A Detailed History of Casa Mila | Timeline, Major Events & More
A masterpiece of modernist architecture and an immortal reminder of Antoni Gaudi’s vision, Casa Mila is a must-visit on your next trip to Barcelona. The building is proof that nature has a space in modern architecture.
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Casa Mila History Explained
Gaudi Begins the Project
1905 - 1906
Casa Mila’s story begins in June 1905. Passeig de Gràcia became a popular avenue in Barcelona, prompting the newly-married Rosario Segimón i Artells and Pere Milà i Camps to buy a house measuring 1,835 square metres at number 92 2. Hoping to create a house worthy of their name, the couple commissioned architect Antoni Gaudi to construct the building. Gaudi took less than a year to lay out his designs, with the project approved by the Barcelona City Council in February 1906.
Roadblocks
1907 - 1910
Barcelona City Council, who had approved the building’s construction, complained that Casa Mila's facade occupied part of the pavement on Passeig de Gràcia in December 1907. Rosario Segimón i Artells and Pere Milà i Camps were asked to pay a fine of 100,000 pesetas or demolish the attic and the rooftop a year later. The couple kept at it and received the permit thanks to the Eixample Commission, who certified the building was a monument in nature.
Open to Move
1911 - 1929
The speed of work on Casa Mila was ramped up, with the Barcelona City Council granting occupancy permission for the main floor after Gaudi certified the construction of the main floor was completed. The Spanish architect signed another certificate in October 1912, declaring the construction was over and occupants could move in.
Civil War
1936 - 1953
The Spanish Civil War impacted Casa Mila, with the United Socialist Party of Catalonia (PSUC) seizing the building in 1936. It housed the Catalan Ministry of the Economy and Agriculture during the War, and Minister Joan Comorera occupied the main floor as his private home. Following the War, Rosario Segimón, widowed by now, sold Casa Mila to the Immobiliària Provença real estate company.
Casa Mila Today
Casa Mila continues to captivate visitors more than a century after its construction. The building holds historical significance and profoundly impacted the cultural fabric of Barcelona. As one of Gaudí's most iconic works, Casa Mila provides visitors with a glimpse into the Spanish architect’s genius, revolutionary architectural style, and avant-garde vision.
The building also serves as a window into the rich history of Barcelona. Completed in 1912, Casa Mila witnessed the city's transformation during a period of artistic and cultural flourishing Modernism movement. A visit to Casa Mila provides insight into the perfect amalgamation of nature with innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Casa Mila's History
Casa Mila is one of Antoni Gaudi’s iconic works. The building’s design kickstarted a new architectural movement.
Casa Mila is over a century old.
It took six years to build Casa Mila.
The newly-married Rosario Segimón i Artells and Pere Milà i Camps bought a piece of land in a flourishing avenue and commissioned architect Antoni Gaudi to construct the building.
Antoni Gaudi designed Casa Mila.
Casa Mila has a modern architectural style.
Spain’s Modernist architectural movement and the Spanish Civil War shaped the history of Casa Mila.
Yes. Guided tours explaining Casa Mila’s history are available.