A special exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of the death of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, titled "Antoni Gaudí: Architecture and Art - 100th Anniversary Special Exhibition," will open on November 28th at the exhibition hall on the 3rd floor of Tokyu Plaza Shibuya. Through more than 160 works and materials, including original architectural drawings, models, furniture, and decorative items, the exhibition will look back on his unique architectural world and his life.

Gaudí (1852-1926) was a leading architect from Catalonia, Spain. He is known for his curvilinear forms inspired by plants and animals in nature, and his unique designs that integrate architecture and decoration. His representative works include the Sagrada Familia, which is still under construction, as well as Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà. Seven of his architectural works are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

This exhibition is part of "Gaudí Year 2026," a commemorative project marking the 100th anniversary of Gaudí's death in 2026. It is being held with the cooperation of the "Antoni Gaudí Council," an advisory body to the Catalan government. The exhibition will showcase valuable materials gathered from major Spanish museums, foundations, architectural archives, and private collections, exploring Gaudí's philosophy of "total art," which integrates structure, function, and beauty.

The exhibition is structured around an introduction and eight themes. It traces his creative career chronologically, from his apprenticeship as an architect in his youth, to his early independent projects, the works born from his encounter with businessman Eusebi Güell, the design of urban housing, and finally to the Sagrada Familia in his later years.

左＝《カサ・ビセンス：喫煙室》2017年 ©Casa Vicens Gaudí. Photo: Pol Viladoms　右＝《カサ・ビセンス：喫煙室のタイル》1883～1885年頃 ©Casa Vicens Gaudí

The "Early Works" section features Casa Vicens and Casa Botines, showcasing the process by which Gaudí fused the beauty of natural forms with new architectural structures. "Antoni Gaudí and Eusebi Güell" focuses on works such as Casa Güell, Park Güell, and the Colonia Güell Church, which were born from his collaboration with Güell, who became his lifelong patron.

"The Evolution of Urban Housing" introduces representative residential buildings that adorn the streets of Barcelona, such as Casa Milà, characterized by its undulating exterior walls, and Casa Batlló, known for its vibrant decorations. Looking beyond the building's exterior to the rooftops, interior decorations, and furniture, the book unravels Gaudí's design philosophy, which viewed the entire living space as a work of art.

左＝《サグラダ・ファミリア聖堂：ガウディ没後まもない工事の状況》1927年 ©Fundació Institut Amatller d’Art Hispànic. Arxiu Mas　右＝アントニ・ガウディ 《サグラダ・ファミリア聖堂：全体平面図》1885年 ©Ajuntament de Barcelona. Arxiu Municipal Districte de Sant Martí

"Gaudí as a Designer" showcases his meticulous attention to detail in design through furniture and decorative wrought ironwork. The final section, "Sagrada Familia," displays architectural models and historical documents, conveying the structure and design philosophy of the cathedral that he dedicated his life to, as well as his architectural ideals that continue to be passed down even 100 years after his death.

The venue will feature an immersive spatial design that allows visitors to experience the world of Gaudí's architecture, and official exhibition merchandise will also be available for purchase. After its run in Tokyo, the exhibition is scheduled to tour to Osaka.

Opening hours are 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM (last entry at 9:30 PM). The event runs until January 27, 2027.

Venue