Casa Vicens and El Capricho de Gaudí celebrate 140 years since their construction

These were the first houses designed by Antoni Gaudí and are considered signature works by the Catalan architect.

The anniversary has inspired a joint celebration, with a series of events taking place simultaneously in Barcelona and Cantabria.

As part of the commemorations, little-known facts about their similarities and their influence on Gaudí’s wider body of work will be unveiled.

The first homes designed by Antoni Gaudí were built 140 years ago, at the same time, but more than 700 kilometres apart.  In 2025, Casa Vicens (Barcelona) and El Capricho de Gaudí (Comillas, Cantabria) mark this milestone together, strengthening their connection and highlighting their importance as foundational works in Gaudí’s architectural legacy. From June through to the end of the year, the two buildings will join forces in a programme of joint initiatives that aim to honour the origins of one of the most celebrated architects in the world.

Emili Masferrer, Director of Casa Vicens Gaudí, comments: “We are delighted to jointly celebrate the 140th anniversary of these houses – a shared look at the genius of a Gaudí barely 30 years old and a fitting lead-up to the centenary of his death next year.”

Fresh content and engaging a new generation

Among the planned initiatives, both buildings will use social media to reveal lesser-known aspects of a young but already remarkably talented Gaudí. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok will be used to connect with younger audiences, showcasing a more approachable side of Modernisme through exclusive, previously unseen content.

Throughout June, both house museums will share a series of videos on their social media profiles exploring the aesthetic, structural and conceptual links between Casa Vicens and El Capricho under the hashtag #Gaudi140. This visual and educational dialogue will reveal how a young Gaudí, working alongside skilled metalworkers, woodcarvers and ceramicists, began experimenting with forms, colours, materials and architectural solutions that would define his entire legacy.

The highlight of this collaboration will be a live Instagram broadcast on Friday 27 June at 10:00 a.m, featuring the directors of both house museums: Emili Masferrer from Casa Vicens and Carlos Mirapeix from El Capricho. For the first time, they will discuss the impact and ongoing relevance of these early works, sharing stories, insights and reflections from Barcelona and Cantabria.

A unique opportunity to discover both buildings

As part of the anniversary celebrations and for a limited time only, each house will display a ceramic tile from the other – giving visitors the chance to see one of the most iconic features from each building, each with its own distinctive character. One of El Capricho’s most symbolic elements is its sunflower tile, a motif that also appears on a balcony at Casa Vicens.

To encourage visits to both sites, Casa Vicens and El Capricho will offer a special discount to visitors. This will be available on tickets bought online until 31 July and valid until the end of the year.

“These are sister works, separated by geography but united by the creative spirit of a young Gaudí. This joint celebration reinforces Gaudí’s legacy as a living, shared heritage,” says Carlos Mirapeix, Director of El Capricho de Gaudí.

Follow the campaign on Instagram: @casavicens | @caprichodegaudi