Barcelona Named Architecture Capital 2026
Barcelona takes center stage as the World Capital of Architecture in 2026, with new 360° video tours showcasing Gaudí's works including the Sagrada Família and Park Güell. The designation is catalyzing urban revitalization projects and cultural programming throughout the city.
The designation of World Capital of Architecture is a joint initiative by UNESCO and the International Union of Architects (UIA) to highlight the crucial role of architecture and urban planning in shaping culture and sustainable development. Barcelona is the third city to hold this title, following Rio de Janeiro in 2020 and Copenhagen in 2023. Barcelona secured the 2026 title after a competitive selection process, with Beijing as the other contending city. The city's proposal was themed "One today, one tomorrow," focusing on architecture's capacity to transform reality over time. This marks a historic moment as Barcelona becomes the first city to host the UIA World Congress of Architects for a second time, the first being in 1996. The year-long program, running from February to December 2026, will feature over 1,500 multidisciplinary activities across the city's ten districts. The extensive lineup includes exhibitions, workshops, guided tours, and conferences, supported by a budget of €11 million co-funded by the Barcelona City Council, the Government of Catalonia, and Spain's Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda. A central event will be the UIA World Congress of Architects from June 28 to July 2, 2026, expected to attract over 10,000 professionals. The theme for the congress is "Becoming. Architectures for a Planet in Transition," exploring topics like sustainability, housing, and public space. The year 2026 also marks the centenary of the death of Antoni Gaudí, and the program will include a special "Gaudí Year 2026" to rediscover the work of the modernist architect. This coincides with the anticipated completion of the Sagrada Família, adding another layer of architectural significance to the year. A lasting legacy of the designation will be a large-scale, 82-square-meter model of Barcelona. This "living instrument," created with 3D printing and AI tools, will be a permanent installation for visualizing and reflecting on the city's future urban planning. Additionally, an international competition for young architects will transform ten party walls throughout the city into new facades.
