Barcelona 2026 – World Capital of Architecture
(Re)discover Barcelona within 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 hosts 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.
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.
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
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
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 & Urban Transformation (22@ and emerging districts)
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Heritage & Adaptation
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.
Our Contribution 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:
Panel Discussions and Architecture Tours on the Following Topics (for local audiences)
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Past Presents – Keeping the Architectural Heritage of the 20th Century Alive
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Renaturalisation of Public Space – A Paradigm Shift
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Barcelona’s Libraries – Architecture for Social Cohesion
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Industrial Heritage and Sustainability – A Complementary or Conflicting Relationship?
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FAD Architecture Awards – 67 Years of Architectural Excellence
These experiences make architecture accessible to everyone and connect daily urban life with broader debates.
Why explore Barcelona 2026 with GA Barcelona?
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Programmes curated and guided by experienced local architects
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Official collaborations within the Barcelona City Council’s 2026 programme
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Over 20 years of experience working with international professional groups
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Specialist expertise in architecture, urban planning, mobility and sustainability
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A strong local network of studios, institutions and public agencies
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Multilingual team (English, Spanish, Catalan, German, French and Italian)
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Co-founders of the international Guiding Architects network, representing Barcelona
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.
Any questions?
FAQ For Local Residents & Visitors
Yes. Architecture tours and public events within the official Barcelona 2026 programme are open to local audiences as well as visitors. Activities are held in Spanish or Catalan. Depending on the venue and capacity, prior registration may be required.
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 Groups
Yes. We design tailor-made, architect-led programmes for architecture firms, institutions, companies and universities visiting Barcelona during the World Capital year.
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 of Architects (28 June – 2 July 2026), when demand for visits, tours and events will be at its highest.
FAQ For Visitors Attending the UIA World Congress 2026
All our customised visits focus on Barcelona’s key debates — such as housing, mobility, public space, sustainability, innovation and heritage — and are fully aligned with the broader themes and research strands of the UIA World Congress 2026, under the overarching framework “Becoming. Architectures for a Planet in Transition.”
Yes. Many groups choose to complement the congress with customised tours. We adapt itineraries to fit your congress schedule (before, after or between sessions).
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.
