Casa Batlló to Debut Contemporary Art Gallery for Gaudí’s Centenary
The Barcelona landmark will open in January 2026 with an exhibition by United Visual Artists, inspired by the Catalan architect’s vision of divine geometry. Save to My Ocula
Casa Batlló will open a dedicated gallery space for the first time on 31 January 2026, with a programme of two contemporary art exhibitions each year.
Built in 1877, Casa Batlló was fully renovated in 1906 by Antoni Gaudí, the Catalan architect whose distinctive constructions across Barcelona feature elaborate ironwork, ceramics, and stone, and whose influence can be seen in the development of 20th-century modernism.
The 230-square-metre space on the second floor of the building was previously used as residential apartments and then as a conservation workshop.
The inaugural exhibition, Beyond the Façade, will feature United Visual Artists, the London-based, technology-led art practice founded by Matt Clark.
‘Inspired by Gaudí’s vision of divine geometry, Beyond the Façade reflects on the universal laws of nature and how they shape our understanding of the world,’ Clark tells Ocula. ‘The work invites us to look beyond surface appearances and to recognise ourselves as active participants in a greater natural order.’
The initiative aims to cement the UNESCO World Heritage Site (already a major tourist attraction with 1.9 million visitors last year) ‘as a new cultural hub in Barcelona’, Gary Gautier, general director of Casa Batlló, says in a statement.
The new programme falls under Casa Batlló Contemporary, for which artists are commissioned to engage with Gaudí’s architectural legacy. Since 2022, its annual ‘Mapping’ commission has seen artists create projections on the building’s façade. The 2026 commission will feature new work by Matt Clark, coinciding with the opening of Beyond the Façade.
The opening of the new gallery will coincide with the centenary of Gaudí’s death. Another significant milestone will be the completion of the main structure of Gaudí’s Basilica of the Sagrada Família, also in the Eixample neighbourhood, under construction since 1882. —[O]
Main image: Render of Casa Batlló Contemporary Exhibition Space, Barcelona. Courtesy Mesura.
A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services