Gaudi’s Casa Batlló opens its hidden second floor to the public for the first time

Visitors can now explore this once-secret section of Casa Batlló, which will host contemporary art exhibitions.

The second floor of Gaudí’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Casa Batlló in Barcelona, had been closed for decades – until now. On 31 January, coinciding with the centenary of Gaudí’s death, this section of Casa Batlló opened to the public for the first time as part of Casa Batlló Contemporary, with plans to host two contemporary art exhibitions per year.

The iconic Gaudí building will open its second floor to the public for the first time.

Designed and renovated between 1904 and 1906 by the iconic Catalan architect, Casa Batlló is one of his most famous masterpieces and a prime example of Modernisme. The 230m² second floor has a long history as a private residence and functional building, and has been transformed into a contemporary art gallery by Barcelona-based architecture firm Mesura, creating a dynamic hub for contemporary art and public engagement. Mesura preserved the building’s original features, such as woodwork and stained glass, while introducing modern design elements like a curved metal ceiling with concentric ripples.

The modern Casa Batlló exhibition space.

“Intervening in a Gaudí building is both a dream and an enormous responsibility. Our goal was to create an echo of his work, a whisper that adds to his universe without altering it,” explains Carlos Dimas, partner at Mesura.

The project is part of the 2015 Master Plan, a strategic framework that was approved by UNESCO and local authorities, and has sensitively created a dialogue between Gaudí’s legacy and contemporary artistic creation. Maria Bernat, Director of Casa Batlló Contemporary, says, “Casa Batlló Contemporary aims to foster a dialogue between the past and future, situating Antoni Gaudí’s legacy within a contemporary framework. Through art and architecture, it explores his radical vision with present-day thinking, remaining faithful to his spirit of innovation and disruption while engaging with Barcelona’s dynamic artistic landscape.”

‘Beyond the Façade’ blends art, architecture and technology.

The opening exhibition, Beyond the Façade by United Visual Artists (London, founded by Matt Clark), blends art, architecture and technology to depict how life cycles through light and movement.  

“We aspire for Casa Batlló to remain a cultural beacon both locally and globally, a reference for how living heritage can evolve with purpose, sensitivity, and innovation. Opening this space in the centenary of Gaudí’s death and in the framework of Barcelona as World Capital of Architecture represents a significant milestone for the city, enriching its cultural landscape,” says Gary Gautier, General Director of Casa Batlló. 

Casa Batlló Contemporary has plans to host two contemporary art exhibitions per year.

Long revered by visitors who can tour the main floors of the house, the building features a vibrant, organic façade covered in broken ceramic tiles in shades of blue, green, and purple. Inside, whimsical curves, flowing shapes, and abundant natural light create a truly immersive environment.

Need another reason to visit Barcelona in 2026? La Sagrada Família is finally set to be completed this summer.

Details

Where: Passeig de Gràcia, 43, 08007 Barcelona, Spain

Tickets: There are two ways to access the new second-floor gallery: either as part of the full Casa Batlló visit (from €35, approx $59.70 AUD) or with a standalone ticket  (from €15, approx $25.60 AUD) 

Exhibitions: Beyond the Façade will be exhibited from 31 January to 17 May 2026