Barcelona City Council has awarded the contract for the interior redesign of the Castell dels Tres Dragons. This decision marks a significant step in restoring one of the city’s most distinctive modernist landmarks. The architectural studio JAAS has been selected from 20 competing proposals. Consequently, they will transform the building into a dynamic public facility comprising a museum, auditorium, and library.
Located in the Parc de la Ciutadella, the building was originally designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner for the 1888 Universal Exposition. It has been closed to the public since 2011. The new project aims to re-establish the venue as the primary gateway to the Museum of Natural Sciences. Moreover, it will serve the wider ‘Ciutadella del Coneixement’ (Citadel of Knowledge) initiative.
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Castell dels Tres Dragons renovation creates new cultural hub
The council’s vision places heavy emphasis on making the ground floor accessible and inviting. It is designed to serve as a reception area and exhibition hall. Additionally, it will feature a cafeteria and spaces for scientific outreach. Among the highlights planned for this level are unique heritage pieces. These include the reconstructed ‘Mammoth of Sarrià’ and a collection of minerals of exceptional value.
The layout intends to integrate the castle seamlessly with neighbouring heritage sites. These include the Hivernacle (Greenhouse), the Umbracle, and the Martorell Exhibition Centre. Therefore, it will create a cohesive cultural district within the park.
Castell dels Tres Dragons renovation preserves modernist heritage
The renovation strategy is described as ‘conservative’ regarding the building’s heritage. It prioritises the preservation of original features. Key elements such as the flooring, ceilings, the main staircase, and the intricate ornamental details will be restored. These details are characteristic of Domènech i Montaner’s work.
The first floor will house a multipurpose auditorium designed to merge with the surrounding galleries. This space will feature retractable seating to accommodate various event formats. Modern audiovisual systems will be discreetly integrated into rails and curtains. This approach avoids disrupting the historic aesthetic. Restoration work here will focus on recovering polychromes, coats of arms, railings, and bronze fixtures.
On the second floor, the plan includes a public library and permanent exhibition spaces. These spaces are for the Museum of Natural Sciences. They will showcase the flora, fauna, and geology of Catalonia.
Castell dels Tres Dragons renovation timeline and investment
Jordi Valls, the deputy mayor responsible for science, noted that the building was born linked to science and the 1888 Expo. Later, it served as the Zoology Museum. “Now, with this transformation, it will be opened up… linking science and outreach,” he stated.
While the interior design phase is just beginning, exterior rehabilitation is already underway. This phase targets completion by early 2027. These works are estimated to cost €8 million. They involve restoring the facade, the ground floor portico, the roof, and the large balconies. Improvements to energy efficiency and accessibility are also included. The council expects the exterior restoration to conclude during the first quarter of 2027. This timeframe coincides with Barcelona’s role as the UNESCO World Capital of Architecture for 2026.
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