Més de Vi must-see: Espai Subirachs, a sculptor’s legacy in Poblenou

In Poblenou, Espai Subirachs offers an opportunity to explore the career of Josep Maria Subirachs, one of Catalonia’s leading twentieth-century sculptors. Best known for his work on the Passion Façade of the Sagrada Família, he created a wide-ranging body of art that deserves a closer look.

What is Espai Subirachs and how can you visit?

Espai Subirachs is a cultural venue in Poblenou dedicated to preserving and sharing the artist’s legacy. Its permanent exhibition brings together more than a hundred pieces, spanning different stages of his career and revealing lesser-known aspects of his work.

The collection includes sculptures, sketches, drawings, prints, lithographs, posters, paintings, jewellery and medals. This range offers a sense of his varied interests and shows how certain forms and ideas recur across very different media.

The display traces his development from Expressionism and abstraction to later compositions featuring symbols and reflections on the human condition. Visitors can also discover his graphic work and the painting he pursued particularly from 2004 onwards.

Espai Subirachs is at Carrer de Batista 6 in Poblenou. Visits are by prior appointment only; there are no regular drop-in opening hours. According to the municipal information consulted for this article, general admission is €10. A guided group visit for 6–12 people costs €8 per person and lasts approximately 90 minutes.

To arrange a visit, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call +34 93 541 52 77. Prices and visiting arrangements may change, so check the official Espai Subirachs website or the Barcelona City Council listing before travelling.

Who was Josep Maria Subirachs?

Josep Maria Subirachs (Barcelona, 1927–2014) was a sculptor, draughtsman, printmaker and painter. His work evolved from early Expressionism towards abstraction and later developed a distinctive visual language combining geometry, symbolism and the human figure.

His work can be found in public spaces, buildings and collections. His best-known commission is the sculptural programme of the Sagrada Família’s Passion Façade, which brought his work to an international audience.

He also worked extensively in drawing, engraving and lithography, experimenting with a wide range of materials and expressive approaches. His output reflects some of the major developments in Catalan art during the second half of the twentieth century.

After your visit, discover Més de Vi in Poblenou

A visit to Espai Subirachs is also an opportunity to explore Poblenou’s cultural scene. For another perspective on the neighbourhood, read our article about coworking and urban art in Poblenou.

To round off your day, visit Més de Vi at Carrer de Castanys 2, beside the Poblenou market, for Mediterranean dishes, tapas and wines. Book a table at Més de Vi and enjoy the neighbourhood after your visit.