Mesura redesigns Casa Batlló second floor into new contemporary art gallery in Barcelona
Casa Batlló is preparing to open a new chapter in its history with the transformation of its second floor into a contemporary art gallery, offering the public access to a space that has remained closed for decades.
This initiative, scheduled to launch on January 31, 2026, aligns with the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death and positions the building not only as an architectural landmark but also as a cultural platform engaged with the present.
The space will measure 230 m² and has been reimagined by Barcelona-based architecture studio Mesura, whose design respects the original heritage while introducing elements that resonate with today’s artistic vocabulary.
The inaugural exhibition, Beyond the Façade by United Visual Artists (UVA), reflects this ambition by combining light, movement, and immersive projection.
United Visual Artists, the London-based art practice founded by Matt Clark, will interpret the rhythms of life and invite visitors into an experiential dialogue with art and architecture.
The opening coincides with UVA’s projection mapping work for Casa Batlló’s façade, part of its celebrated annual mapping event, offering a unified narrative between the exterior and the interior of Gaudí’s creation.
Historically, the second floor of Casa Batlló served as apartments and later as a conservation workshop, never functioning as an art space until now.
By dedicating the area to two exhibitions annually, Casa Batlló Contemporary establishes itself as a permanent hub for contemporary culture in Barcelona, accessible as part of the main visitor route or through independent admission.
This strategic decision reflects the institution’s intention to foster a dialogue between the legacy of Gaudí and the experimental languages of contemporary creation.
Mesura’s intervention carefully safeguards original features such as stained glass and woodwork while introducing a newly designed ceiling formed of metal panels printed with concentric ripples.
Produced using advanced robotic techniques, the ceiling evokes water as a living material and adds a symbolic layer to the spatial composition. The architects describe their role as creating an echo of Gaudí’s vision—an addition that integrates without disrupting.
The project underscores Casa Batlló’s role as both a custodian of heritage and a generator of cultural innovation. It reflects a broader commitment outlined in its Master Plan, first drafted in 2015 and supported by UNESCO and local cultural institutions, to ensure that the building evolves while remaining true to its essence.
For General Director Gary Gautier, the creation of this gallery positions Casa Batlló as a beacon of living heritage in the 21st century, both within Barcelona and internationally.
In this sense, the opening of Casa Batlló Contemporary signals a new era where the architectural past becomes a framework for contemporary artistic expression, ensuring Gaudí’s work remains alive and relevant for future generations.
All images courtesy of Casa Batlló, shared with permission
