In 2026 we commemorate the centenary of the death of Antoni Gaudí, one of the most outstanding figures in Catalan architecture. For us, this commemoration has a special meaning. On June 7, 1926, Gaudí was struck by a tram at the corner of Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes and Bailèn Street, directly in front of what is today the Temple Zen de la Gran Via, also known as the Zen Kannon Meditation Center.
Gaudí centenary
This place is part of the city’s memory. A site of everyday passage that, one hundred years later, continues to inspire us. Not so much because of the accident that occurred there, but because of what Gaudí’s life and work represent: his unwavering dedication to a project that transcended individual interests and was built in service of future generations.
The construction of the Sagrada Família is inseparable from the history of the donations that made it possible. Gaudí took charge of a temple financed primarily through the voluntary contributions of thousands of people. For decades, the work progressed slowly, sustained by the trust, generosity, and perseverance of an entire community. Gaudí himself knew that he would never see his masterpiece completed, yet he continued to devote himself to it wholeheartedly.
I remember being told at school that the Sagrada Família advanced slowly because Gaudí wanted it to be built solely through donations. That idea deeply impressed me and opened my eyes to a world very different from the consumerist enthusiasm of the 1970s. Later I learned that Gaudí himself went from door to door asking for donations. He wanted the temple to arise from the people—from the neighbors, from the men and women who were born and died around it. Gaudí was far more than a brilliant architect.
The Gran Via Zen Temple
Allowing for all differences, the history of the Zen Kannon Temple is also the story of a collective undertaking. When our community acquired the premises on Gran Via, a process of transformation began that was only possible thanks to the donations of practitioners and the voluntary work of many people.
For months, members of the sangha devoted weekends, holidays, and free time to renovating the space. Walls were built, ceilings repaired, rooms painted, floors installed, altars constructed, and areas adapted for meditation practice. Each of these gestures, however small, helped shape a shared work.
Zen practice teaches us that there is no separation between meditation and action. The work carried out to build the temple is itself part of the Way. Placing a stone, sweeping the floor, or painting a wall become expressions of cooperation and service to others.
The Perfection of Generosity
Inspired by the celebration of Gaudí ‘s centenary, we remember with gratitude all those who have contributed to making the Zen Kannon Temple possible. Just as great works are not born from the efforts of a single individual but from the participation of many hands and hearts, our temple is also the fruit of the community’s continuing generosity.
A centenary after Gaudí ‘s death, his life still reminds us that the most valuable works are those built with patience, dedication, and a spirit of service. These are values that also lie at the heart of Zen practice and that continue to live in every meditation session held at the Temple Zen de la Gran Via.
As a child, I was deeply impressed by Gaudí’s work and spirit. Now I realize how much he has influenced me. When we discovered a few months ago that he had fallen right in front of our dojo, I was profoundly moved. Surely some seed, some spark of his spirit, has remained here, continuing to build temples within our hearts.
Nansen
Commemorative Plaque in Memory of Gaudí centenary
The Barcelona City Council has announced on its website that on Sunday, June 7, a commemorative plaque will be unveiled in front of Gran Via 665. This is good news because the initiative originated with us. Shortly after arriving at Gran Via 665, Natàlia, an art historian, discovered that Gaudí’s accident had taken place exactly there. A year ago, we proposed to Coreixample that they request a commemorative plaque. And so it has happened: thanks both to the exceptional work of the Coreixample team and to the consensus reached by all parties involved, the plaque will now be installed at this location. It will be a public event held in the middle of the street, and everyone is invited.
This is the news announcement:
Barcelona. Eixample District
02/06/2026 – 1:52 p.m. · Urban Planning and Infrastructure
A commemorative plaque will mark the place where Antoni Gaudí was struck by a tram
On the occasion of the centenary of the architect’s death, on Sunday, June 7, at 6:00 p.m., a commemorative plaque will be unveiled on the central median of Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, in front of number 665, the place where Antoni Gaudí was struck by a tram.
Street Meditation in His Memory
Before this official ceremony, on the same Sunday, June 7, at 10:30 a.m., we will hold a street meditation in memory of Antoni Gaudí at the very place where he was struck by the tram. Participation is free and open to everyone. Those who wish may bring flowers. More information can be found in the announcement for the Gaudí Centenary Street Meditation.