The project will preserve the essence of the old ‘barraca’ theatre and regain its architectural heritage with the use of materials such as wood and exposed concrete.

The renovation of the municipal facility will respond to the functional and operational needs of the new Teatre Arnau, focusing on the integration of three main areas: memory, community and territory and performing arts. The theatre is conceived as a multi-purpose space for living arts, performing arts and other cultural manifestations historically carried out here. The idea is also to foster community works and strong connections with the neighbourhoods around the theatre, such as Poble-sec, El Raval and Sant Antoni, getting local people, organisations, initiatives and professionals from the cultural sector involved in the project.

Following the recovery of the Paral·lel 62 and El Molino venues, the renovation of the Teatre Arnau, with a budget of 10,174,841 euros, will regain another iconic space for the city and give it a modern infrastructure to suit new requisites. The reopening of the new Arnau will also coincide with the opening of the first remodelled sections of La Rambla.

The building housing the Teatre Arnau, which closed in 2004, was acquired by the City Council from the Chinese Evangelical Church in 2011. Although the structural problems with the building meant its demolition was considered, finally the decision was taken to save the last remaining ‘barraca’ theatre in Catalonia.

The Teatre Arnau has continued to offer functions since not long after the building closed, but as itinerant productions away from the theatre in spaces such as Plaça Santa Madrona, Fossat del Mercat de Sant Antoni, Paral·lel 62 and Plaça Raquel Meller.