Sala Hiroshima

Sala Hiroshima was one of Barcelona's leading independent stages for contemporary dance and performance, based in the Poble-sec neighbourhood until it closed its doors in November 2021. The venue no longer operates, but its story remains part of the city's cultural map and is worth knowing if you're exploring the streets around Paral·lel.

What was Sala Hiroshima?

Hiroshima opened in 2015, built around a mission to support contemporary dance, physical theatre, circus and experimental performing arts. It occupied a converted former elevator factory on Carrer Vilà i Vilà 67, following a two-year renovation before the venue's launch. Its artistic director was Argentine dancer and actor Gastón Core, and the space quickly earned a reputation for bold, unconventional programming aimed at artists working outside the mainstream.

The auditorium was intimate, seating around 120 people, which kept audiences close to the performers — a quality shared by many independent stages, but especially pronounced here. In several seasons, roughly half the programme came from international artists, making Hiroshima one of the few venues in the city where Barcelona's local dance scene regularly crossed paths with touring international work.

Where was it located and how would you get there?

The building stands in Poble-sec, within the Sants-Montjuïc district, right next to the well-known concert hall Sala Apolo, on the main avenue Avinguda del Paral·lel. The nearest metro stop is Paral·lel, served by lines L2 and L3, with several bus routes also passing through the area. The location sits within easy reach of central Barcelona — a metro ride of around fifteen minutes from Plaça Catalunya.

Poble-sec itself is a neighbourhood at the foot of Montjuïc hill, known for its dense cluster of tapas bars and its proximity to both the city centre and the green spaces, museums and viewpoints of Montjuïc.

What could you see there?

The programme covered contemporary dance, physical theatre, circus forms and experimental performance projects, often blending several disciplines at once. The venue also served as a launchpad for emerging artists, offering one of the few spaces in Barcelona where experimental work could reach a live audience.

Why did Sala Hiroshima close?

The venue held its final performance on 12 November 2021. The closure followed financial strain compounded by the fallout of the health crisis linked to the pandemic, pressures that hit many independent cultural institutions during that period. The news resonated widely across Barcelona's arts community, since Hiroshima had been one of the few spaces in the city dedicated specifically to dance and performance creation.

Is it worth visiting the area today?

Even though the stage itself is gone, walking through Poble-sec and along Avinguda del Paral·lel gives a feel for a neighbourhood that long nurtured Barcelona's alternative culture scene. Other venues and music clubs still operate nearby, and the area sits within easy walking distance of both the city centre and Montjuïc hill.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sala Hiroshima still open? No. The venue closed permanently on 12 November 2021 after six years of operation.

Which neighbourhood was Sala Hiroshima in? Poble-sec, in the Sants-Montjuïc district, on Avinguda del Paral·lel, next to Sala Apolo.

What kind of shows did Hiroshima programme? Contemporary dance, physical theatre, circus and experimental performance, with a strong share of international artists.

How do you reach the area where Sala Hiroshima used to be? Take metro lines L2 or L3 to Paral·lel station; the former venue is a few minutes' walk from there.