Barcelona City Council has temporarily halted plans to transform the Casa Lleó Morera, one of the city’s most celebrated modernist buildings, into a public museum. The Council suspended approval of the Integral Special Plan (PEI) required for the conversion, citing the need for technical revisions to the project’s documentation.
Developer Núñez i Navarro, the real estate group owning the property, now has three months to address the identified issues and resubmit its proposal. City officials stress this pause is a procedural step to ensure the project meets all technical and heritage requirements, rather than a cancellation of the ambitious cultural initiative.
A Modernist Jewel in Waiting
At Passeig de Gràcia, 35, the Casa Lleó Morera stands as a cornerstone of Catalan Modernisme. Designed by the illustrious architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, it forms part of the city’s famed ‘Illa de la Discòrdia’ (Block of Discord), an architectural showcase also featuring Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and Puig i Cadafalch’s Casa Amatller.
Commissioned in 1902, the building is renowned for its ornate façade, intricate mosaics, and stunning sculptural details crafted by artists like Eusebi Arnau and Gaspar Homar. Despite its cultural significance, as highlighted by the Government of Catalonia’s Cultural Heritage department, its main floor remains largely inaccessible to the public. This inaccessibility stems primarily from a significant barrier: a set of eight protected, original steps at its entrance.
Technical Setback, Not a Full Stop
Municipal technicians prompted the temporary suspension after identifying a series of errors and areas for improvement in the submitted plan. According to a report by Diari Catalunya, the issues are correctable.
“These are all amendable issues and error corrections. The project is not stopping, and the promoter has three months to present the improvements.”
The plan aims to open the building’s main floor as a cultural space, allowing residents and tourists to finally experience its interior splendour, long hidden from view. The key challenge involves providing universal access without altering the building’s protected architectural elements, which the revised plan must address flawlessly.
The Challenge of Accessibility
Overcoming the eight historic steps at the entrance presents a long-standing hurdle. The proposed solution involves installing a removable, portable platform over the heritage staircase. This allows wheelchair access without causing permanent damage. This delicate balance between preservation and modern accessibility standards is a common challenge for many of Barcelona’s historic sites.
This project aligns with a broader trend of activating Barcelona’s architectural heritage for cultural use. While this plan faces a minor delay, other initiatives are progressing. For instance, in Nou Barris, the Ideal Flor factory’s €37.5m cultural hub conversion is moving forward, and the recent reopening of Casa SEAT with a new cultural focus demonstrates a strong appetite for such cultural spaces. Even established landmarks like Casa Batlló continue to innovate, with events like its ‘Magic Nights’ on the rooftop blending heritage with contemporary entertainment.
A successful conversion of Casa Lleó Morera would add another major cultural destination to Passeig de Gràcia, enriching the city’s offering. Therefore, the project’s future hinges on the promoter’s ability to deliver a technically sound and respectful plan within the given timeframe, navigating the complexities of urban development in a city that treasures its past.
