LluГs DomГЁnech i Montaner not only acted as architect, but also funded and promoted the construction of Santa Creu i Sant Pau Hospital – without a doubt, his masterpiece and an emblematic modernist work in Barcelona, located close to another masterpiece - GaudГ's La Sagrada FamГlia.
Domènech i Montaner's goal was to create a fully functional hospital complex that would heal its patients not only physically, but also mentally, lifting their spirits with bright designs and creative floor plans. 46 small pavilions form the hospital plan, and all of them are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sights (along with Palau de la Música Catalana). Many highly acclaimed Barcelona artists, including Eusebi Arnau, donated their artwork – sculptures, paintings, ceramics – to decorate the Santa Creu i Sant Pau Hospital.
The Santa Creu i Sant Pau Hospital grounds are open to the public (guided tours are available too). Visiting the DomГЁnech i Montaner pavilions, part of the recently opened Recinte Modernista is obligatory for any Art Modern lover. The hospital grounds are vast: apart from the Recinte Modernista, they are also occupied by the UAB University campus and, of course, the new ultra-modern Hospital Sant Pau building, an important health care centre in Barcelona. There is also a museum in the works, which would be dedicated to LluГs DomГЁnech i Montaner, the topic of medical care in Barcelona, and the history of Santa Creu i Sant Pau hospital, which dates back to the 15th century.