Culture is an essential part in the formation of society and museums want to be part of this education. More than 1,200 museums across Europe will participate in the Night of Museums, an initiative promoted by the Council of Europe. This year coincides with the International Day of Museums in which more than 30,000 museums open their doors to raise awareness.

If you are in Barcelona in this special date or ​​Madrid, Paris, among other cities, see their proposals. Under the theme ‘Museums (memory + creativity) = Social Progress’, they have organized exhibitions, activities and workshops for all audiences, including families and children.

Museums in Barcelona

62 museums participate in this special evening. And they present their permanent collections, special events, exhibitions, workshops for children, guided tours… One day open to the culture in which there will also be dance performances and activities for the whole family. Want to know more? Here’s a list of some of the participating museums. Grab your calendar, and make your schedule to leave home!

CCCB. CONTEMPORARY CULTURE CENTRE OF BARCELONA

In the CCCB you will see an exhibition of one of the most original writers of recent times: Roberto Bolaño. Among other things you will find books, manuscripts, correspondence, novels, short stories, poems and personal stuff with which we can deepen the creative world of this author.

In addition, there will be a competition called “Poetry Slam Barcelona”: 50% poetry and 50% performance. A contemporary artistic creation platform that won’t leave anyone indifferent.

FABRA I COATS

This is the first time that contemporary art center participates in this cultural day. And it does offer an exhibition of Peter Downsbrough (1940, New Brunswick, USA). For the first time in Spain, the exhibition ‘The Book (S)’ made an extensive review of his impressive work.

THE CENTRE OF VIRREINA

You will be able to enjoy the photo exhibition of Julio Ubiña and Colita related to the events of the last months of Carmen Amaya’s life. These portraits are a valuable document for understanding the importance of this artist in the world of flamenco.

DESIGN MUSEUM OF BARCELONA

It’s the perfect opportunity to get to know the new home of the Design Museum. You will see the presentation of the virtual club and their robots. Besides this, you will see the inauguration of graphics “BruumRuum!” installed on the plaza outside the building. Throughout the visit you will be able to interact with the building and with a visual environment.

BARCELONA EGYPTIAN MUSEUM

Barcelona Egyptian Museum reaches its 90th anniversary and honors the discovery of the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. The museum is unique in Spain and offers a monograph of ancient Egypt while disclosing the visitor a luxury private collection in Europe of more than 1,000 pieces.

FC BARCELONA MUSEUM

And for sports fans, we also have good news! The FC Barcelona Museum opens its doors to the permanent exhibition and you will be able to do a tour through club’s history and museum.

More than 60 museums and a single night. Quite a challenge for culture lovers. We hope this small guide helps you if you are in Barcelona. If you will be in Paris, find the information in this link. And if you want to want everything about the International Museum Day here you have the information you need.

Enjoy a lot this weekend!

 During the 10th, 11th and 12th of May Barcelona en las Alturas meets Torre Amat, a nineteenth century modernist tower with a gorgeous romantic style garden. A magical place full of Shakespearean essence. Walk among the shade of orange, lemon and bay is a real treat! In addition, the fragrances of jasmine, basil and rosemary of the garden will make you fall in love.

The aim of this event is for the guests to enjoy a good atmosphere and company with their families and friends. You will find stands with gourmet products tastings as caviar, oysters, octopus … Delightful!

And do not miss the must of all editions: mojitos, gintonics and champagne stand. You will have to be fast ordering! All this accompanied always with live music. Little kids have their space activities too. So the whole family is welcome to Barcelona en las Alturas!

The current edition has assembled up to 53 stands. You’ll find everything from products dedicated to the art as photography exhibitions or handmade products to fashion clothes. Small stands full of products you’ll want to buy!

If you are staying in Barcelona this coming weekend, do not miss it! Here you have Torre Amat address: Duquessa d’Orleans, 9 Barcelona.

Have a great weekend! From Derby Hotels Collection

Barcelona will host the 6th edition of one of the national sports in Spain: Tapeo (eating tapas). With a total of 66 establishments (25 more than last year) the city is ready to serve over 57,000 tapas.

During these days each of the venues display over their bars their best creation, the most distinctive, accompanied with one bottle of Estrella Damm beer, for just € 2.40.

Discover Barcelona, its most unique corners and get ready to enjoy a variety of dishes with miniature proposals: from the most traditional to the most daring.

Burger lovers have plenty of options: such as mini burger with crispy bacon and fresh basil; mini burger with Parmesan and arugula, mini spicy beef, goat cheese and caramelized onions, or Iberian secret mini burger with pistachios and onion. There is also other interesting tapas like the black ink miniPizza with tomato, mozzarella, brandade of cod, anchovies and capers, the red tuna tataki or caramelized foie with jam. There is also space for thai food lovers with the wonton with Iberian pork filling and sour sauce, or the angomakibcnroll prepared as a cucumber roll with tuna and anchovy cream sprinkled with yuzu roe.

If you want to make your  choice of bars and restaurants involved and know more about their proposal. Download here the map.

The effort made by the establishments will pay off in the form of prize. The “Restoration Guild Tapa” rewards the most original and creative elaboration. The “Estrella Damm Tapa” will recognize the dish that best combines with beer or that includes it as an ingredient, and the “Popular Tapa” will be the one to receive more votes by consumers.

Also, you can be fully informed through Loodic and Gastronosfera  mobile applications for smartphones (both for iPhone and Android)

And as a complementary activity, a photo competition has been organized by Gastronosfera on Instagram with the hashtag # tapaBCN. You still have time! Send yours!

Enjoy and savor, be encouraged to vote your favorite tapa!

Thousands of people are waiting for the opening of one of the most innovative fairs in R & D & i. There is no edition that doesn’t surprise the best experts on this matter. Hundreds of brands squeeze their knowledge in order to be a great discoverer and create a new concept, product or revolutionary app.

The truth is that the real “aces” of the fair are usually the mobile devices, as well as the new operating systems found inside these devices, which are often what makes the difference between one or the other, and finally the apps .

So much so, we highlight the initiative of Council of Barcelona who did not want to be left behind in this sector and has created a unique website called Apps4bcn: a new portal that contains 170 apps for everyday use and for entrepreneurs.

By recommendation of experts in different areas, a selection has been made of the best  apps to make life and enjoyment of  Barcelona easier. Here are some of them: “Sagrada Familia” is an app where you’ll find videos and photos, plus a virtual tour inside the basilica and the ability to purchase tickets online.

“Tweri” is a practical and interesting application that allows you to keep the tranquility of people suffering from Alzheimer while they are taking a walk. “Social diabetes” has been translated into eight languages ​​and is used in 20 countries, and works for self-management of type 1 diabetes mellitus patients.

“Trànsit ” informs us of the state of traffic in Barcelona through a map and one is able to see live images from the cameras on the streets.

Barcelona combines the MWC with its territorial initiative to become a mirror for other countries in terms of technology and culture.

We will be alert to the most innovative and exclusive. Do not make plans from the 25th to the 28^th of February and go to Fira Gran Via (Av. Joan Carles I, 64, Hospitalet del Llobregat), visit MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS!

More international than ever, this year the general theme of ARCO faces “The international market and online business opportunities.” In this edition , from the 201 participating galleries 133 are foreign.

Moreover, sinceTurkeyis the guest country, ARCO presents Turkey FOCUS program which brings together some of the most celebrated artists of this country. It’s a selection of  writer and teacher Vasif Kortun and exhibition curator, Lara Fresko.

Another of the standing out new features is the launch of ARCO Bloggers. The most representative worldwide experts in contemporary art bloggers are the stars of this new space that faces the analog versus digital on the network.

Topografias de la Memoria – C.Madoz (ARCO 2012)

Again ARCO meets expectations, generates controversy  and leaves no one indifferent.

“Tutankhamun. Story of a discovery “pays tribute to one of the most authentic archaeological adventures in history. The Egyptian Museum of Barcelona proposes an “expedition” to get to know its protagonists, their working methods or the media impact generated by the discovery of the tomb of the king-boy.

In addition to this temporary exhibition, which will be open until May 31, some other interesting activities will be held: guided tours, debates, workshops for children, or even a trip to visit the excavation site. Directed by the curator, Luis Manuel Gonzálvez, we can discover many pieces of the Clos Archaeological Foundation which, until now, had not been exposed. A reproduction of the tomb itself and a model of the excavation will help us get in position. We also find a selection of fifty photographs of the tomb of Tutankhamun and  fragments of the excavation diary by Howard Carter.

In addition, the exhibition features an augmented reality app for smartphones and tablets that allow you to interact with objects and images of the sample.

This exhibition is held to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the discovery by Howard Carter and his patron Lord Carnarvon which still continues to generate so much controversy. In fact, the “curse of Tutankhamun” deserves its own chapter in the sample in the Egyptian Museum. Moreover, it is one of the topics discussed on 24 January by the President of the Clos Archaeological Foundation, Mr Jordi Clos and Marta Villanueva, expert of Egyptian Museum of Barcelona in one of the conferences that are linked to the exposure.

From DHC we would like to have a look at these markets, which have their origin in the fourteenth century, located in some of the most emblematic places of the city. Do not miss any of them if you have the wonderful luck to be in the city of lights during the Christmas period.

At Trocadéro Square, right next to the Eiffel Tower, the “Trocadéro on Ice” gives you the possibility to enjoy an ice rink in the heart of Paris! Besides an ice igloo and a snowman, the market offers a hundred wooden houses with gastronomy, handicrafts and numerous animations to keep the magic of Christmas.

Open from 11h to 20h from December 13 to January 6.

The Marché de Noël de Champs Elysées is one of the most amazing for visitors because of its unique location; an incredible opportunity to walk through one of the world’s most spectacular avenues while enjoying over a hundred wooden houses that offer handicrafts and cuisine. In addition, you will find numerous carousels and  other games perfect for children. In the Place de la Concorde, located at one end of the avenue, you will witness the largest Christmas tree in Europe with almost 35 meters high.

Open from 10h to 23h from November 16 to January 6 (Friday and Saturday is open until midnight).

The Marché de Noël de Montparnasse has similar characteristics, located in one of the most prestigious districts of the French capital, just below the Montparnasse Tower. Surely you will not be able to resist taking a small snack right there!

Open from 5 to 30 December.

On the Boulevard Saint Germain des Prés, near the legendary church of Saint Germain des Prés, is located one of these marchés with thirty wooden houses of spectacular decoration consisting of a very traditional offer.

Open from December 6 to January 2.

The Marché de Noël Alsacien is located in the Gare de l’Est, it lasts only two weeks, but differs from the others because, in this case, you can enjoy the Alsatian gastronomy: pretzels, gingerbread, chocolate, fresh pasta, foie gras, Alsatian charcuterie…  Moreover, this year there is a Christmas tree, entertainment for children and tastings of the treasures of this region of France.

The next market is found in the Italie 2 shopping center, in the Place d’Italie, which will held animations for kids and adults. The Marché de Noël de Italie 2 is an ideal opportunity to enjoy the food offered by the market and at the same time doing Christmas shopping.

Open from November 24 to December 24.

In the neighbourhood of the Moulin Rouge, the Marché de Noël du Haut-Montmartre, decorated with more than 70 wooden houses in the streets of the famous Parisian neighborhood. The program includes handicrafts, creations of artists, food, typical Christmas decorations …

Open from December 6 to January 6.

The Féeries d’Auteuil, 20 minutes from the Eiffel Tower, compared to the Trocadéro Market, it is a much more festive in which you can enjoy animations and concerts, as well as antique shops and gastronomic specialties of the regions in France famous for their wines, champagnes, cheeses and foie gras without forgetting the little touches like jewelry, ready-to-wear, decorative, and Provence nativity figurines and Christmas trees. It also has a caring house hold by the youth of the area.

Open from 8 to 16 December.

A few steps from the Eiffel Tower, in the seventh arrondissement, at the Marché de Noël du Mail Branly, a multitude of artisans will be there with their creations and, whilst you are shopping, you will be able to enjoy delicious local products such as marrons , gingerbread, tartiflette or hot wine.

Open from December 14 to January 6.

To conclude, itcould not miss the most famous cathedral in the world market. We are talking about the Marché de Noël Paris Notre-Dame. A score of exhibitors await you to show you their most original creations. A treat to enjoy the handicraft and culinary mix beside the Seine.

Open from 10am to 20pm from 15 to 23 December.

From DHC we like to highlight emerging artists and, in this case, we have had the chance to have a chat with them and they have opened themselves to us!

Alba and Santi met during the last year of University, in fact, they had never even spoken! It was a bit weird, like a crush at first sight.

When asked for the original name of their study they argue that it was elected for three reasons, the first one, in contrast with other studies names that are often or very phonetic or too self-referential. The second reason was to include an expression of Spanish popular culture (Bendita, which means blessed), very present in their work. And finally, for the redeeming aspect: compensates our atheism. They add that, though Google has another explanation:

We wanted to know who was who in the duo made up by the two artists and their response was undoubtedly very original: for them, all the characters in their rarity are highly empathic. Charles, for instance, has got an amazing blond hair, and common brown eyes. It was an answer that exemplifies their spirit: a great sense of humour always looking for to surprise and break patterns.

They want their projects to be nice but also they hope they’ll be like kids, we want them to be smart.

They prefer quality over quantity, it seems more perennial and they confess they do not get on well with agencies because we probably speak different languages, although they admit they would love to find someone with whom explore new territories.

Regarding their dreams, they are categorical, they consider they are like wishes and they do not dare to pronounce them for fear of not being fulfilled. However, their brilliant minds are full of them and they hope that one day come true.

When asked who would they like to work for, they responded that if the project was interesting they do not mind the person. They also added that it usually goes together, interesting project, interesting person.

To conclude, they define their style in ten words: We traffic with meanings five six seven eight nine ten.

A couple of graphic design geniuses who flirted with us when we asked them where they would live, in one of our hotels! Surely they would not leave! Artists who deserve to be known with whom was a pleasure to share a nice conversation.

]]> http://www.derbyhotels.com/blog/en/bendita-gloria/feed/ 0 http://www.derbyhotels.com/blog/en/black-party/ http://www.derbyhotels.com/blog/en/black-party/#comments Fri, 07 Dec 2012 11:40:24 +0000 Derby Hotels Collection http://www.derbyhotels.com/blog/en/?p=2234 Derby Hotels Collection supports emerging artists with personality as a result of its interest in linking art and culture in its hotels through the GLASSart, a tool that allows us to present new ways to express ART.

This time GLASSart # 3 dressed in black to expose the young designer Iñigo Garaizabal’s thesis. An exhibition of seven total looks that can still be seen, by both hotel guests and the general public until December 9 in the atrium of the Urban Hotel.

Iñigo Garaizabal is a promising young Spanish fashionista who fell for the Urban Hotel Madrid since he arrived a few years ago. Winner of the 2nd Prize MODAFAD 2012 and Special Mention “Best Collection” feminine and masculine in his thesis at IED Madrid, Iñigo’s designs are handmade and he takes care of everything; selecting fabrics, modelling clothes, making unique patterns, to dress both women and men.Exclusive pieces of clothing that are born with the aim of dressing practical and functional people, but mostly sensitive people.

This exhibition is the first opportunity to see the beginnings of his work. A job that looks to the past, inspired by the tradition, which retrieves regional fabrics, it even follows custom lines.

As the exhibition title suggests BLACK the colour black is very important in the work of Iñigo. An attraction in which he operates perfectly and that he himself defines as a neutral, functional, stylish and relaxed colour which allows to go beyond the aesthetic and to assess other aspects of the piece.

A very special thanks to Rosa Orrantia from Persuade, to be the culprit of many wonderful things happen and sometimes being around in the distance. We love you Rosa.

An exhibition which we celebrate with a party where everything was BLACK! Even the menu, prepared by our chefs Pere and Genaro, combined with Oscar Duran and all overseen by Paco Patón and his team, who once again surprised us with their creativity and savoir faire: black popcorn, black rice sushi, black ships, mini burgers with black bread, black rice, squid ink croquettes, fritters trumpets of death, black rocks with chocolate, mini sacher cakes, black gummy bears black, black Russian, Mahon dark beer…

Some of the people who joined us on this adventure:

Clara Courel, Josefina Vicario, Aida Nizar, Diego, Pilar and Carlos, the whole team of IED from Madrid, David Pla, Bea Moreno de la Cova, Nicolas Crison, Audrey Marsal, Aldara Collet, Emilia Grabowska, Moncho Tamames, Suji Ogun, Mariana Suárez, Borja Martin, Borja Vazquez and Manu de Scalpers, Raúl Marina de Vanessa Lorenzo, the Gómez brtoehrs and fashionistas like Begoña Robles, Silvia Romano, Gorka Postigo, Antonio Diaz, Josie, DEMOartist, Mary and Irene, Abraham Garcí­a, Raquel Diaz, Janio Renwick, Michel and Julio from MEDEMS among many others and beloved friends.

A picture is worth a thousand words, and here they are. You will find more on our facebook!

]]> http://www.derbyhotels.com/blog/en/black-party/feed/ 0 http://www.derbyhotels.com/blog/en/party-view-of-the-times/ http://www.derbyhotels.com/blog/en/party-view-of-the-times/#comments Tue, 04 Dec 2012 10:31:17 +0000 Derby Hotels Collection http://www.derbyhotels.com/blog/en/?p=2202 If  you missed the party of the 16th number of the View of the Times magazine last Wednesday, we will tell you all about one of the coolest event in Madrid!

The celebration took place in our Urban Hotel which, for the very first time, received 450 people. The party was known for the great vibe, an impeccable service and for its glamorous guests.

Olga Liggeri, the magazine general director, orchestrated an event with all of the most relevant personalities of current Spain of all fields: photography, art, design and fashion such as the breathtaking model Marina Jamieson, who surprised us with her incredible red dress or the artist Demo, in charge of the Masked Bears displayed at the Glass Bar.

Among the audience, we highlight the model Laura Ponte, cover of this magazine number, one of the main protagonist of the event.

Ron Santa Teresa was un charge of entertaining the guests with its delicious mojitos and other cocktails, and the Hotel Urban staff offered a wonderful catering with an excellent service for a party full of magic.

The evening lasted until one o’clock in the morning while you could enjoy the best music in a glamorous and fresh vibe.

We are looking forward the next party. Until then, enjoy some of the pictures of the event, if you want to see them all, check out our Facebook page.