Escola Industrial de Barcelona

The school of industrial engineering, the Escola Industrial de Barcelona, is made up of a number of modernista buildings. They were designed by the architect Rafael Guastavino as the premises of the cotton mill, Can Batlló, which was set up by the brothers Feliu and Joan Batlló.

The complex is an excellent example of the industrial buildings of the day, with vast, light-filled interior spaces, with vaulted ceilings and arches. It still has the original brick chimney, the clock building and auditorium. The latter has been restored and converted into a multi-purpose performance space.

The complex is listed as a Cultural Asset of Local Interest and you'll be able to see its most important areas during your in-person or virtual tour.

In the early 20th century, this example of modernista architecture became the Industrial University, later renamed the Escola Industrial de Barcelona, which was run by Barcelona Provincial Council.

Since the Escola Industrial de Barcelona was built, it has housed many institutions. They include the General Laboratory for Research and Trials, the professional training school, the Escola del Treball, the Institute of Applied Chemistry and the Nursing School.

Einstein visits the Escola Industrial de Barcelona - 28/2/1923

The Escola Industrial de Barcelona was one of the places Albert Einstein visited during his stay in the city, and this is why we've included it on our Einstein Trail.

The German scientist was invited by the leaders of the Catalan Commonwealth, the Mancomunitat de Catalunya, and its then president, the architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch. They gave Einstein two records of Catalan folk music, after he had attended two concerts by Barcelona's sardana dance orchestra and the dance group from the New University's Students' Association.