The Sagrada Família is commemorating the hundredth anniversary of Antoni Gaudí’s death with a programme of events kicking off in October

At a press conference, the Sagrada Família announced the current status of the works on the Temple and the next steps in its construction, which will focus on completing the tower of Jesus Christ and the Chapel of the Assumption. Just months before the hundredth anniversary of Antoni Gaudí’s death, the Sagrada Família presented the main events it will hold to commemorate the moment, part of the joint programme of celebrations promoted by the Gaudí Council.

A series of events to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of Gaudí’s death

Mr Esteve Camps, Executive Chairman of the Junta Constructora del Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, explained the institutional background for 2026, as on 27 May 2025 the Gaudí Council presented an extensive programme to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of Antoni Gaudí’s death (2026) with joint and specific activities promoted by each institution. The goal is to raise awareness of Gaudí from a scientific, artistic, academic and innovative standpoint. Later, on 8 July 2025, the Government of Catalonia included this commemoration on the official list for 2026, and on 9 July 2025, the Spanish Government declared it an Event of Exceptional Public Interest (AEIP).

Under this framework, in 2026 there will be several events with ties to the Gaudí Council programming to get the general public and especially Sagrada Família neighbours involved. These events will kick off on 14 October 2025 with the opening of the academic year for Ateneu Universitari Sant Pacià, with a solemn mass, followed by an inaugural lesson by Dr Jordi Faulí, head architect of the Sagrada Família. On 30 November, to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of its construction, the tower of Barnabas will be illuminated and a manifest read. The tower of Barnabas was the only tower finished while Gaudí was alive. In March, on the feast day of Saint Joseph, there will be a special concert in the central nave of the Sagrada Família featuring the Catalan Choral Society (Orfeó Català) to celebrate the laying of the cornerstone of the Temple. There will also be a solemn mass dedicated to Saint Joseph. Some of the most special moments will be the mass commemorating the anniversary of Antoni Gaudí’s passing, on 10 June, and the inauguration of the tower of Jesus Christ, which we will announce more information about in a press conference in the coming months.

Finally, the celebrations at the Sagrada Família will draw to a close with a look to its future and legacy, illuminating the Nativity façade.

The events scheduled include one related to the World Congress of Architects, the presentation of the Tour de France teams and several exhibitions around the city to delve deeper into the history and meaning of the Sagrada Família.

Check out the events here: https://sagradafamilia2026.org/en

Toward completion of the tower of Jesus Christ and Chapel of the Assumption

In terms of the status and evolution of the works, Head Architect Jordi Faulí explained that one of the most important milestones in this final stretch of construction of the Sagrada Família is the completion of the tower of Jesus Christ. Work is currently under way on the large pieces that will be assembled to make up the cross. So far, the lower arm is ready and will be lifted into place in the coming weeks, as well as the first of the four arms. Preparation of each of these pieces includes installing glass in the windows and other details inside, all done on site at the Temple in a space 54 metres above ground level.

Work is under way on the façades of the Chapel of the Assumption, as well as the sculptures for the Chapel of the Assumption, made by the three artists chosen in the selection process: Mercè Riba, Béatrice Bizot and Teresa Riba.

Vertical construction on the Glory façade, which will be the main entrance to the Temple, has been under way since June.

Funded by donations and collaborators for the commemorative events

Sagrada Família General Director Xavier Martínez explained that the events in 2026 will be funded by donations and collaborators, as the Junta Constructora’s main goal is to complete works on the Temple and, therefore, is putting all its resources towards construction. 

Open Doors Days 2025

The Sagrada Família is holding its Open Doors Days for the Mercè festivities, Barcelona’s major festival, on 19, 20, 21 and 24 September. This annual event aims to showcase the current progress of the works and offer 20,000 residents the chance to visit the Basilica free of charge. Visitors will get to see the Basilica and, this year, discover one of the bas-relief scenes that will go inside the Chapel of the Assumption, specifically the Wedding at Cana, which will be on display in the materials yard.