After more than a century, Casa Batlló has completed one of its most ambitious restoration projects: the architectural revitalization of the rear facade and the private courtyard on the main floor, where the family lived.
This intervention restored Antoni Gaudí’s original 1906 vision, after decades of changes and significant losses since 1915.
Restoration at Barcelona’s Art Nouveau gem
If you’ve visited Barcelona, you’ll know that the facade of Casa Batlló is one of the city’s most famous landmarks, however, this glamour has not until now been reflected in the back of the Art Nouveau property, which has deteriorated over the years, with the colors fading and architectural features lost.
Now, a year-long renovation project, using local craftsmen to reconstruct Gaudí’s innovative support system for the vaulted balcony, has come to right the wrong: the lost features of the courtyard, such as the flower pots and pergola, and the original hues of the facade have returned.
The renovation coincides with the 20th anniversary of Casa Batlló’s inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List and, according to its director, Gary Gautier, is a gift to Barcelona and the world, in addition to a unique opportunity to continue to reveal Gaudí’s genius.
From then to now
Josep Batlló, the Spanish industrialist who commissioned the famous architect Antonio Gaudí to renovate his house, initially requested the building’s demolition. However, thanks to Gaudí’s audacity, this plan was abandoned and a complete renovation was carried out between 1904 and 1906.
The architect completely transformed the facade, redistributing the internal partitions, expanding the skylight and transforming the interior into a true work of art. In addition to its artistic value, the building has enormous functionality, more in line with our time than with the past. Some even consider it a precursor to the architectural avant-gardes of the late 20th century.
The current owner is Nina Bernat, daughter of Enric Bernat, Catalan businessman and inventor of the Chupa Chup lollipop, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.
