Barcelona’s solar-powered grand piano in Plaza Catalunya, maintained by the Maria Canals association to encourage public music, fell silent after an act of vandalism this week. Technician Iván Berruezo found several keys ripped out and corrosive acid poured over the instrument, destroying the keyboard and making it impossible to play.
Berruezo, who has cared for the piano for two years, called the incident the most destructive he has seen. He regularly replaces keys and repaints surfaces to cover graffiti, but this time the damage forced him to remove the entire keyboard for replacement. The acid damage was so extensive that the piano remained unusable for nearly a week, disrupting a popular spot for amateur and renowned pianists alike.
The technician suspects the culprit is a man known for playing only 'Soy rebelde' by Jeanette and soliciting money from tourists. Berruezo said minor basic thefts are not uncommon, but he has never seen destruction on this scale. He was frustrated that the vandalism came from someone with little musical skill, especially compared with talented homeless musicians who have played the piano without asking for anything in return.
Despite the challenges, Berruezo remains committed to restoring the instrument. He has developed techniques to make the keys more resistant while preserving their feel, though he admits repeated attacks can be discouraging. The piano’s solar panel, which powers it, was not affected. Berruezo spent hours repainting the instrument and preparing it for a new keyboard. He also said graffiti artists frequently target the piano, but his daily efforts to cover their tags eventually deter them.
The Plaza Catalunya piano has become a magnet for casual players and international artists, including Lord Vinheteiro and Haramichan, who have performed on its keys. Berruezo takes pride in maintaining an instrument that attracts such diverse talent, even as he works amid city traffic and constant public attention. The incident shows the challenges facing public spaces in Barcelona, where vandalism can abruptly silence cultural initiatives.
The piano belongs to a wider public-music tradition built around the Concurs Internacional de Piano Maria Canals de Barcelona and Fundació Occident. Their “Tu ciudad se llena de pianos” initiative has brought public grand pianos to cities across Spain, giving passers-by and experienced musicians the chance to play instruments usually beyond the reach of most people. In a related 2026 Madrid event, 10 grand pianos were placed in basic public locations, including Plaza Mayor. Jordi Vivancos, director of the Maria Canals competition, has described the initiative’s aim as bringing music closer to the public. The broader program has also reached Barcelona and Madrid, as well as Bilbao and Seville. It has also reached Valencia and A Coruña.
Public pianos in major European cities have grown more popular over the past decade, offering free access to music and fostering community engagement. They also need ongoing care in exposed public settings. The Maria Canals association continues to support the project as a way to make music part of urban life. Similar setbacks involving Barcelona public venues have occurred before, including the closure of a well-known restaurant after a political scandal and the pandemic, as reported in coverage of La Camarga’s closure.
Berruezo is focused on bringing music back to Plaza Catalunya and considering ways to better protect the piano from future attacks, including isolating vulnerable parts from corrosive substances. Despite the setbacks, he is working to ensure the city’s residents and visitors will soon hear the piano again in the heart of Barcelona.
