September Marks New Phase of World Capital of Architecture
Barcelona's designation as World Capital of Architecture 2026 enters a new phase in September, with a concentrated programme of exhibitions, workshops, debates and urban routes across the city. The month focuses on the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district, continuing a decentralised initiative that has already drawn over 100,000 participants since its launch on 12 February. The city’s status, awarded by UNESCO and the International Union of Architects (UIA), supports a year-long multidisciplinary programme of more than 1,500 activities across all ten districts. The September hub is the Depósito del Rey Martín, a rehabilitated 14th-century water reservoir near Torre Bellesguard, which will host exhibitions and events exploring the district’s architectural evolution.
Sarrià-Sant Gervasi in the Spotlight
Sarrià-Sant Gervasi offers a mix of historic centres, residential architecture, green spaces and modern buildings. Activities will include guided visits to stately gardens, the transformation of private spaces into public areas, and a new edition of Jane’s Walk, inspired by urbanist Jane Jacobs. The Depósito del Rey Martín will feature the itinerant exhibition "From party walls to facades. A legacy for the city", opening on 17 September. The space, nearly 600 square metres and structured into seven naves with Catalan vaulting, was restored in 2015 by Archikubik studio. Other events include "Close your eyes and listen to Vallvidrera", focusing on the soundscape of Collserola, and visits to Torrent Viu, a cooperative housing project. The construction of the new Sarrià-Sant Gervasi Urban Guard station will be explored through the activity "Des de la tanca".
Citizen participation is central to this phase, with workshops like "We improve the neighborhood" inviting children to reimagine public spaces.
Citywide Events and Key Dates
Architecture will also feature prominently in La Mercè Festivities from 23 to 27 September. This year’s poster, by artist Cinta Vidal, pays tribute to Barcelona’s role as World Capital of Architecture by illustrating iconic city buildings. World Architecture Day on 5 October will be marked by "Architecture Showcases", transforming commercial shop fronts into temporary exhibitions from 3 to 10 October. The call for participating businesses and architects remains open until 4 September, and the initiative links the World Capital of Architecture with the European Capital of Local Commerce. Other exhibitions include "Cities in transit. Rethink, regenerate", "The right to the city: the mountain neighborhoods of Sant Genís in Trinitat Nova" (from late September), and "Lost Landscapes", starting 30 September, which documents the disappearance of architectural and urban heritage. The EAUH 2026 Conference: City Networks in Europe and Beyond will take place from 2 to 5 September, gathering international urban historians for debates, workshops and urban tours. The "Conversaciones desenFADades" series returns on 9 September with Harquitectes and Bosch Capdeferro discussing housing and urban transformation.
Family and Contemporary Programmes
Families can join "Being a good farmer", an activity at the Modernist Winery of Sant Cugat exploring agricultural history and architecture. Routes include "Revisiting the FAD Awards" in Poblenou, an archaeological tour under La Rambla, and visits to the Hogares Mundet complex. The BARQ Festival presents "5 spaces / 5 views", screening five short films by different directors interpreting Barcelona’s urban spaces through themes like housing, tourism and the climate crisis. The programme will conclude on 13 December with a public celebration, when Barcelona will hand over the title to Beijing, the 2029 World Capital of Architecture. The House of Architecture Barcelona, located in the former Gustavo Gili publishing house, continues to serve as a central venue, hosting exhibitions including "Barcelona 2035. A City to Live In" until December.
Primary sources: Barcelona City Council. Reported by barnadiario.com, en.ara.cat, diaricatalunya.cat, Barna Diario.
