Barcelona is set to redefine its live music and entertainment scene with the construction of a new Sant Jordi Club, replacing the existing venue with a cutting-edge auditorium designed exclusively for music and performances. Slated for completion in 2029, the project represents a cornerstone of the city’s ambitious plan to transform Montjuïc into a vibrant metropolitan hub for culture, sport, and community.
The new Sant Jordi Club, announced by Barcelona’s First Deputy Mayor Laia Bonet on July 14, 2025, will boast a flexible capacity ranging from 3,500 to 9,000 spectators, addressing a long-standing demand for mid-sized venues in the city. Currently, Barcelona lacks a dedicated space for concerts and events that fall between smaller halls and the Palau Sant Jordi’s 15,000-capacity arena. This gap will now be filled by the revamped venue, which will occupy 16,500 square meters—more than triple the size of the existing facility.
A Bold Vision for Montjuïc
The initiative is part of the broader "Nuevo Montjuïc" project, which aims to position the area as a central green space serving both residents and visitors. Alongside the transformation of the Olympic Ring (Anilla Olímpica), plans include renovating Plaza de España, modernizing the Fira trade fairgrounds, revitalizing gardens, and extending the L2 metro line to improve accessibility. The arrival of the metro connection will link Montjuïc directly to the city center and El Prat Airport, further enhancing its appeal as a cultural destination.
Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni described the project as the "third great transformation of Montjuïc," following the Universal Exposition of 1929 and the 1992 Summer Olympics. "This is not just about infrastructure; it’s about creating spaces where people can connect through art, music, and shared experiences," said Bonet during the announcement. She emphasized that the new auditorium would prioritize technical excellence, acoustic precision, energy efficiency, and universal accessibility.
International Architectural Competition
To bring this vision to life, the City Council has launched an international architectural competition starting July 17, 2025. Proposals must align with sustainability principles while ensuring harmony with the surrounding Olympic Ring, particularly the iconic Palau Sant Jordi designed by Arata Isozaki. Submissions will be accepted until September 30, 2025, with construction expected to begin in mid-2027 and last approximately two years. During this period, the current Sant Jordi Club will remain closed to events.
The €70 million investment will be fully funded by profits generated by B:SM, the municipal company managing the Olympic Ring and other key facilities. In 2024 alone, the Anilla Olímpica hosted over 2.2 million attendees across 170 events, underscoring its growing importance as a cultural epicenter. Notably, 80% of these visitors were local, with 40% hailing from Barcelona and its metropolitan area, and 43% from elsewhere in Catalonia.
Bridging Gaps in Barcelona’s Music Scene
For decades, the original Sant Jordi Club served primarily as a sports annex to the Palau Sant Jordi before evolving into a popular concert venue. However, its design was never optimized for live music, limiting its potential. The new structure aims to rectify this by incorporating advanced acoustics, adaptable layouts, and premium amenities tailored specifically for performances.
"This isn’t just another concert hall—it’s a statement of intent," explained Bonet. "We want to offer artists and audiences an unparalleled experience, whether it’s an intimate show or a large-scale production." The venue’s versatility will allow it to host seated events, standing concerts, and hybrid formats, catering to diverse artistic needs.
Economic and Cultural Impact
Beyond enriching Barcelona’s cultural fabric, the project is expected to bolster the local economy. According to recent data, the live music industry generates €857 million annually in Catalonia, with 82% attributed to live performances. By expanding the city’s infrastructure, Barcelona hopes to attract more national and international acts, reinforcing its status as a global capital of music and innovation.
As construction timelines unfold, anticipation builds for what promises to be a landmark addition to Barcelona’s skyline. For musicians, promoters, and fans alike, the new Sant Jordi Club heralds a brighter future—one where creativity knows no bounds and every note resonates with clarity and purpose.
A bold step toward elevating Barcelona’s cultural and musical landscape.