Gaudí 2026: Celebrating the Centenary of an Architectural Visionary
Spain is set to mark a major cultural milestone in 2026 with the centenary of the death of Antoni Gaudí, one of the most renowned architects in the world. A nationwide programme of exhibitions, cultural events, and immersive experiences will invite visitors to rediscover his ground breaking work, much of which has been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage.
Barcelona at the Heart of Gaudí 2026
Barcelona and wider Catalonia will act as the epicentre of the celebrations, hosting a wide-ranging programme across more than 75 venues, including museums, public spaces, and cultural institutions. At the centre is the Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s most ambitious project, where a milestone will take place on 10 June 2026, the anniversary of his death, with the inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ. Rising to 172.5 metres, it will mark a symbolic moment in the basilica’s long construction.
Across the city, Gaudí’s most celebrated works, including Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, and Park Güell, will host exhibitions, performances, and installations. Highlights include immersive digital art experiences and façade projections at Casa Batlló, a symphonic premiere at the Palau de la Música Catalana, and community-led celebrations at Park Güell, which will also mark the centenary of its opening as a public park.
Beyond Barcelona, the "Gaudí Way”
The centenary will offer visitors the opportunity to explore the architect’s early influences in Reus and nearby Riudoms, where his connection to nature and craftsmanship helped shape his distinctive architectural style. His legacy extends beyond Catalonia through a unique cultural route linking the only three buildings he designed outside the region. Known as the “Gaudí Way”, it connects destinations across northern Spain and offers a broader perspective on his work.
In Comillas, El Capricho is one of his earliest creations which stands out for its vibrant ceramic decoration featuring sunflower motifs and nature-inspired details. In León, Casa Botines blends Gothic and modernist influences and today hosts exhibitions dedicated to Gaudí and Spanish art, whereas nearby Astorga is home to the Episcopal Palace, an imposing neo-Gothic building often likened to a medieval castle. Throughout 2026, these sites will host guided tours, exhibitions, and cultural events as part of the centenary programme.
On the island of Mallorca, Gaudí’s influence can be seen in the restoration of Palma Cathedral, La Seu. His early 20th-century intervention transformed the interior by enhancing natural light, reconfiguring the space, and introducing distinctive decorative elements. A dedicated exhibition will explore his contribution to the cathedral during the centenary year.
A Nationwide Celebration
Officially recognised as an event of exceptional public interest, Gaudí 2026 brings together institutions across Spain to celebrate the architect’s enduring legacy. From Barcelona’s iconic skyline to coastal towns and historic cities, the programme highlights both the scale and diversity of his legacy.
For all press enquiries contact Jessica Harvey Taylor on Jessica.harvey@tourspain.es or the Spanish Tourist Office’s PR agency LOTUS on spain@wearelotus.co.uk.