Casa Batlló’s Restored Third Floor Officially Opens to the Public

When architect Antoni Gaudí began construction on Barcelona’s Casa Batlló in 1907, his unique use of curves, vibrant colors, and organic forms made way for this towering structure to be one of the city’s most notable buildings for decades, and one of his greatest masterpieces. Owned by the Batlló family since 1903, the building has undergone multiple restorations over the years, but its third-floor apartment has remained as the only residence untouched. Now, a three-year restoration led by architect Xavier Villanueva and design firm OTTO Studio has rediscovered hidden treasures within the space and brought the apartment to its original essence, which continues to honor the architect’s vision.

Approaching the project with diligent archaeological intention, the group of designers and architects focused on bringing existing elements to new life—namely restoring the doors, windows, and wall panelling to their original glory. In addition to bringing new life to the apartment’s expansive bay windows and reproduced flooring, the team discovered design touches such as floral decorations hidden for more than a century beneath multiple layers of paint on the walls enveloping the main living spaces and corridor. The restoration also led to the uncovering of original doors made by Gaudí as well as a sculptural doorknob unknown to the team.

“We found a heavily altered residence, yet extraordinarily complete beneath later layers,” Villanueva said in a statement. “The process was almost archaeological: removing, uncovering, and recovering what was already there.”

The interiors, led by Paola Navone of OTTO Studio, were conceptualized to complement and play with Gaudí’s playful and unique style. In addition to the architect’s original pieces, including benches, chairs, and coat racks, Navone brought in a mix of contemporary furnishings and decorative objects made by an assortment of artisans with the aim of functioning as if they’ve always been there.

“At first, I felt that intervening in Casa Batlló was almost impossible,” Navone said in a statement. “Everything changed when I stopped thinking about designing over Gaudí and started imagining that this residence was my own home in Barcelona…More than interior design, it is a way of bringing the house back to life.”

In addition to this long anticipated public reopening, the apartment is now available for guests to rent for private events. Those looking to book the space can do so through Casa Batlló’s online portal.

Coinciding with the restoration, the second floor of Casa Batlló is hosting an exhibition presented by Casa Batlló Contemporary and Fundació Joan Miró. Open through January 2027, “Gaudí-Miró-Gomis: Deconstructed” explores the links between Gaudí, artist Joan Miró, and photographer Joaquim Gomis, where digital interventions from Tomorrow Bureau will be on display to further explore the work of the three creative masters.