BARCELONA CELEBRATES THE BEST OF EUROPEAN ARCHITECTURE

The winning and finalist projects of EUmies Awards, the most prestigious European architecture prize, are on display at Palau Victòria Eugènia until July 5, 2026

Barcelona is at the centre of European architecture this spring. The European Commission, the Fundació Mies van der Rohe, and the Barcelona City Council recently hosted the granting ceremony of the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture / Mies van der Rohe Awards 2026 — better known as the EUmies Awards — at Palau Victòria Eugènia. The event brought together architects, institutions, clients, and cultural agents from across the continent to celebrate the finest examples of contemporary built work in Europe.

The Winners

Following the announcement of the laureates on April 16 in Oulu — European Capital of Culture 2026 — the ceremony officially awarded the EUmies trophies to seven outstanding projects:

The Architecture Winner is the Palais des Expositions in Charleroi, Belgium, by architecten jan de vylder inge vinck and AgwA, commissioned by the City of Charleroi — a bold intervention that transforms an existing structure into a vibrant cultural landmark.

The Emerging Architecture Winner is Temporary Spaces for the Slovenian National Theatre Drama in Ljubljana by Vidic Grohar Arhitekti (Anja Vidic and Jure Grohar), commissioned by L56 d.o.o. — a project that demonstrates how constraints can become creative opportunities.

Among the Finalists: the Gruž Market in Dubrovnik by ARP/Peračić-Veljačić; Lot 8, LUMA Arles — Renovation of Le Magasin Électrique by Atelier Luma and BC architects & studies with Assemble; the Josephine Baker – Marie-José Pérec Sports and Cultural Centre in La Bouëxière by onze04; and the renovation of the Vapor Cortès – Prodis 1923 building, a former textile industrial complex in Terrassa by HArquitectes.

The Emerging Finalist is the Multi-Service Cultural Centre Le Foirail in Laguiole-La Guiòla by Betillon & Freyermuth and Crypto Architectes.

On Reuse: A Timely Theme

Curated by the Barcelona-based collective postlike and organised under the theme “On Reuse”, the EUmies Awards Days 2026 — held on May 11 and 12 as part of Barcelona 2026 UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture — placed transformation and adaptive reuse at the heart of the conversation. Four panels explored the topic from different angles: reuse as an economy of means, as cultural production, as adaptability, and as transformation. A rich and necessary dialogue, reflecting the direction European architecture is taking in response to environmental and social challenges.

The Exhibition

The exhibition EUmies Awards 2026, now open at Palau Victòria Eugènia, showcases all 410 nominated works from 40 countries and 143 regions — an extraordinary panorama of contemporary European architecture told through models, drawings, videos, and texts.

Alongside it, visitors can explore “What is this? Exhibiting the Mies van der Rohe Foundation Collection” and “Polska. Chronicle from Europe”, organised with the Polish Cultural Institute at La Casa de la Arquitectura.

A dedicated showcase on Ukrainian architecture, featuring the installation “Waiting” by CAMARAC, adds a powerful and timely voice to the programme.

All exhibitions at Palau Victòria Eugènia remain open until July 5, 2026, and will also be accessible during the UIA World Congress of Architects (Barcelona, June 28 – July 2), before embarking on an international touring programme across Europe and beyond.

A Platform for Europe’s Architectural Future

More than an awards ceremony, EUmies Awards Days 2026 marks the beginning of a broader European conversation — one that connects sustainability, circularity, social cohesion, and cultural identity through the lens of architecture. A reminder that the built environment is not just a backdrop, but a fundamental force shaping how we live, connect, and care for our planet.

EUmies Awards 2026 Exhibition

Palau Victòria Eugènia, Barcelona

Open until July 5, 2026