Círculo Oscense Huesca
Step into a stunning Art Nouveau gem, the Círculo Oscense, a historic cultural center in Huesca showcasing art, architecture, and timeless elegance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere
Círculo Oscense Huesca
Best Time
Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a stunning Art Nouveau gem, the Círculo Oscense, a historic cultural center in Huesca showcasing art, architecture, and timeless elegance.
"A real 'Golden Brown' experience, in situ, in touch with the ghosts of the 2nd republic and a real timeless beauty and atmosphere."
🚶 Explore Freely
Take the stairs to the first floor and wander through the beautiful spaces at your own pace. :walking:
🍹 Enjoy a Drink
Sip on a wine or beer in the lovely seating area, overlooking the pretty square. :wine_glass:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Art Nouveau Architecture
Admire the intricate sculptures, vibrant stained glass, and captivating tapestries that define this architectural gem.
Arabesque Entrance
The intricately carved door by Francisco Arnal is a striking prelude to the building's artistic treasures within.
Pascual Aventín Paintings
Discover the rich artistic heritage showcased by the paintings of Pascual Aventín adorning the walls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Step Back in Time
A Cultural Hub
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶 Explore Freely
Take the stairs to the first floor and wander through the beautiful spaces at your own pace. :walking:
🍹 Enjoy a Drink
Sip on a wine or beer in the lovely seating area, overlooking the pretty square. :wine_glass:
🍽️ Try the Finger Food
The venue offers good finger food options, perfect for a light snack. :forkandknifewithplate:
🖼️ Appreciate the Art
Soak in the 'Golden Brown' experience, surrounded by original art-deco wall paintings. :frame_photo:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Explore Freely
Take the stairs to the first floor and wander through the beautiful spaces at your own pace. :walking:
🍹 Enjoy a Drink
Sip on a wine or beer in the lovely seating area, overlooking the pretty square. :wine_glass:
🍽️ Try the Finger Food
The venue offers good finger food options, perfect for a light snack. :forkandknifewithplate:
🖼️ Appreciate the Art
Soak in the 'Golden Brown' experience, surrounded by original art-deco wall paintings. :frame_photo:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Círculo Oscense for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture, rich history, and pleasant atmosphere. Many highlight the beauty of the interior, including sculptures, stained glass, and paintings, and appreciate the opportunity to enjoy a drink in such a unique setting. Some mention the reasonable prices for refreshments.
"Círculo Oscense aka Casino de Huesca
Art nouveau, Ildefonso Bonells, 1904
Born as the headquarters of the Liberal Party, the progressive bourgeoisie of Huesca commissioned the Catalan architect Ildefonso Bonells to design this building. The arabesque door carved by Francisco Arnal opens on to a world of sculptures, stained glass, and tapestries sheltered by the paintings of Pascual Aventín.
The building housed the Círculo Oscense, a social and recreational club founded in 1877 which opened gambling halls to sustain itself, thus receiving its second name, "El Casino".
The club's liberal passion for the public, its success in combining the traditional private club with the emerging idea of a cultural centre, made it the epicentre of local life, a place for meetings and gatherings: receptions, parties, carnivals, banquets; exhibitions, conferences; language courses, reading, recitals, literary evenings; chess, billiards, games of chance.
With the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera, without gambling, it lost its income. The Second Republic turned it into a cultural centre, the Civil War into a military hospital and in 1951 it was transferred to the city. Today it remains open to the public as a cultural centre."
Kent Wang
"Lovely place for a cocktail, amidst original art-deco wall paintings.
A real "Golden Brown", experience, in situ, in touch with the ghosts of the 2nd republic and a real timeless beauty and atmosphere."
Doudie Arèstegui
"An amazing building. Enter it, take the stairs to the first floor and look around freely."
ruud waij
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Círculo Oscense is centrally located in Huesca, making it easily accessible on foot from most parts of the city. If arriving by car, look for public parking options nearby. Public transport options are also available, with bus stops within walking distance.
While the main floor is generally accessible, some older buildings may have limitations. It's advisable to contact the venue directly for specific accessibility information regarding ramps or elevators to upper floors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Círculo Oscense is generally free, as it functions as a public cultural center. However, specific events or exhibitions might have separate admission fees. It's always a good idea to check their official schedule.
Opening hours can vary depending on the day and any ongoing events. Typically, it's open during afternoons and evenings. For the most accurate information, consult their official website or social media pages.
Yes, you can visit the building to admire its architecture and enjoy a drink or snack. The main areas are accessible for general exploration outside of ticketed events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find stunning Art Nouveau architecture, including sculptures, stained glass, tapestries, and paintings by Pascual Aventín. The building itself is a work of art, reflecting its history as a social and cultural hub.
Photography for personal use is generally permitted, allowing you to capture the beauty of the interior. However, professional photography or flash usage might be restricted, especially during events. Always be mindful of other visitors.
Expect a 'Golden Brown' experience with a timeless beauty and atmosphere. It's a place where you can feel the 'ghosts of the 2nd republic' while enjoying a relaxed and elegant setting.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Círculo Oscense has a bar where you can enjoy drinks like wine and beer, as well as good finger food. It's a popular spot to relax and take in the ambiance.
Prices are considered reasonable, with reports of wine costing around €2.40 and beer around €2.65. The finger food is also noted as being good value.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that it's not a playground, so supervision is key. The option to enjoy a drink and finger food on the terrace or in the seating area can be a nice way to break up the visit and keep everyone happy. It's a good opportunity for a brief cultural immersion that can be both educational and visually stimulating for children, offering a different pace from typical tourist attractions.
🥂 Couples & Art Lovers
For art lovers, the building itself is a masterpiece, showcasing the work of Ildefonso Bonells and Pascual Aventín. The historical significance, from its origins as a social club to its current role as a cultural center, adds another layer of interest. It’s a place to savor the 'timeless beauty and atmosphere', making it a memorable outing for those who appreciate history, art, and a touch of old-world charm.
💰 Budget Travelers
For a very affordable treat, consider stopping by the bar. Reports indicate that drinks like wine and beer are reasonably priced (around €2.40-€2.65), and the finger food is also good value. This allows you to enjoy the atmosphere and perhaps a light snack without breaking the bank, making it a perfect stop for those exploring Huesca on a budget.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Rich History: From Liberal Hub to Cultural Center
The building's fortunes shifted with political changes. The dictatorship of Primo de Rivera led to the loss of gambling income, prompting a transformation. During the Second Republic, it was repurposed as a cultural center, and during the Civil War, it served as a military hospital. In 1951, the building was transferred to the city, solidifying its role as a public cultural space that remains open and active today. This historical journey imbues the Círculo Oscense with a unique atmosphere, a tangible connection to the past that visitors can feel.
Today, the Círculo Oscense continues its legacy as a vibrant cultural hub. It hosts exhibitions, conferences, language courses, and literary events, alongside its continued role as a place for social gatherings. The building itself is a testament to the Art Nouveau movement, featuring intricate sculptures, vibrant stained glass, and captivating tapestries, all sheltered by the paintings of Pascual Aventín. It offers a unique opportunity to experience history, art, and local Huesca life in one elegant setting.
Experiencing the Art Nouveau Splendor
The artistic heritage is further enriched by the paintings of Pascual Aventín, which adorn the walls, adding depth and character to the space. The arabesque door, carved by Francisco Arnal, serves as a dramatic entrance, hinting at the artistic treasures that lie within. Many visitors describe the experience as 'timeless' and 'magical,' a chance to immerse themselves in an environment that feels both grand and intimate.
Beyond the visual arts, the atmosphere itself is a key part of the experience. The 'Golden Brown' aesthetic, as described by some visitors, creates a warm and inviting ambiance. It’s a place where you can truly appreciate the craftsmanship and artistic vision of the early 20th century. Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply appreciate beautiful spaces, the Círculo Oscense offers a memorable encounter with Art Nouveau elegance.
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