Barcelona 2026 – World Capital of Architecture
A year dedicated to architecture, urban culture and the future of cities.
In 2026, Barcelona has been designated World Capital of Architecture by the International Union of Architects (UIA) in partnership with UNESCO. Throughout the year, the city will host exhibitions, debates, installations, guided tours and public programmes, positioning Barcelona as a global forum for architecture, urbanism and sustainable cities.
This exceptional moment coincides with major architectural milestones:
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100 years since the death of Antoni Gaudí, marked by significant progress on the Sagrada Família, including the completion of the Jesus Tower.
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150 years since the death of Ildefons Cerdà, whose visionary Eixample plan continues to shape contemporary debates on mobility, public space and urban health.
Connection to the UIA World Congress 2026
Barcelona 2026 also hosts the UIA World Congress of Architects, bringing together practitioners, researchers, institutions and policymakers from around the world. The congress focuses on key questions shaping the future of cities, including social equity, climate adaptation, circular construction, mobility, heritage, and the relationship between architecture and community.
Our programmes connect these international debates with Barcelona’s own architectural and urban projects, offering on-site context and professional interpretation.
1. Our Contribution & Key Themes of 2026
As practising architects, we collaborate with the Barcelona City Council and cultural institutions to contribute to the official 2026 programme.
Our work involves:
A. Public Activities (for local audiences)
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Architect-led walks
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Neighbourhood tours on mobility, public space and regeneration
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Thematic itineraries linked to sustainability, climate and design
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Public talks, debates and presentations
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Co-created activities with cultural institutions
These experiences make architecture accessible to everyone and connect daily urban life with broader debates.
B. Key Themes We Explore
Across both public and professional activities, Barcelona 2026 highlights several fundamental topics:
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Housing & Regeneration
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Mobility, Public Space & Superblocks
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Sustainability & Climate Strategies
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Innovation & Productive Urbanism (22@ and emerging districts)
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Heritage & Transformation
2. Professional Programmes for International Groups
For architecture firms, construction and engineering companies, real estate groups, universities and institutions visiting Barcelona in 2026, we design custom architect-led programmes directly connected to the themes of the World Capital of Architecture.
A. Activities We Can Include
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Multi-day technical itineraries
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Thematic site visits
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Meetings with architects, planners and institutions
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Workshops, seminars and lectures
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Curated access to relevant projects and agencies
B. What Your Team Gains
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Technical depth and critical insight
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Contextual understanding of Barcelona’s urban strategies
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Exposure to current debates and future challenges
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Dialogue with local experts and practitioners
3. Why Explore Barcelona 2026 with GA Barcelona
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Programmes guided or curated by practising architects
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Official collaborations within the 2026 programme
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More than 20 years of experience working with international professional groups
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Specialist knowledge of architecture, urban planning, mobility and sustainability
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Strong local network of studios, institutions and public agencies
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Multilingual team (English, Spanish, Catalan, German, French, Italian)
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Barcelona member of the Guiding Architects international network
4. Plan Your 2026 Experience
Whether you are based in Barcelona or visiting with a professional or academic group, we help you engage with Barcelona 2026 in a meaningful and informed way.
5. Any questions?
FAQ For Local Residents & Visitors
Yes. Most public walks and events within the official Barcelona 2026 programme are open to residents and visitors. Some may require prior registration depending on venue and capacity.
All guided walks, debates and events we deliver with the City Council will be announced in our News section, updated throughout 2026.
FAQ For International Professional Groups
Yes. We design tailor-made, architect-led programmes for architecture firms, institutions, companies and universities visiting Barcelona during the World Capital year.
All our customised visits focus on Barcelona’s key debates: housing, mobility, public space, sustainability, innovation and heritage—fully aligned with the themes highlighted during 2026.
Our team guides in English, Spanish, Catalan, German, French and Italian.
For 2026 we recommend booking as early as possible, especially around the dates of the UIA World Congress.
FAQ For Visitors Attending the UIA World Congress 2026
Yes. Many groups choose to complement the congress with customised site visits. We adapt itineraries to fit your congress schedule (before, after or between sessions).
Yes. While the congress focuses on global debates, our tours offer on-site insight into Barcelona’s architectural projects and policies, making the experience highly enriching.
Absolutely. We can design thematic visits connected to sustainability, housing, mobility, heritage or innovation — all central axes of the 2026 programme.
Yes. Demand during the congress period will be high, especially for technical visits.
About GA Barcelona
Architecture is our passion. We want to convey the essence of contemporary architecture and urban planning in Barcelona with emotion, authenticity and professional competence. As expert architects, we offer a wide variety of architectural itineraries, conferences and events, all 100% adapted to your interests.
