Barcelona 2026 Capital Mundial de l’Arquitectura

The Mies van der Rohe Foundation, as the technical office of Barcelona, World Capital of Architecture 2026, assumes responsibility for coordinating the activities that will take place throughout the city around architecture between 12 February and 13 December 2026.

Architecture as a mirror of who we are.

Architecture is not only what we observe, but what we experience. Knowing how to see architecture does not mean admiring façades or forms, but understanding the space that contains us, welcomes us and transforms us. Every building, every square, every tree’s shadow speaks of our society: of who we are, how we live together, and the values we stand for. Through the design of our spaces, we make our priorities visible—we decide whether a city is for cars or for people, whether it is excluding or inclusive, rigid or creative.

Designing space is therefore a profoundly political and cultural act. A silent yet powerful language that shapes the way we live. From the layout of a street to the width of a pavement, everything has a direct impact on how we move, how we relate to one another, how we breathe the city.

We reclaim the essential value of architecture and of all the disciplines that shape the physical spaces we inhabit. Because every human action, whether everyday or extraordinary, needs a place. And the quality of that place can lift us up or limit us, make us feel free or invisible.

This is a programme built from the ground up, nourished by the proposals that the sector itself has chosen to share. A plural mosaic, woven from diverse perspectives that converge and strengthen the project.

As World Capital of Architecture, Barcelona holds both a responsibility and an opportunity. The responsibility to show the world a city committed to a human, transformative and approachable architecture. And the opportunity to invite everyone to look anew at what surrounds us and to dignify the spaces where we live, work, play or love.

We encourage all citizens to look around and feel how a well-designed space can generate well-being. To rediscover the value of a well-placed bench, of a square designed for people, of a school that embraces its neighbourhood. Because architecture does not belong only to architects, landscape architects or interior designers. It belongs to everyone.

We celebrate Barcelona, a living example of the power of architecture to transform our lives.