The Luz BCN 2026 festival has successfully concluded its 15th edition, after illuminating the city with a dazzling display of art, technology and visual experimentation. Under the slogan “Nightscapes”, this event has transformed Barcelona into a spectacular canvas of lights, attracting a not inconsiderable audience of 300,000 visitors. For several nights, the metropolis has become a true spectacle for the senses, fusing architecture, light and culture in a festive and participatory atmosphere.
Great artists under the light
This year, the festival has counted with the participation of renowned creators who have left their mark on the streets of the city. The filmmaker Albert Serra, the artist Laia Estruch and the creative studio STUDIO MO:YA were just some of the prominent names who debuted their works in this edition.
Serra presented “Tonight”, a piece that illuminated the imagination of the audience, while Estruch collaborated with Benito to bring “Aüc” to life. For its part, STUDIO MO:YA, with its piece “Mantra Intervention”, has been an example of innovation and creativity, reflecting the essence of the festival.
This edition also recovered iconic pieces from other years, in recognition of the artistic direction of Maria Güell, who has led the event until now. With the change of direction on the horizon, the festival is preparing to enter a new era, looking for the ideal person to take the reins for the next three editions.
The presence of architecture
On this occasion, the festival has collaborated with the World Architecture Capital 2026, expanding its scope throughout the city and enriching it with the inclusion of ten artistic installations spread across Barcelona’s most emblematic districts. These installations have merged disciplines such as light, dance and live music, providing a unique sensory experience.
Among the most notable proposals were “Paseo Imaginario” by Toni Mira and Quartet Brossa in the iconic Born space, and “Modulor”, another creation by Mira, which transformed Nou Barris into an illuminated theatrical stage. In addition, Bayona Studio and MID Studio, among others, activated different districts, demonstrating that light is a universal language capable of uniting and transforming.
Schools as hotbeds of creativity
The festival has not only been a show of light and shadow; it has also served as a platform for emerging talent. Barcelona’s design schools have been at the center of this initiative, standing out for their innovation and creativity.
The Talent Jove Awards have recognized the most outstanding works of these institutions. The University of Barcelona won the Reflections Award for its impressive installation “Xmeneia – The Last Breath”. The UPC’s Master Lighting Design shone with “Batec”, a work that radically transformed its environment, winning the Atmosfera Award. Finally, Elisava received the Risk Award for its interactive work “Spectris”.
Special mentions were awarded to projects such as “La espalda del Mundo / Relingo” and “Hexalux”, which stood out for their innovation and ability to transform spaces.
Meetings for lighting professionals
Beyond being a visual spectacle, Luz BCN 2026 has established itself as a meeting point for professionals in the world of lighting. The edition of Luz BCN Pro brought together artists, curators and cultural agents, becoming an essential forum for the exchange of ideas and discussion on future directions of light art.
Antònia Folguera coordinated the activities that included conferences and meetings, highlighting the 15-year history of the festival. Figures such as María Güell, Antoni Miralda and the Cube studio shared experiences and knowledge, enriching participants and attendees.
Luz BCN reaffirms its commitment to bring the art of light to the public
With this edition, Luz BCN reaffirms its commitment to bring the art of light to the public, transforming the urban space into a first-class cultural stage. The event not only celebrates creativity and technology, but also invites reflection on the role of light in our daily lives.
The festival bids farewell this year, but its illuminated legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations. With the election of a new artistic director in the coming weeks, Luz BCN prepares to shine even brighter on Barcelona’s cultural skyline.
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