Casa Batlló's Gaudí restoration reveals never-before-seen rooms

The Gaudí Centenary series by Dezeen focuses on Casa Batlló, a renowned landmark in Barcelona often referred to as the House of Bones. Initially constructed in 1877 by Emili Sala Cortés, the building underwent a significant transformation between 1904 and 1906 under Antoni Gaudí for businessman Josep Batlló I Casanovas. Gaudí revamped the exterior with ceramic tiles, skeletal balconies, and a roof resembling scales, inspired by St George. Inside, features include a spine-like handrail, a mushroom-shaped fireplace, and catenary arches in the loft. After the Batlló family vacated in the 1950s, it became office space. The Bernat family acquired it in 1993 for restoration. Recent updates include Kengo Kuma's mesh-curtain installation. Earlier this year, the second floor was launched as a contemporary art gallery by Mesura, featuring an undulating metal ceiling. Next month, the third floor, the last original Gaudí residence, will debut with interiors designed by Paola Navone. Director Gary Gautier emphasizes that Gaudí’s creations are "very hard to imitate," merging art with architecture.