Open House Barcelona reveals 57 never-before-seen architectural spaces this weekend as the 16th edition of the popular festival returns to the city.
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The annual event, which runs Saturday and Sunday, will showcase more than 200 buildings across Barcelona and its metropolitan area, with organisers expecting over 70,000 visitors to explore the city’s architectural treasures.
Open House Barcelona Highlights Iconic New Additions
This year’s festival features several significant new additions that promise to draw substantial crowds. The Torre Diagonal One, Telefónica’s current 24-storey headquarters standing 110 metres tall, represents one of the most anticipated openings. Its innovative glass facade and panoramic viewing platform offer visitors a gateway to the 22@ technological district.
Meanwhile, the recently restored Edificio Estel, formerly Telefónica’s headquarters and now home to pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, showcases how architectural transformation can breathe new life into historic structures. The building’s comprehensive renovation replaced opaque screens with glass galleries while adding terraces and a new solar facade.
Furthermore, the festival marks the return of the iconic Mapfre office tower after several years’ absence. These corporate landmarks join numerous other spaces opening their doors to the public, demonstrating how Barcelona continues embracing public access initiatives across different sectors.
Additional newcomers include the unexpected galleries and terrace of the Pere Virgili health park in Gràcia, opening Sunday, and the restored Palau del Marquès d’Alfarràs in Horta’s labyrinth. This 11th-century palace features neo-Gothic and neo-Arabic inspired facades decorated in the 19th century and has recently undergone improvement works to open more fully to citizens.
Sustainable Architecture and Community Focus
The Open House Barcelona programme strongly emphasises sustainable development and community-oriented spaces. The Ruderal building in Gràcia, still under construction, demonstrates design principles focused on sustainability and integrating community life with the urban environment.
Similarly, the cooperative space Bloc4BCN in the Can Batlló industrial complex showcases energy efficiency and social sustainability principles. Interestingly, during renovation works, Neolithic and Roman remains were discovered, adding significant heritage value to this architectural project.
According to La Vanguardia’s comprehensive coverage, festival director Elisenda Bonet explained this year’s theme focuses on “feeling and seeing how you feel, and how quality architecture makes one feel better.” This human-centred approach reflects the event’s growing emphasis on architectural experience rather than mere visual appreciation.
The festival extends beyond Barcelona proper to include Badalona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Sant Joan Despí, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Sitges and Vilassar de Dalt. Metropolitan highlights include Sant Joan Despí’s Johan Cruyff Stadium, featuring hybrid grass and efficient LED lighting solutions, and Sitges’ baroque bell tower of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla parish.
Family Activities and Special Programmes
Open House Barcelona continues its popular Open Petits initiative with activities designed for children under 12. The Vil·la Urània, former residence of astronomer Josep Comas i Solà now converted into a low-environmental-impact municipal facility, will host family activities on Sunday featuring its bioclimatic design that regulates temperature through glazed enclosures and seasonal vegetation.
Additionally, the Open Cuina programme offers a gastronomic approach to architecture through three recipes inspired by festival spaces. Meanwhile, photography, social media and sketching competitions provide further engagement opportunities for visitors of all ages and interests.
Most venues offer free access, though some require prior registration with a nominal €3 fee. The festival website includes a search function to help visitors plan their itinerary based on specific interests and locations. The continued expansion of Open House Barcelona demonstrates the city’s commitment to architectural appreciation and public engagement with its built environment.
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