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.

Spain is set to take centre stage in global sports tourism with two landmark events that will attract thousands of international visitors and reinforce the country’s reputation as a top destination for sports enthusiasts.

Madrid Formula 1 Grand Prix

From 2026, the Spanish Grand Prix will move to Madrid following a historic agreement with IFEMA MADRID. The all-new circuit will combine street and non-street sections, stretching 5.47km with 20 corners and a projected daily capacity of over 110,000 fans. Located just five minutes from Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport, the venue will be one of the most accessible on the Formula 1 calendar, with direct connections via Metro, train, and city lines. This development marks a new era for motorsport in Spain, promising world-class racing and an unforgettable fan experience.

Tour de France in Barcelona

Meanwhile, Barcelona will make history in July 2026 as the official starting point of the Tour de France, the world’s most elite cycling event. While the city has featured in the competition before, but never as the starting point, it’s an honour that underlines Catalonia’s passion for cycling and its focus on sustainable mobility. On 4 July, the opening stage will take off from Fòrum and finish at Estadi Olímpic, while on 5 July the second stage will commence at Rambla Nova, Tarragona, and conclude at Estadi Olímpic. By hosting this historic event, Barcelona solidifies its role as a premier sports destination and an attractive choice for international tourism.

Ahead of travelling to Spain and its islands, visitors should check the requirements of the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) which is gradually being implemented across the destination:

https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees

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

World-renowned for its impressive architecture and unique ties to creative genius Antoni Gaudí, the Barcelona City Council will coordinate a programme which brings architecture and urbanism closer to its locals and visitors, with a pedagogical approach that demonstrates their positive influence. Offering exhibitions, itineraries, workshops, open houses, visits, installations, and conferences, collectively the city council’s efforts seek to leave a legacy for the city.

Some of the key events due to take place include:

-   At the Museum of Ethnography and World Cultures there will be an exhibition dedicated to Nicolau Maria Rubió i Tudurí, the architect and landscape designer who played a key role in shaping modern Barcelona.

-   The MNAC will host an exhibition dedicated to modernist architect Josep Maria Jujol, a frequent collaborator of Antoni Gaudí.

-     The Picasso Museum will host an exhibition which explores Pablo Picasso’s deep relationship between art and architecture.

In anticipation of the Sagrada Familia’s official completion and the centenary of Gaudí's passing, 2026 is certainly set to be a significant year for Barcelona, its architectural heritage and citizens.

For more information, please visit: https://www.barcelona.cat/capitalmundialarquitectura/en/presentation