Arenas de Barcelona shopping centre, owned by Merlin Properties, in partnership with Hadrena, is an international leader in the sensory and immersive leisure market for all generations. Two large-scale immersive experiences have been inaugurated in the iconic dome space, which, in recent years, has become a landmark venue in Barcelona for culture and leisure.
The iconic dome space, located on the fourth floor of the shopping centre has one of the best 360º views of the city. It hosts two immersive exhibitions, covering more than 2,000 m². ‘Antarctica’ is managed by GIGA, and ‘Titanic, Echoes of the Past’ by ECLIPSO. They are designed to offer visitors a high-impact sensory experience, and have the ability to transport the public on historical and educational journeys, combining technology, narrative and emotion.
On this occasion, thanks to its great versatility, the dome space has been transformed into the venue for one of the most ambitious immersive projects of recent years internationally. The ‘Antarctica’ exhibition offers visitors a journey to the white continent through never-before-seen real images, captured by acclaimed filmmaker Luc Jacquet, winner of an Oscar for his documentary ‘March of the Penguins’, throughout years of expeditions. Since opening last September, ‘Antarctica’ has received excellent reviews from the specialised press, which describe it as ‘a unique multisensory journey’.
In ‘Titanic, Echoes of the Past’, visitors can use virtual reality glasses to experience life on board the ocean liner in an extremely realistic way, with its passengers and crew in motion. The experience begins with a dive from the surface to a depth of 3,800 metres in the Atlantic Ocean, and the narration is based on the original recordings of cinematographer William Harbeck. The adventure includes the moment when the famous British ship struck an iceberg on 14 April 1912.
Adding to this entertainment offering, IKONO is an immersive museum that invites visitors to immerse themselves in a creative, stimulating environment as they explore its 10 rooms.
These three unique leisure and experience spaces are aimed at families, and joined by a 12-screen cinema, comprising more than 2,300 seats, which is operated by Mooby Cinemas. There is also a wide range of dining options with more than 20 restaurants, from the newly-opened Taco Bell to El Mirador, which, in addition to its spectacular 360º views of the city, stands out for its attractive and diverse gastronomic offering, making it the ideal place to enjoy the Barcelona skyline in a unique atmosphere. 11 Nudos Terraza Nordés invites visitors to savour hearty dishes, artisan desserts, wine and cocktails in a spacious, modern setting. Abrassame stands out for its specialisation in fresh fish and seafood from the fish market, as well as premium meats from Galicia, Asturias and Nebraska, all cooked on the grill, on the griddle or oven-baked. Saluka, meanwhile, is a restaurant and lounge serving Asian specialities fused with some of the best cuisines in the world, resulting in dishes such as ‘japo-bravas’ and ‘Saluka seafood paella’. La Lola de las Arenas offers a modern, welcoming Mediterranean atmosphere, with a menu that reflects the essence of the city and its people. Mussol transports diners to traditional Catalan farmhouses, with meat and vegetables grilled over holm oak, serving local produce in a rustic decor that evokes the authenticity of the Catalan countryside. La Tagliatella offers a menu to be enjoyed to the full in a family atmosphere. Homemade pizzas with Parmigiano Reggiano, carpaccio with buffalo mozzarella, pasta with goat's cheese sauce and homemade tiramisu are just some of the dishes on offer. Finally, Mar i Terra completes the offering with Mediterranean cuisine and a menu that includes tapas, salads, rice dishes, meat and fish. Arenas de Barcelona is an essential destination for national and international tourists and residents alike.
This range of choice is no coincidence. Arenas de Barcelona is located in a key area of the Catalan capital and offers unique visibility and accessibility. It has direct access for two metro lines, as well as a direct connection to the airport. It is also 10 minutes away from the station for long distance trains.
Arenas de Barcelona also provides local residents with a Mercadona supermarket, making it easy to buy everyday products in an accessible, functional environment. It also houses the exclusive Metropolitan gym, located 27 metres above ground level, with high-end facilities including a jacuzzi that has stunning views over Plaza España, and offering a comprehensive wellness experience.
In terms of retail, all these entertainment options have attracted the interest of different retailers who, throughout 2025, have joined the shopping centre's overall offering. These include Gusti Toscani, with authentic Italian fast food; Coolligan, specialising in retro-style sports clothing; and JD Sports, an international leader in footwear and urban fashion. They join leading operators in the fashion sector, such as Mango, Desigual, and Fnac, which in recent months has established itself as a benchmark for technology in the Eixample district.
This renewed dynamism coincides with the long-awaited reopening of the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, which once again comes alive after being closed for three years due to water shortages and refurbishment work. Arenas de Barcelona is the perfect place to enjoy this unique light show. From an exceptional vantage point, visitors can contemplate the water as it dances in all its splendour, with light, colour and music, and transforms the city into a vibrant stage. The panoramic views frame the experience making it unique and unforgettable.
Once again, Arenas de Barcelona redefines the concept of a shopping centre, integrating culture, entertainment and technology into a comprehensive offering that attracts a variety of visitors, and positions itself as a key player in the transformation of urban leisure in Barcelona.