Casa Batlló Reveals Gaudí’s Hidden Residential Interior After a Three-Year Restoration

For over a century, the third floor of Casa Batlló in Barcelona remained a private residence, hidden from the millions of visitors who toured the landmark annually. This space served as the family home for generations of the Batlló family until 2019, when its final resident, Mercedes Arbiol Muntané, passed away. Unlike the public museum areas, this floor stayed exactly as the family lived in it, preserving a rare, authentic look at domestic life within an Antoni Gaudí masterpiece.

A significant, three-year restoration project has now concluded, costing more than €4 million. Led by architect Xavier Villanueva, the work focused on uncovering original design details that were buried under layers of past renovations. Teams removed later additions to reveal pristine floral stuccoes, original undulating ceilings, and doors that Gaudí repurposed from elsewhere in the house. Researchers even identified a unique, previously undocumented door handle crafted for this specific residence.

The project did not aim to create a sterile period museum. Instead, Casa Batlló collaborated with Italian designer Paola Navone and OTTO Studio to introduce contemporary furnishings that harmonize with the architect’s original vision. Hand-knotted rugs, custom lighting, and sculptural objects fill the 440-square-meter space, adding warmth and functionality without clashing with the building’s signature organic forms.

Visitors can now access the residence through exclusive, private experiences. The apartment is open for meetings, celebrations, and intimate dining events rather than the standard museum tour. This approach allows guests to see the building as a functional, domestic space. The restoration provides a unique window into the personal life of the Batlló family while celebrating the craftsmanship that defines one of Gaudí’s most enduring projects in the heart of Barcelona.