Joan Miró Park

The Parc de Joan Miró, located in the Eixample district of Barcelona, is one of the city’s main green spaces, dedicated to the famous Catalan artist Joan Miró. The park is built on the site of the former municipal slaughterhouse, known as Parc de l’Escorxador, and represents an emblematic example of how Barcelona has been able to transform obsolete urban areas into livable and green public spaces. Inaugurated in 1983, the Parc de Joan Miró covers an area of about four blocks of the Eixample and offers a wide variety of environments and functions. The park was designed by architect Antoni Solanas, with the aim of creating an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city, where citizens could relax, exercise, and enjoy nature. The park’s design took into account the vision of Ildefons Cerdà, the 19th-century urban planner who devised the famous grid plan of the Eixample, with the intention of improving public health and well-being. One of the most distinctive elements of the park is the monumental sculpture “Dona i Ocell” (Woman and Bird) by Joan Miró, standing 22 meters high and located in the southwestern part of the park. This sculpture, completed shortly before the artist’s death in 1983, is a perfect example of his unique style, characterized by the use of abstract forms and vibrant colors. The statue is covered in a mosaic of brightly colored ceramics, created in collaboration with artist Joan Gardy Artigas, and serves as an iconic landmark for park visitors. The park is divided into different thematic areas that offer a variety of experiences. These include a large concrete square designed to host public events, tree-shaded walkways, gardens with local flora, and a wooded area populated by pine trees, palms, and cork oaks. These spaces are designed to promote biodiversity and create a welcoming environment for residents and visitors. The gardens also include various leisure and sports facilities. These include six playground areas for children, pétanque courts for enthusiasts of this traditional sport, and a 720 square meter area dedicated to dogs, where owners can let them run freely. Additionally, the park houses a public library named after Joan Miró, which offers cultural and educational resources for all ages. The surrounding area of the park is equally rich in history and culture. Near the park is the former Las Arenas bullring, once a venue for bullfights, now transformed into a modern shopping center.