Casa Batlló, the UNESCO World Heritage site and masterpiece of Catalan Modernism, has inaugurated a permanent exhibition space dedicated to contemporary art. The initiative, titled Casa Batlló Contemporary, marks a strategic shift for the Antoni Gaudí-designed monument, repositioning the architectural landmark as an active participant in the city’s contemporary art scene.

The programme launched last week with an inaugural exhibition by the London-based collective United Visual Artists (UVA). Founded by Matt Clark in 2003, the group has occupied the newly reimagined second-floor space with a series of immersive installations. These works draw direct inspiration from Gaudí’s theological approach to geometry, specifically his belief that “the straight line belongs to man, and the curved line belongs to God”, utilizing light and movement to engage with the building’s radical spatial perception.

This new interior gallery, restored and designed by the local firm Mesura, represents an evolution of the site’s “Mapping” series. Since 2022, that programme has invited digital pioneers such as Refik Anadol, Sofia Crespo, and Quayola to transform the building’s undulating façade into large-scale audiovisual performances. Under the direction of Maria Bernat, the new interior program will continue this momentum by hosting two exhibitions annually, seeking to place Gaudí’s legacy of “innovation and disruption” in direct conversation with 21st-century practice.

The UVA exhibition, which opened on January 31, will run through May 17. According to Casa Batlló’s website, the broader programme aims to “grow over time, adapting and expanding in dialogue with the artistic community and the world around it. Rooted in Gaudí’s philosophy of experimentation and curiosity, it celebrates his universal value while offering today’s creators the freedom to project their spirit into the future, honoring the past and shaping the future.”

With this initiative, Casa Batlló extends its role from architectural marvel to a vibrant hub for contemporary creativity, offering artists a rare opportunity to respond to Gaudí’s vision while inviting visitors to experience the intersection of heritage and innovation. But does Barcelona need more tourism?

Image: Quayola’s mapping on Gaudi’s Casa Batlló in Barcelona in February 2025. Photo: Claudia Maurino.