Barcelona 2026: World Capital of Architecture

Barcelona is experiencing a historic year. In 2026, the city has been designated World Capital of Architecture, a distinction promoted by UNESCO and the International Union of Architects (UIA) that celebrates its extraordinary architectural heritage and innovative approach to urban planning.

Barcelona Defeated Beijing

A little-known fact is that Barcelona competed against Beijing to host the 2026 World Congress of Architects. In the vote held in 2021, the Catalan capital received 147 votes compared to Beijing’s 129. Subsequently, in 2023, UNESCO officially designated Barcelona as World Capital of Architecture.

Barcelona thus becomes the third city to receive this recognition, following Rio de Janeiro and Copenhagen. It is also the first city to host the World Congress of Architects twice, having previously organised the event in 1996.

Architecture Takes Centre Stage in Barcelona Throughout 2026

Throughout 2026, Barcelona is celebrating its designation as World Capital of Architecture with more than 1,500 activities across the city’s ten districts. Exhibitions, visits to remarkable buildings, conferences and festivals such as 48h Open House Barcelona, which offers free access to buildings and architectural spaces normally closed to the public, bring the city’s architectural heritage closer to residents and visitors.

Furthermore, 2026 marks the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death, providing a special opportunity to rediscover his architectural legacy.

Passeig de Gràcia holds a prominent place in this heritage, bringing together some of the most iconic masterpieces of Catalan Modernism: Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, designed by Antoni Gaudí, and Casa Amatller, designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch. These three buildings reflect Barcelona’s architectural transformation in the early 20th century and make this avenue one of the city’s most significant cultural landmarks.