Barcelona 2026, World Capital of Architecture turns the city into a global urban laboratory from 12 February to 13 December 2026, with more than 1,500 activities spread across all ten districts. The programme includes exhibitions, urban routes, workshops, debates, conferences and guided tours that explore everything from architectural heritage to major contemporary urban challenges such as sustainability, housing and public space.

The highlight is the World Congress of Architects of the International Union of Architects, taking place from 28 June to 2 July, bringing together architects, urban planners and experts from around the world to reflect on “Becoming. Architectures for a Planet in Transition”. Barcelona thus becomes the only city to host this congress for a second time, after 1996.

Other notable activities include routes such as Open Barri (open architectural itineraries), educational workshops like The City We Want for schools, and special initiatives focusing on timber architecture, rehabilitation and metropolitan public space.

This thematic year coincides with the centenary of the death of Antoni Gaudí and the 150th anniversary of Ildefons Cerdà's plan, reinforcing the dialogue between the city's legacy and its future.