Manifesta 15 Barcelona Metropolitana presents key Public Survey Results

Emphasising the decentralisation of cultural infrastructure and activities, Manifesta 15 demonstrated that audiences are willing to travel beyond central Barcelona to engage with contemporary culture.

As with all previous editions, Manifesta commissioned an independent public survey to evaluate the biennial’s impact. Conducted by the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, the findings show that each visitor attended an average of 3.8 venues, indicating that most travelled to at least two or three cities beyond their own. The survey revealed a predominantly local audience, with 85.4% of visitors residing in the Barcelona metropolitan region. Visitor satis- faction was notably high, with 91.2% reporting they were very or quite satisfied with their experience.

Beyond visitor numbers, the legacy of Manifesta 15 is reflected in both tangible and intangible outcomes, as detailed in the Manifesta 15 Final Report which was launched during the 4th of June press conference. Tangible outcomes include the conservation of public monuments, enhanced access to local archives, the recycling and donation of materials, and the publication of critical research.

In January 2025, less than two months after the biennial’s closure, the Spanish Ministry of Culture acquired Casa Gomis—one of Manifesta 15’s main venues—for €7.2 million. This move secured its future as an ecological and cultural centre to be operated by the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC), reinforcing Manifesta 15’s role in addressing eco-social priorities in the Host Region.

The Three Chimneys site also continues to serve as a cultural venue. In June 2026, it will host the World Congress of Architects, organised by the Union Internationale des Architectes (UIA). Following the event, the Generalitat de Catalunya will transform the Turbine Hall into the main venue of Catalunya Media City, a new digital cultural hub.

Since 2012, Manifesta has prioritised archival research and the promotion of local archives. At Manifesta 15, four archival projects were developed and exhibited at the former Gustavo Gili publishing house and at the Three Chimneys in Sant Adrià de Besòs. Among them was Fora per fer escola, a project highlighting a movement during Barcelona’s democratic transition (1976–1977) advocating for quality public education. As a result, participant Anaïs Florin donated her research to the Historical Archive of Roquetes–Nou Barris in December 2024, making previously unknown documents publicly accessible.

Main Image: Closing day at Les Tres Xemeneies © Manifesta 15 Barcelona Metropolitana / Helena Roig