Casa Mila History | 1906 to Today

Casa Mila Timeline

June 1905 - The newly-married Rosario Segimón i Artells and Pere Milà i Camps bought a piece of land and commissioned architect Antoni Gaudi to construct the building.

February 1906 - Construction began in 1906, with Gaudi certifying the construction of the main floor was completed in 1911.

October 1912 - Gaudi declares the building was ready to move in.

1929 - Mosella Tailor’s shop became the first retail establishment to open on Casa Mila grounds.

1936 - United Socialist Party of Catalonia (PSUC) seized Casa Milla, with Minister Joan Comorera occupying the main floor as his private home.

1953 - Immobiliària Provença, a real estate company that bought the building, commissioned Francisco Juan Barba Corsini to convert Casa Mila’s attic into 13 flats and the first floor into four small apartments.

August 1969 - Casa Mila was registered as a Historical and Artistic Monument of National Interest.

November 1984 - UNESCO listed Casa Mila as a World Heritage Site.

June 1996 - Casa Mila was restored and handed over to Barcelona.

Interesting Facts About Casa Mila

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.

Construction of Casa Mila

Casa Mila is a masterpiece by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. It marked the beginning of a groundbreaking architectural movement as Gaudí embraced organic forms and seamless integration with nature. The building is among Gaudi’s most renowned works, alongside other iconic attractions in Barcelona like the Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló.

Casa Mila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, revolutionized architectural thinking, elevating Gaudí's popularity globally. Its notable undulating façade, adorned with limestone mosaics, grants the building an organic and distinctive allure, earning it the moniker "La Pedrera" or "The Quarry." The interior showcases Gaudí's commitment to abundant natural light and ventilation, achieved through well-placed skylights and inviting courtyards.

Casa Mila Architecture

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.

Casa Mila - A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Casa Mila received the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1984 owing to its historical, cultural, and architectural significance. Antoni Gaudí, the building’s architect, adopted an innovative approach to architecture, with his work having a profound influence on the development of the modernist movement.

Casa Mila is a breakthrough in architectural thinking; its organic forms, unique façade, and harmonious integration with nature were unheard of before Gaudi’s time. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee recognised Casa Mila as a masterpiece that epitomizes Gaudí's visionary genius and contribution to the architectural heritage of humanity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Casa Mila's History

What is the historical significance of Casa Mila?

Casa Mila is one of Antoni Gaudi’s iconic works. The building’s design kickstarted a new architectural movement.

How old is Casa Mila?

Casa Mila is over a century old.

How many years did it take to build Casa Mila?

It took six years to build Casa Mila.

What is the historical context in which Casa Mila was created?

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.

Who designed Casa Mila?

Antoni Gaudi designed Casa Mila.

What is the architectural style of Casa Mila?

Casa Mila has a modern architectural style.

What events or incidents have shaped the history of Casa Mila?

Spain’s Modernist architectural movement and the Spanish Civil War shaped the history of Casa Mila.

Are there guided tours explaining Casa Mila’s history?

Yes. Guided tours explaining Casa Mila’s history are available.