Barcelona is preparing for an extraordinary year: 2026 marks the Year of Gaudí, celebrating the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death, Catalonia’s most famous and internationally acclaimed architect. The city will become a living tribute to his genius, with exhibitions, concerts, cultural events, and experiences dedicated to his life, work, and visionary designs.
For first-time visitors and returning fans alike, 2026 is the perfect year to discover Gaudí’s masterpieces — from the soaring spires of the Sagrada Família and the whimsical mosaics of Park Güell to the architectural wonders of Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, to name just a few.
Beyond the well-known landmarks, the year also shines a spotlight on Gaudí’s lesser-known works, offering a truly unique opportunity to experience the architect’s creativity up close.
If you’re visiting Barcelona during Gaudí’s Centennial in Barcelona, here’s everything you need to know!
Who Was Antoni Gaudí?
If you’re new to Antoni Gaudí, here’s what makes him so extraordinary. Born in 1852 in Reus, Catalonia, Gaudí reimagined architecture with a style that blends nature, geometry, color, and light. His buildings are not just constructions; they are living works of art, full of symbolism, innovation, and imaginative detail. Walking through Barcelona is like stepping into one of his creations — each corner reveals a new surprise.
In 2026, visitors to Barcelona can explore Gaudí’s legacy through special exhibitions, immersive projections, restored sites, and cultural events across the city — a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see his genius celebrated at every turn.
Why 2026 Is Special for Barcelona
Antoni Gaudí is the architect with the most UNESCO World Heritage sites, and 2026 marks 100 years since his passing. To honor this milestone, the Catalan Government (Generalitat) and the Spanish Ministry of Culture have declared 2026 an Official Commemoration of Special Public Interest.
The celebration coincides with the nearing completion of the Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s crowning masterpiece, and aligns with Barcelona’s designation as the 2026 World Capital of Architecture, placing the city firmly in the global spotlight. For travelers, this means exclusive exhibitions, concerts, and guided tours that you won’t want to miss.
Year of Gaudí 2026 – Key Events in Barcelona
As mentioned earlier, Barcelona is pulling out all the stops to celebrate Antoni Gaudí, the visionary architect who transformed the city with his unique style. For visitors in 2026, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience and discover Gaudí like never before. From exhibitions and light shows to concerts and special tours, the city is alive with events honoring his genius.
Here is a curated list of the key celebrations and experiences you won’t want to miss.
1. Casa Batlló – Mapping Show
- January 31 (7 PM – 9 PM) and February 1 (7 PM – 9 PM), 2026: Annual projection mapping at Casa Batlló dedicated to Gaudí. The visual show, Hidden Order by Matt Clark, explores universal laws of nature and the hidden magic of the building.
2. Sagrada Família – Concert & Centennial Celebrations
- March 19, 2026: Concert by the Orfeó Català to mark the 144th anniversary of the laying of the first stone.
- June 10, 2026: Solemn mass on the exact centenary of Gaudí’s death, followed by the blessing and inauguration of the Jesus Christ Tower and the iconic four-armed cross.
3. Park Güell – Centennial & Exhibitions
- April, 2026: Public dinner celebrating 100 years since the park’s inauguration.
- May 14 – December 13, 2026: Photography exhibition “A recer del Park Güell”, showcasing often-overlooked details of the park.
4. Torre Bellesguard – Monograph & Concert
- April, 2026: Presentation of the first monograph dedicated to Torre Bellesguard by Galdric Santana.
- September, 2026: Special concert directed by Jordi Savall featuring curated pieces inspired by Gaudí’s work.
5. Casa Vicens – Grand Opening of Restored Spaces
- November 16, 2026: Inauguration of the fully restored Smoker’s Room, one of the house’s most iconic interiors.
6. Casa Milà (La Pedrera) – International Gaudí Congress
- June, 2026: International congress gathering Gaudí experts, exploring his architectural methods, artistic vision, and scientific approach.
7. Palau Güell – Exhibition
- November 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027: An exhibition focusing on the original decoration and furniture of Palau Güell, and the relationship between furniture maker Vidal i Jevellí and Güell and Gaudí.
8. Colònia Güell – Festa del Modernisme
- October 17–18, 2026: An annual festival that recreates daily life in Colònia Güell a century ago through theatrical scenes, music, exhibitions, and interactive activities. In 2026, the event joins the Year of Gaudí celebrations, with performances and storytelling focused on Gaudí’s life and death, set against the unique Modernist architecture of the site.
9. Gaudí in Mataró– Exhibition of His First Buildings
- January 2, 2026 – January 31, 2027: This exhibition explores Gaudí’s early interest in social reform, cooperative movements, and innovative construction and reveals, for the first time, that Gaudí built his three earliest works in the city of Mataró; the house of Salvador Pagès (1878), the bleaching shed, and the latrine pavilion (1883).
10. Other Museums & Exhibitions
- MNAC: Special exhibition featuring previously unseen works by Gaudí from municipal archives.
- Museu d’Història de Catalunya: Exhibition analyzing Gaudí’s works through key compositional elements.
- Palau de la Música Catalana: Musical theatre and band performances paying tribute to Gaudí, featuring compositions by Albert Guinovart and a world premiere, Els set somnis de Gaudí by Olivia Pérez-Collellmir.
These are the key events you won’t want to miss if you’re visiting Barcelona this year.
The Year of Gaudí is the perfect moment to immerse yourself in the genius and creativity of Antoni Gaudí. And if you’d like to explore his wonders with a guide, you can also book a personalized tour with me — I’d love to share the stories, secrets, and magic behind his masterpieces!
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