What kind of events does the Palau de Congressos de Catalunya suit?
It is Barcelona's most complete option for a congress of 800 to 2,000 delegates that wants an auditorium, breakout rooms, exhibition space and a hotel in the same complex. It works very well for medical and scientific congresses, shareholder meetings and multi-day company conventions. The gardens allow outdoor lunches and drinks receptions that few venues in the city offer at this scale.
Spaces and capacities
Since reopening in 2023, Meliá describes an auditorium for more than 2,000 people, renovated with an 18 m screen and new sound and lighting, and a second 357-seat conference room. The 35,000 m² building is completed by 39 modular meeting rooms, more than 4,000 m² of exhibition space and more than 25,000 m² of gardens and outdoor areas. It has an underground car park with 214 spaces.
Turisme de Barcelona publishes different figures (2,500 seats and 35 rooms). In the data panel we use those of the current operator. The building, designed by Carles Ferrater, Josep Maria Cartañà and Alberto Peñín, opened in 2000.
Getting there
It is at Avinguda Diagonal, 661-671, in uptown Barcelona, around 15 minutes from the airport according to Meliá. It is served by metro L3 (Zona Universitària) and the Diagonal tram lines. For delegates staying in the centre, we recommend shuttles at arrival and departure times.
Production tips
- Make use of the connected hotel. With Torre Melina next door, speakers and committee can move around without leaving the complex. Book the room block when you confirm the Palau.
- Use in-house teams wisely. As it has its own catering and technical production, define from the start which services you contract from the Palau and which your agency provides.
- Plan the gardens by season. From May to October they are the best space for lunches and drinks receptions. Out of season, plan an indoor alternative.
- Hold the evening elsewhere. For the gala dinner, plan coaches to the city centre or Montjuïc.
What works well nearby
Torre Melina, with 391 bedrooms and its own room for 850 people, is the natural complement. If you need more exhibition space or capacity, compare it with the CCIB and the rest of Barcelona's convention centres.
Considering the Palau for your congress? Get in touch and we will send you a proposal within 24 business hours.