The Oliva Artés Museum in Barcelona will host two significant architectural exhibitions, highlighting Spain's innovative designs and the legacy of FAD awards. These exhibits are part of the city's recognition as World Capital of Architecture in 2026.
In a celebration of architectural innovation, the Oliva Artés Museum will unveil two major exhibitions on June 25, showcasing Spain’s evolving architectural landscape. The exhibitions, titled “Internalities” and “Una arquitectura premiada: 125 anys de premis”, are integral to Barcelona’s designation as the World Capital of Architecture for 2026.
The exhibition “Internalities”, which previously represented Spain at the Venice Biennale in 2025, is curated by architects Roi Salgueiro and Manuel Bouzas. This exhibit delves into how Spanish architecture is transitioning away from externalized economies towards more sustainable practices. It critically examines the costs and benefits associated with this shift, emphasizing a new generation of architects dedicated to balancing ecological concerns with economic realities.
Salgueiro expressed that this project aims to redefine architecture’s role in addressing environmental externalities. He stated,
“We want to provoke thought about how architecture can mediate between different ecologies and economies.”
The exhibition will be open until September 13, allowing visitors ample time to engage with its themes. It is organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda (MIVAU) in collaboration with Acción Cultural Española (AC/E) and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).
Simultaneously, the museum will host “Una arquitectura premiada: 125 anys de premis”, curated by Pau de Solà-Morales and Ignasi Bonet. This exhibition reflects on over a century of FAD Awards—Europe’s longest-running architecture awards—which have recognized transformative works across Barcelona and beyond since their inception in 1958.
This retrospective not only highlights award-winning projects but also documents their impact on urban development through photographs, documents, and audiovisual materials. The FAD Awards began by honoring works within Barcelona before expanding their scope to include metropolitan areas in 1978, all of Catalonia by 1987, and eventually covering the entire Iberian Peninsula since 1996.
The significance of these awards cannot be overstated; they have shaped architectural discourse in Spain for decades. As noted by Bonet during a preview event,
“These awards celebrate not just buildings but also the cultural identity they foster within our communities.”
The dual exhibitions at Oliva Artés serve as a reminder of Barcelona’s rich architectural heritage while also pointing towards its future direction amidst global challenges. Visitors can explore these thought-provoking displays until September 27 for “Una arquitectura premiada,” making it an essential stop for anyone interested in contemporary design.
The Oliva Artés Museum is located at C. Espronceda, 142-146 in Barcelona. For those planning to visit, guided tours will be available during opening hours to enhance understanding of these significant contributions to architecture.
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