ARTH 268 – Modern Art in Barcelona: From Gaudí to Dalí

Stained glass church in Spain.

Washington and Lee University Center for International Education Spring Term Abroad Spring Term Abroad 2026 ARTH 268 – Modern Art in Barcelona: From Gaudí to Dalí
Center for International Education
Four Credits, FDR - HA, EXP
One week on campus; three weeks in Spain
Professor Elliott King
Spain
From the Art Nouveau-inspired buildings of the architect Antoni Gaudí to Picasso’s Cubism and Salvador Dalí’s surrealist “dream paintings,” this course explores the internationally renowned modern artists, architects, and designers who defined Spain’s unique take on 20th-century art in two of the country’s most colorful and cosmopolitan cities: Barcelona and Madrid. With three weeks abroad, the specially curated itinerary begins in the exciting Catalan capital, Barcelona, where we will experience Gaudí’s spectacular Sagrada Família Cathedral, the monastery at Montserrat, the Museu Picasso, and the Fundació Joan Miró. Moving towards the Costa Brava, we will study Dalí’s artworks on view at the Teatre-Museu Gala-Salvador Dalí and see firsthand the haunting seascapes that characterized his surrealist paintings (and enjoy some of Spain’s world-class beaches, too!). Finally, we’ll turn from Catalunya to Madrid to better understand the relationship between modern art, totalitarianism, and the Spanish Civil War. No Spanish language required.

Program fee (Paid to W&L): $6,127
Includes programming, room, fees, most in-country transportation, some meals (nearly all breakfasts and ~2 dinners), and transportation to the airport. 

Additional costs: airfare, cell phone, spending money, passport, and visa fees

For further details, please contact Professor King.

The information session for this course will take place on October 6, 2025, at 7 pm in Parmly 307.

Center for International Education

Mark Rush

Director

Hunter Swanson

International Student Advisor

Cindy Irby

Associate Director and Study Abroad Advisor

Jillian Murphy

Senior Assistant Director of International Education and Study Abroad Coordinator

Kristy Reed

Center for International Education Office Manager

Center for International Education

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    Room 145
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    204 W. Washington St.
    Washington and Lee University
    Lexington, Virginia 24450