A new era for Catalan cinema begins in Barcelona as the Academia del Cine Catalán finally gets its own headquarters. The institution will be housed in the iconic Torre Avenir, located in the Sarrià district. This is more than just another office — it’s set to become a true home for everyone who lives and breathes film. City officials, Academy representatives, and the regional government have already announced the start of a major renovation project, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027.
The plans are ambitious: the building will feature not only administration offices, but also spaces for open-air screenings, discussions, and educational programs. Managed by the Fundación Julio Muñoz Ramonet, the tower is expected to become a hub for both professionals and the public. For the first time in years, the Academy will have a chance to go beyond its traditional activities and truly open its doors to the city.
Funding and timeline
Nearly three million euros have been allocated for the renovation of Torre Avenir. The financial burden is shared between the city council, the Catalonian government, and the managing foundation. Construction is set to begin in autumn 2026, with completion planned for the second half of 2027. The city will contribute one million euros, another million will come from the Generalitat’s budget, and the Foundation will add 800,000. The project will be led by BIMSA’s technical team, which has wide experience working with Barcelona’s historic buildings.
Once the renovation is complete, the Academy will occupy 131 square meters on the top floor of the tower. While not a vast space, it is designed to be as functional as possible. Significantly, for the first time in its history, the organization will have its own venue—not just a workspace, but a place to interact with the public, host open-air screenings, and organize roundtable discussions.
A New Era for the Academy
Until now, the Academy had made do with a small space on the ground floor of the SGAE building. Now, it has the opportunity to become a true focal point for the region’s film industry. Academy President Judith Colell emphasizes that the goal is not simply a change of address, but to transform the Academy into a major presence in the city’s cultural life. The venue will host not only the traditional awards ceremonies, but also educational programs, meetings with directors, and discussions of new films.
Special emphasis will be placed on openness: during the summer months, the tower’s garden will host open-air screenings, while inside, there will be master classes and lectures. This approach aims to attract not only industry professionals but also regular audiences interested in learning how films are made.
Industry Impact
Catalonia’s film industry is experiencing a period of rapid growth. It employs nearly 42,000 people and accounts for one fifth of all Spanish film production. The sector’s turnover is estimated at €8.6 billion. The creation of a dedicated residence for the Academy is an important step that could give the industry a new boost.
City officials openly admit their expectations: they hope the new center will serve not only as an administrative headquarters but also as a platform for dialogue between professionals and the public. Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni has stated outright that the goal is to turn the tower into a true home for Catalan cinema, where everyone can feel part of a thriving creative process.
Expectations and prospects
The Academy’s move to Torre Avenir is more than just a change of address. It’s an attempt to establish a new cultural hub in Barcelona that will operate year-round. It is already known that the Gaudí Awards ceremony will be held here in February 2027, and there are plans to launch ongoing educational and cultural programs in the future.
For the city, this is a chance to strengthen its position as one of Spain’s main film centers. For the industry, it’s an opportunity to forge new connections and attract fresh talent. For the public, it’s a chance to get closer to the world of cinema, which once seemed closed and out of reach. Only time will tell how this will work in practice. But one thing is already clear: Barcelona is ready for change, and film is once again becoming an event here.
