Guiding Architects, article: Barcelona, World Capital of Architecture (Fig. 1)

Observatorio Fabra - Barcelona Capital Arquitectura. ©Vicente Zambrano González

Barcelona is set to make history in 2026 as it is World Capital of Architecture, an honor awarded by UNESCO and the International Union of Architects (UIA) to the host city of the World Architects Congress. This recognition cements Barcelona’s status as a global reference in architecture and urban planning, inviting both locals and visitors to explore its extraordinary architectural heritage.

To make architecture accessible to everyone, the city will host over 1,500 events across ten months, spread throughout its ten districts. These initiatives are organized by 170 cultural, educational, and architectural entities. At Guiding Architects Barcelona, we’ve curated five themed series of guided tours and debates, offering unique insights into the city’s past and present developments.

Guiding Architects, article: Barcelona, World Capital of Architecture (Fig. 2)

Barcelona’s redesigned Plaça de les Glòries. ©GA Barcelona

World Architects Congress

From June 28 to July 2, Barcelona will welcome the UIA World Architects Congress, returning 30 years after it first hosted the event. More than 10,000 professionals and 200 international speakers will gather to explore the future of architecture under the theme: “Becoming. Architectures for a planet in transition”, focusing on the ecological, social, material, and cultural shifts shaping our world.

The congress will take place across three iconic venues: the Disseny Hub, the Barcelona International Convention Center (CCIB), and the historic Sant Adrià de Besòs thermal power plant, known as the Three Chimneys. This will be the last chance to visit this remarkable industrial landmark before it is transformed into the Catalunya Media City, a digital innovation hub designed by Garcés de Seta Bonet and Marvel Architects.

Guiding Architects, article: Barcelona, World Capital of Architecture (Fig. 3)

Sant Adrià de Besòs power plant, center stage for the UIA World Congress. ©Manuel Torres Garcia

Guiding Architects, article: Barcelona, World Capital of Architecture (Fig. 4)

Cityscape of Barcelona. ©Enrico Perini

Gaudí: A Century of Legacy

2026 also marks 100 years since the death of Antoni Gaudí, the master of Catalan Modernism. A highlight of the Gaudí Year will be the completion of the Jesus Tower of the Sagrada Familia, which at 162.91 meters will become the tallest church in the world. The official inauguration will take place on June 10, the anniversary of Gaudí’s passing, with a commemorative mass.

Guiding Architects, article: Barcelona, World Capital of Architecture (Fig. 5)

Looking down on the central nave of Gaudí’s Sagrada Família. ©Ceci Fimia - Ajuntament de Barcelona, licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

This year also marks 150 years since the death of urban planner Ildefons Cerdà, creator of the iconic Eixample plan. His visionary work continues to shape Barcelona’s urban landscape, inviting everyone to explore the city through his transformative ideas.

Barcelona, World Capital of Architecture, promises a year of discovery, reflection, and inspiration at every scale of architecture. Don’t miss the chance to experience the city guided by us who live and shape it every day.

Guiding Architects, article: Barcelona, World Capital of Architecture (Fig. 6)

Mercat del Born, a satellite venue of the World Capital of Architecture in Barcelona’s Old Town. ©Sebastià Rambla - Ajuntament de Barcelona, licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Text by: Stefanie Herr, GA Barcelona

https://www.barcelona.cat/capitalmundialarquitectura/en

https://uia2026bcn.org

https://consellantonigaudi.cat/en/program-2026/

https://www.gabarcelona.com/barcelona-2026-world-capital-of-architecture/