Barcelona’s Architecture in 2 days: Open House event begins

Visiting Barcelona is almost synonymous with discovering some of its architecture, most notably the spiraling, whimsical shapes modernist shapes. But the city has much more to offer, much of which can be seen at the 18h Open House Barcelona fair this weekend.

Almost 200 buildings in the capital – 197 to be exact – will open their doors, often closed to the general public. The ninth edition of the fair will focus on rationalism, an Italian architectural current from the 20s and 30s, and the GATPAC group of architects born in that time. An additional focus will be the architecture of water, building a living space around this element.

So, what is there to do around Barcelona? Check out these buildings where you can just pop in – with visiting hours either Saturday, Sunday, or both, both guided and open visits, comprising everything from art studios, to hotels, to residences, and more!

- Casa de la Seda: info

Translated as 'House of Silk,' this is the only guild house in Barcelona open to the public with guided visits.

- Cases de l’Aigua (MUHBA): info

One the water elevation station for Barcelona's municipal water supply system, built in the early 20th century.

- Casa Vilaró: info

Used as a hotel, this luxurious space was one of the first rationalist houses built in the country.

- Casa Marsans (Alberg Mare de Déu de Montserrat): info

A whimsical, Moorish-style construction of every hue.

- Casa Nau: info

A beautiful, now-remodeled home, once a factory. 

- Casa Pérez Samanillo (Círculo Ecuestre): info

An award-winning, detached neo-gothic style house with modernist elements.

- Casa Sayrach - Casa Montserrat: info

Not to miss for modernist fans, it shows clear Gausì influence and is one of the last of its style.

- Guàrdia Urbana Stables: info

A curiosity, this beautiful building is still in use by the law enforcement agency.

- Municipal Conservatory of Music in Barcelona: info

Built in the late 19th century, this castle-like structure is not to miss for music lovers.

- Studio of painter Arranz-Bravo: info

Conceived as an abstract space to serve for creation, the studio itself serves as art.

- Casa Bloc - Pis Museu Habitatge 1/11 (Museu del Disseny): info

Built in the mid-'30s, this structure was the brainchild of the famous GATPAC architect group, one of the focuses of this year's event. 

- Can Framis Museum Fundació Vila Casas: info

An art center devoted to the promotion of contemporary Catalan painting, it's located in the old Can Framis factory. 

- Mies Van Der Rohe Pavilion: info

One of the most influential modernist buildings of the 20th century, it was originally built as the German Pavilion for the 1929 Barcelona International Exhibition. 

- Macson former textile factory (IED Barcelona): info

Now hosting an influential design school, this is a referent of architecture.

- La Model prison: info

Recently closed, La Model is an infamous symbol of repression in Barcelona, once used to house those incarcerated during the Franco years, but now used for various civic and artistic endeavors. It is additionally an interesting example of cutting-edge architecture of its time. 

- Arús Library: info

For this who love to be surrounded by books and luxury, this is a must-see.