Ateneu Popular de Nou Barris

Ateneu Popular de Nou Barris is an independent cultural and social circus center in Barcelona, located in the Nou Barris district on the border between the Roquetes and Trinitat Nova neighborhoods. The building started out as an asphalt plant, but in 1977 local residents occupied it and turned it into a community-run cultural space - a role it has kept ever since.

How do you get there?

The address is Carrer de Portlligat 11-15, in the northern part of Barcelona, away from the usual tourist trail. The easiest way in is by metro to Trinitat Nova station (lines L3 and L4), followed by a short walk to the entrance. City buses also serve the surrounding streets, so it's worth checking current routes if you're coming from the center.

What can you expect to see?

The former factory's tall industrial hall now works as a performance and training space for circus artists. That height is exactly what drew circus performers here back in the 1980s - trapeze work and other aerial disciplines need vertical room that ordinary venues simply don't have. Since 1999 the Rogelio Rivel circus school has trained both children and adults on site, and every year since 1997 the venue has hosted Circ d'Hivern (Winter Circus), a festival bringing touring circus companies from across Europe.

What does "social circus" mean here?

The Circ Social programme pairs circus skills - acrobatics, juggling, aerial work - with youth education: children and teenagers from the neighborhood build discipline and teamwork alongside artistic technique. It's one of three pillars of the Ateneu's work, alongside its wider cultural programming and its ties to the surrounding community. The center runs on a participatory model, with staff and neighborhood residents jointly shaping its programme and direction.

What else happens at the Ateneu?

Beyond circus shows, the building hosts concerts, theatre performances and community events open to both residents and visitors. The Ateneu belongs to Barcelona's Fàbriques de Creació network, a city program that supports independent creative spaces housed in former industrial buildings.

When should you visit?

The programme changes seasonally, so it's worth checking current listings before planning a trip - especially if you want to catch a specific circus show or concert. Circ d'Hivern typically runs in winter, and that's the best time to see the venue at its most active.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Ateneu Popular de Nou Barris? In Barcelona's Nou Barris district, on the border of the Roquetes and Trinitat Nova neighborhoods, at Carrer de Portlligat 11-15.

Do I need tickets in advance? For most events - concerts and circus performances - yes, particularly during Circ d'Hivern, when shows regularly sell out ahead of time.

Is it suitable for children? Yes. The venue runs a circus school for children, and its cultural programme frequently includes family-oriented events.

What's the story behind the building? It was originally an asphalt plant that operated for only a few days before residents, objecting to the pollution it caused, occupied it in 1977 and converted it into the cultural center it remains today.