Barcelona's Castell dels Tres Dragons to become a science hub with auditorium and library

The winning project, named The Axis of Science, will open the ground floor to the public and display key pieces of Catalan natural heritage.

Architectural project of a modernist building with large windows and ornamental brick elements, currently under renovation.
IA

Architectural project of a modernist building with large windows and ornamental brick elements, currently under renovation.

The Barcelona City Council has selected 'The Axis of Science' project to renovate the Castell dels Tres Dragons, transforming the iconic Ciutadella building into a new center for scientific dissemination.

The winning proposal, commissioned to the JAAS studio, foresees a comprehensive transformation of the modernist building by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, which has been closed for years. The executive project is expected to be ready early next year, marking the start of the interior construction phase.
One of the most significant changes will be the opening of the ground floor, which will serve as the entrance to the Museum of Natural Sciences. This space will host a large exhibition hall dedicated to scientific outreach and restoration, where unique pieces such as the reconstructed Sarrià mammoth and high-value heritage minerals will be displayed.

The design of The Axis of Science prioritizes the conservation of the building's original heritage, including the pavement, ceilings, main staircase, and ornamental elements characteristic of modernism.

The auditorium will be located on the first floor, while the library will open on the second floor. These spaces will also include permanent exhibitions representing the flora, fauna, and geology of Catalonia, solidifying the castle's role within the Ciutadella del Coneixement project.
This renovation is part of the park's broader transformation. Exterior rehabilitation works on the castle are currently underway, costing around eight million euros, expected to finish during the first quarter of 2027. The City Council previously restored l’Hivernacle and the Centre Martorell d’Exposicions, which reopened in 2024.