The final design for the Carmen Thyssen Museum Barcelona has been revealed. Consequently, one of the city’s most iconic corners is set for a dramatic transformation. The historic Cine Comèdia, located at the bustling intersection of Gran Via and Passeig de Gràcia, has officially begun its transition into Barcelona’s newest major cultural institution.
Following months of anticipation, the final project plans have been submitted to Barcelona City Council for processing. Promoted by the investment firm Stoneweg, the design was created by Barcelona-based studio OUA in collaboration with British firm Casper Mueller Kneer Architects. Therefore, the design promises to revitalise the landmark building while adding a contemporary layer to the city’s skyline.
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Restoring the Palau Marcet for the Carmen Thyssen Museum Barcelona
The project is far more than a simple interior renovation. In fact, it is an ambitious intervention aimed at recovering the lost grandeur of the Palau Marcet. Before it was a cinema, the building was a 19th-century aristocratic residence. The architects intend to return the facade to its original glory. The exterior will be restored to display the specific tonal palette it featured when first constructed in the late 1800s. This ensures the palace once again commands attention on the famous chamfered corner.
While the exterior looks to the past, a new structure will rise behind the palace to look towards the future. Described by the project leaders as a “backdrop,” this new volume has been scaled back from initial sketches to meet municipal regulations. Its design aims to blend seamlessly with the environment. Moreover, it utilises a colour scheme intended to merge with the changing blue and grey hues of the Barcelona sky.
A New Home for Catalan Art at the Carmen Thyssen Museum Barcelona
The interior layout is designed to give the artwork room to breathe. The ground floor will house a specialised bookstore and a design shop. This serves as the welcome point for visitors. Meanwhile, the first floor will be dedicated to the permanent collection, which promises a strong focus on Catalan and Spanish art.
Art enthusiasts can expect to see works by masters who defined Barcelona’s bohemian history. These include Ramon Casas, Santiago Rusiñol, Joaquim Mir, and Isidre Nonell. The newly constructed rear building will function primarily as a space for temporary exhibitions. Consequently, it will act as a “cultural laboratory” to explore the reciprocal influence between Barcelona and the global art scene.
Terraces and Auditoriums at the Carmen Thyssen Museum Barcelona
The museum aims to be a social hub as well as an artistic one. A notable confirmation in the final design is the absence of a street-facing restaurant. Instead, the museum will feature a café located on an interior terrace, sheltered by a roof of artisanal tiles. This space is envisaged as a quiet refuge. Here, visitors can enjoy coffee surrounded by history, isolated from the traffic noise of the Gran Via.
Additionally, the basement levels will house a new auditorium with a capacity of up to 400 people. This versatile space is intended for book presentations, conferences, and community events. Therefore, it reinforces the museum’s goal to be a meeting point for locals rather than just a tourist attraction.
The timing of the project aligns perfectly with Barcelona’s current status as the World Capital of Architecture. As the Comèdia prepares to hang up its “To Be Continued” sign, it is poised to re-emerge as a central pillar of the city’s cultural landscape.
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