In the heart of Barcelona’s La Rambla, an old historic building is preparing for an exciting rebirth. La Foneria de Canons, a majestic building of five floors and more than 3,000 square meters, has been in disuse for more than two decades. However, this emblematic building is destined to become the epicenter of digital culture in Catalonia.
The first phase of the restoration work is already underway, focusing on the renovation of the facades and the roof of the building. This process, which is expected to be completed in January 2025, marks the beginning of a monumental transformation that will give rise to the new Digital Culture Center of the Generalitat de Catalunya.
At a cost of 1.8 million euros, this first stage lays the groundwork for the complete revitalization of the Foneria.
Foneria de Canons de la Rambla will be epicenter of digital culture
The objective of the Department of Culture is to create an innovative space that serves as a meeting point for professionals, artists, researchers and the community in general. With a focus on digital culture, the center will offer opportunities for creation, production, research and exhibition.
The two upper floors are expected to house spaces dedicated to the professional sector, incubators and training programs, while the lower floors will be open to the general public, bringing digital culture closer to the citizens.
To inform the design and operations of the new center, best practices from similar facilities around the world have been studied. Drawing inspiration from places such as the Gaîté Lyrique in Paris, Meet in Milan, ZKM in Karlsruhe, V2 in Rotterdam and the Ars Electronica in Linz, the project aims to establish itself as a global benchmark in digital culture.
In addition to being a cultural center, the Foneria will also serve as a gateway to the ambitious Catalunya Media City project, a major audiovisual and digital center under development in the Tres Xemeneies.
Acting as a test bed for future projects, the Foneria will offer a variety of content and activities that will reflect the diversity and innovation of the digital world.
A strategic point for the city’s cultural life
La Foneria’s central location on the Rambla makes it a focal point for Barcelona’s cultural life. The restoration of this historic building will not only revitalize the urban landscape, but also strengthen the social and cultural fabric of the local community.
The center will be a space for creativity and innovation in the heart of the city.
With a total budget of 13 million euros, the renovation works will be carried out in two phases. After the restoration of the façade, the focus will turn to the renovation of the interior, which is scheduled to begin in 2025.
