This weekend, Barcelona will host the 15th edition of the 48h Open House festival, showcasing over 200 architectural spaces across the city and its metropolitan area. From October 26 to 27, participants will have the opportunity to explore significant buildings, including the newly opened Canals Junyer palace, the Valldonzella monastery, and the reformed Diagonal Vertical office building.
The event aims to highlight the importance of design and architecture in urban living, coinciding with the Barcelona Design Week. Notable sites include the new LCI Education design school, the Vall d'Hebron research building, and social housing projects in Sant Martí.
In the metropolitan area, key highlights will include the Ernest Lluch school in l'Hospitalet, the botanical garden offices in Badalona, and the cultural center at the former Sitges slaughterhouse. This year, no prior registration is required, making it easier for visitors to explore the spaces at their leisure.
The festival will also feature sections aimed at children and culinary architecture, along with guided tours exploring the architectural transformation of the city, including its Olympic legacy. With the slogan 'How do you want to live?', the festival seeks to engage with citizens about their architectural priorities, emphasizing light, functionality, location, comfort, and beauty.
Last year, the event attracted over 76,000 visitors, reflecting Barcelona's architectural significance as it prepares to be named the World Capital of Architecture in 2026, a title supported by UNESCO and the International Union of Architects. The festival is part of Open House Europe, which connects 14 cities worldwide in this architectural exploration.