated cultural programming into a smaller city setting. It's a reliable “always something on” stop that complements Girona's more traditional monuments.

Things to See and Do in the CaixaForum Girona

Start with the temporary exhibitions, which are the main draw and change regularly—so even repeat visitors can have a completely different experience. Expect visual art, photography, illustration, and themed shows that are approachable even if you’re not a museum regular.

Take a moment to appreciate the building itself as you move between rooms: details like stairways, stone elements, and the overall atmosphere add a sense of place you don’t get in a modern white-box gallery. If you enjoy architecture, it’s worth slowing down and treating the venue as both exhibition space and historic site.

If your timing aligns, look into guided visits, talks, or family-oriented activities, which can add context and make the experience more interactive. Even on a simple drop-in visit, the curation tends to be clear and engaging, making it a strong “bonus stop” on a busy Girona day.

How to Get to the CaixaForum Girona

The nearest major airport is Girona–Costa Brava Airport, with Barcelona–El Prat as the larger international option for more flight choices. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Girona on Booking.com.

Girona is well connected by rail, and arriving at Girona station makes it easy to continue on foot or by local transport toward the Old Town. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you’re traveling by car, aim for parking outside the tight medieval center and walk in, since Old Town streets can be narrow and access-restricted. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the CaixaForum Girona

  • Official website: https://caixaforum.org/es/girona/info-centro
  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 10:00–14:00 & 17:00–20:00. Saturday: 11:00–14:00 & 17:00–20:00. Sunday: 11:00–14:00.
  • Best time to visit: Late morning for a calm start, or early evening for a cultural break before dinner in the Old Town.
  • How long to spend: Plan 45–90 minutes for a relaxed visit; add time if you want to read labels carefully or catch a scheduled activity.
  • Accessibility: The venue is generally wheelchair-friendly with adapted access across spaces; ask staff at the entrance for the easiest route between floors.
  • Facilities: Expect restrooms and helpful staff; it’s a good “reset stop” during a long walking day in the Barri Vell.

Where to Stay Close to the CaixaForum Girona

Base yourself in Girona's Barri Vell (Old Town) for the most atmospheric stay and the easiest walk to CaixaForum, the Cathedral area, and evening dining.

Hotel Museu Llegendes de Girona A boutique-feeling option right in the historic core, ideal if you want to step out into Old Town lanes and reach CaixaForum in minutes.

Hotel Nord 1901 A comfortable, well-located pick near the center with a polished feel—great for travelers who want convenience without sacrificing charm.

Hotel Gran Ultonia A practical, modern base with easy access to both the Old Town and transport links, especially handy if you’re mixing day trips with city time.

Hotel Carlemany Girona A solid choice closer to the station side of town, good for rail travelers who still want a straightforward walk or quick hop to the historic center.

Hotel Historic A small, character-rich stay for travelers who prioritize atmosphere and want to sleep inside the Old Town’s medieval fabric.

Is the CaixaForum Girona Worth Visiting?

Yes—especially if you like contemporary culture, design, photography, or simply want a high-quality indoor stop in the middle of Girona's Old Town. The rotating exhibitions keep it fresh, and the setting inside a historic building makes the experience feel uniquely “Girona” rather than just another gallery visit.

Honest Pivot: if your time is extremely limited and you’re focused only on Girona’s headline medieval sights (Cathedral, walls, river views), you could skip it without feeling like you missed a must-see monument. It’s best for travelers who enjoy curated exhibitions, want a quieter break from outdoor sightseeing, or appreciate the mix of old architecture and modern programming.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (1,270)

Visitors rate CaixaForum Girona very highly and often describe it as a highlight of their time in the city. Common praise focuses on the rotating, well-curated exhibitions (including photography, poster art, and comics), the beautiful historic building in the Old Town, and a smooth entry process with friendly staff. The most frequent drawback mentioned is that some exhibition text can feel less accessible for international visitors due to limited translations.

Seventy_Five
3 months ago
"Cool exhibition on comics when I visited."
Lin Boynton
3 years ago
"My favorite thing I did in Girona! They had poster art which I love and it was free to see the exhibition. Wonderfully curated and was open on aMonday..."
Tia Abner
6 years ago
"A great free exhibit that could be more international and understandable if they had more translations such as English"

For Different Travelers

CaixaForum Girona is flexible: it can be a quick pop-in between landmarks or a more intentional cultural stop that anchors your Old Town wandering. Because exhibitions change, it's also a smart “backup plan” if weather turns or you want something different from churches and viewpoints.

Families with Kids

For families, the biggest win is that the venue is manageable in size—less overwhelming than a large museum and easier to do in a single burst of attention. Rotating exhibitions can be surprisingly kid-friendly, especially visual shows like illustration, comics, or photography.

If you’re traveling with younger kids, aim for a shorter visit and treat it as a discovery stop rather than a deep-dive. Pair it with a nearby snack break and a stroll through the Old Town lanes afterward.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, this is a relaxed, low-pressure cultural date idea in the middle of Girona’s most romantic neighborhood. The historic setting adds ambiance, and the exhibitions give you something to talk about as you continue your walk.

It also works well as a “reset” between bigger sights—pop in, slow down, then head back out for sunset viewpoints and dinner. If you enjoy art and architecture, it’s an easy upgrade to a classic Old Town day.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers should put CaixaForum high on the list because it's an excellent-value cultural stop and can add real depth to a Girona itinerary. It's also a good way to fill a couple of hours without spending on big-ticket attractions.

To keep costs down, combine it with free Old Town wandering: viewpoints, bridges, and neighborhood exploration. Check what’s on before you go so you can prioritize the exhibitions that match your interests.

History Buffs

History buffs will appreciate the Fontana d’Or building itself as much as the exhibitions. The contrast between medieval civil architecture and modern cultural programming is part of the story.

Treat the visit as a “two-layer” experience: first, notice the building’s historic character; then, see how the space is used today. It’s a nice complement to Girona’s religious monuments and defensive architecture.

FAQs for Visiting CaixaForum Girona

Getting There

Yes, it’s right in the historic center, so it’s easy to reach on foot while exploring the Barri Vell. Wear comfortable shoes because nearby streets can be steep or cobbled.
Yes, you can walk from the station area to the Old Town, though it takes a bit longer than staying central. A short taxi ride is also an easy option if you have luggage.
Yes, it fits well between major Old Town stops and makes a good indoor break. Plan it around your walking route so you’re not backtracking.

Tickets & Entry

It’s often possible to visit without much hassle, but reserving ahead can make entry smoother during busy periods. If you’re visiting on a weekend or holiday, booking is a smart move.
Exhibition access is typically free, which is part of what makes this place such a strong value. Some special activities or guided visits may have a separate fee.
Most of the time it’s straightforward, but popular exhibitions can create short waits. Arriving early in a session window helps.

Visiting Experience

Many visitors still enjoy the visual content, but text-heavy shows may feel less accessible. If translations are limited, consider focusing on photography, illustration, or design-led exhibitions.
No, it’s relatively compact, which makes it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing. The smaller scale also makes it less tiring than larger institutions.
Yes—this is a friendly, approachable venue with rotating themes. You can enjoy it at your own pace without needing deep background knowledge.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, it’s ideal as a mid-route stop while exploring the Old Town. It pairs naturally with the Cathedral area and nearby historic streets.
Programming often includes talks, workshops, and guided formats depending on the season. Check the schedule before your visit if you want something more structured.
Start with Old Town viewpoints and lanes, visit CaixaForum as an indoor cultural stop, then finish with a long lunch or early dinner nearby. This keeps walking balanced with downtime.

Photography

Rules can vary by exhibition, so check signage and ask staff if you’re unsure. Even when photography is allowed, flash is typically discouraged.
Yes, the historic interiors can be very photogenic, especially stairways and stone details. Be mindful of other visitors and any restricted areas.
Yes, step back into the Old Town lanes for atmospheric street shots. River bridges and viewpoints are also close by for wider city photos.

Accessibility & Facilities

Accessibility is generally good, and staff can help you plan the easiest route through the venue. If you have specific needs, it’s worth contacting ahead.
Yes, restrooms are available, making it a convenient stop during a long day in the Old Town. Facilities are typically well maintained.
You’ll usually find spots to pause, and the overall pace is unhurried. If you need a longer break, nearby cafés are plentiful.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Offerings can vary, so don’t rely on it as your main meal stop. Plan for a café or restaurant nearby in the Old Town.
Visit CaixaForum, then choose a café within a few minutes’ walk for a coffee or light lunch. This keeps your day efficient and relaxed.
Yes, the Old Town has a wide range of menus and casual spots. If you’re traveling at peak meal times, consider reserving.

Safety & Timing

Yes, the Old Town is generally safe and busy with visitors. As in any tourist area, keep an eye on belongings in crowded spots.
Late afternoon into evening is especially pleasant for wandering, with good light and a lively dining scene. Midday is great for pairing with lunch.
Yes—this is one of the best rainy-day stops in Girona. Combine it with other indoor sights and a long café break.

Nearby Attractions to the CaixaForum Girona

The CaixaForum Girona appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Girona!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Monday - Friday: 10:00-14:00 & 17:00-20:00.

Saturday: 11:00-14:00 & 17:00-20:00.

Sunday: 11:00-14:00.

Price:

Free.

Address: Carrer dels Ciutadans, 19, 17004 Girona, Spain
Girona: 1 km
Telephone: +34 972 20 98 36
Official Website

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