Barcelona Celebrates Centenary of Architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner

Barcelona marks the centenary of the death of Lluís Domènech i Montaner (1850–1923), a key figure of Catalan Modernisme. His legacy includes the Palau de la Música Catalana and the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, both UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1997. Domènech i Montaner's 1877 article 'In Search of a Rational Architecture' laid the groundwork for the movement, blending medieval and Mudéjar references with modern construction methods. He also founded the Lliga Catalana and served as a deputy in Madrid. The Recinte de Sant Pau, the world's largest Modernista complex, features 12 pavilions and hosts the exhibition 'Hospital Architecture Studied by Domènech i Montaner' until December, showcasing plans from over 240 hospitals he studied. In Reus, his birthplace, Casa Navàs, Institut Pere Mata, Casa Rull, and Casa Gasull are notable works. Canet de Mar offers the Ateneu de Canet, Casa Roura, and the Casa Domènech-Masia Rocosa museum. The centenary events highlight his decisive role in modernizing Barcelona alongside Antoni Gaudí.