Llum BCN 2026 lights up Poblenou with outdoor installations

The light arts festival Llum BCN 2026 returns this weekend to the Poblenou neighbourhood of Barcelona. The 15th edition opens on Friday, February 6, at 7 pm and runs until Sunday at 11 pm.

The program includes filmmaker Albert Serra, artist Laia Estruch, and designers Roland Mariacher and Werner Huber from STUDIO MO:YA.

A total of 12 national and international artists are taking part, along with 18 schools of design, art and architecture from Barcelona.

This year's theme is 'Nightscapes'. The festival wants to create a festive and participatory atmosphere while exploring visual perception and urban narratives through light, art, and technology.

Most of the more than 30 installations are located outdoors and can be visited freely. 

Festival hours are from 7 pm to midnight on Friday and Saturday, and from 7 pm to 11 pm on Sunday.

Among the highlights are new works by Albert Serra, titled ‘Aquesta Nit’ (‘Tonight’), Laia Estruch (‘Aüc’) and STUDIO MO:YA (‘Mantra Intervention’).

Speaking with Catalan News, Laia Estruch said her work "is part of my research between sculpture and performance,” while she also “values the opportunity” to work outside her usual “context."

Festival curator Maria Güel says light is a language with strong expressive power, and she highlights the diversity of artistic approaches. She describes the festival to the ACN  "as an immersive experience for the public."

This edition marks Maria Güell's final year as artistic director. She says Llum BCN stands out for its artistic risk and for an audience with a strong visual culture that actively engages with the proposals.