In the heart of Barcelona, on the famous Passeig de Gràcia, the fate of one of the city’s most distinctive architectural landmarks—Casa Lleó i Morera—has finally moved forward. City officials have launched a process that could bring this Modernist masterpiece back to life, opening its doors to the public. For many years, the building remained inaccessible, despite great interest from locals and visitors alike. Now, Barcelona has a chance to right this historic wrong and reclaim another jewel of its architectural heritage.
For a long time, uncertainty surrounded the mansion. Issues of safety, accessibility, and preservation of historic features stalled every attempt to revive the building. Even when Casa Lleó i Morera briefly opened for guided tours in the mid-2010s, visits were limited and soon stopped altogether for failing to meet contemporary standards. All this time, Casa Lleó i Morera lingered as a mystery behind closed doors, leaving passersby and architecture enthusiasts longing for answers.
A new opportunity
The situation is now changing. The building’s owner, a major development company, has presented a detailed plan to adapt the mansion for cultural use. The city has approved the project at the initial stage, and now it’s a matter of technical details and bureaucratic processes. Importantly, the plan ensures the preservation of all unique decorative elements—from mosaics to stained glass, from sculptures to ceramics. Even accessibility for people with limited mobility has been addressed carefully: instead of major structural changes, a portable lift platform will be installed, so the historic staircase and floors remain untouched.
The mansion, recognized as a cultural landmark, will not lose its commercial component. The well-known brand’s shop occupying the ground floor will remain in place, since a long-term contract prevents alterations to the main entrance. The upper floors—more than 1,500 square meters—will be fully dedicated to cultural projects, exhibitions, and guided tours. Notably, the modernist interiors have been preserved not only in the grand halls but throughout all levels of the building, a rare case for the Eixample district.
A cultural magnet
Interest in the Lleó i Morera house never waned, even during its years of closure. When access finally opened up in the 2010s, tickets sold out within minutes. In a short period, more than 60,000 visitors explored the mansion. Last year, during the architecture festival, every tour spot was snapped up in just ten minutes. This shows the building’s enormous potential—not just as an architectural marvel, but as a major tourist attraction.
The reopening plan envisions welcoming visitors daily—around a hundred people on average. Ticket prices will vary, with discounts available for students and seniors. Beyond guided tours, the mansion will also host private events to help ensure the project’s financial stability. Investments in renovations are estimated at nearly one million euros, but forecasts suggest the project will pay for itself in seven years. This is not just another museum—it’s an effort to restore a piece of the city’s soul.
An Architectural Icon
Casa Lleó i Morera is far more than a beautiful façade. It is an entire world created by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner at the start of the twentieth century. Inside you’ll find sculptures by Eusebi Arnau, stained glass by Antoni Rigalt, and mosaics by Mario Maragliano. Every hall and every detail tells the story of the family whose name the house bears. Unlike other buildings on the Manzana de la Discordia, here the spirit of Modernisme permeates every floor, not just the main salons.
Being neighbors with giants like Casa Batlló and Casa Amatller only intensifies curiosity about this mansion. This block has long been a pilgrimage site for architecture enthusiasts, yet one of its main protagonists has remained in the shadows. Now, Casa Lleó i Morera has a chance to reclaim its rightful place in Barcelona’s cultural scene.
The final note
It’s still too early to announce an official opening date. Public hearings, a final city council vote, and securing the necessary permits are all still ahead. But the key step has already happened: the city has acknowledged the value of this site and is ready to return it to the people. In the coming years, Casa Lleó i Morera may become not only an architectural and tourist sensation, but also a symbol of how Barcelona preserves and reimagines its heritage.
