Lluís Domènech i Montaner (1849-1923), the great architect of modernisme, took over the work on Palau Montaner from the first architect, Josep Domènech i Estapà, who left the project due to disagreements the owners. Though Ramon de Montaner i Vila, the building’s owner, gave Domènech i Montaner creative freedom to build his family mansion, the latter decided to continue the work based on the structure built by his predecessor, introduce ornamental elements, expand the eaves for a more welcoming effect and give the building character.

Inside, Domènech i Montaner designed a large entrance hall with an imperial stone staircase featuring sculptural elements that represented flowers and animals, leading up to a landing with a grand mosaic glass skylight that fills the entrance with light.

Domènech i Montaner enlisted the collaboration of the finest applied arts craftsmen of the time: Lluís Bru’s mosaics, Eusebi Arnau’s sculptures, Gaspar Homar’s cabinetry and fabrics, Francesc Tiestos’s ironwork and Antoni Rigalt’s stained glass.