A cultural program to reclaim Vila de Madrid square for the neighborhood
February 25th. 2026
Vila de Madrid Square launches a stable cultural programme designed to put local residents back at the centre. Driven by the Gòtic Neighbourhood Plan and developed jointly with associations, facilities, and residents from the surrounding area, the initiative aims to balance the uses of a space under strong tourist and commercial pressure.
A square under too much pressure
In Gòtic Nord, Vila de Madrid Square hosts children's play areas, terraces, bike parking, and a central archaeological museum space. All of this is in a neighbourhood with a high density of commercial activity and a constant influx of visitors. This variety of uses often makes everyday life complicated for the local residents.
An analysis of public space uses carried out in 2025 identified this stressful situation and highlighted the need to strengthen everyday spaces with initiatives that foster neighbourhood cohesion and identity. Vila de Madrid Square was pinpointed as a key location to begin this change.
An agenda created at grassroots level
Since September 2025, a working group composed of residents, cultural organisations, and facilities from the area has jointly designed the 2026 programme. The aim is not to simply fill the agenda, but to generate more community-focused habits of use and provide continuity to activities that encourage people to stay in the square.
The programme includes, among others:
- Chess days in the square, open to everyone.
- A children's storytelling activity with a feminist approach as part of the 8M events.
- Painting and watercolour workshops with easels set up throughout the area.
- Urban sketching sessions and printmaking workshops linked to the necropolis.
- Cultural activities from the Juliols a la Fresca series by the Ateneu Barcelonès.
- A community lunch and family activities.
- Photo exhibitions and a cycle of cinema and talks as part of a congress on migration and culture.
The activities will take place throughout the year and will be adapted according to feedback from the neighbourhood.
Strengthening the social function of public space
The initiative aims to transform the square into a more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming space. The goal is to enhance its social function, generate relationships, and combat the disengagement that can be caused by saturation of uses. Teenagers, elderly people, women, and residents of diverse origins are some of the groups to be especially considered.
With this programme, the Neighbourhood Plan is committed to sustained revitalisation over time, based on cooperation with the local cultural and community network. The final goal is simple yet ambitious: that Vila de Madrid Square once again becomes a space where residents feel comfortable, recognise themselves, and want to make it a part of their daily life.
