New cultural and community uses for the Casa de la Premsa
The Casa de la Premsa is to become the Institute of Theatre Centre for Community Action in Performing Arts from 2029, on the occasion of the centenary of the Barcelona Universal Expo. This innovative facility will offer a hybrid model to combine heritage, research, artistic creation, training in the performing arts and community action.
Designed by the architect Pere Domènech i Roura and built for the Expo of 1929, the Casa de la Premsa is a modernista building listed as a cultural asset of local interest, also combining elements of Art deco, Neo-Moorish, Neo-Romanesque and Neo-Gothic architecture. The building is located on the corner between Av. Rius i Taulet and C/ Guàrdia Urbana and has had different uses over time; up until the 90s it was the home of the municipal police prefecture.
The new Institute of Theatre Centre for Community Action in Performing Arts will keep the uses planned for local residents and will continue to be the base of the Associació dels Amics de la Casa de la Premsa. The new facility sees Barcelona strengthening its performing arts venues in Montjuïc, in addition to the Teatre Lliure, the Mercat de les Flors and the Institut del Teatre.
Initially, the Casa de la Premsa was to be part of the enlargement of the Biblioteca del Poble-sec – Francesc Boix, but this will end up using a multi-purpose building at C/ Blesa, 7-29.
Work is in progress on the amendment of the initial project to adapt it to the new uses and have the final project prepared in 2026. The total cost of the project will be borne by Barcelona Provincial Council.
