What You'll See

Stretching across 755 square metres — 535 of vegetated facade plus 220 of closures — the forest cascades over a 45-tonne self-supporting steel framework in four levels. The 15 suspended trees include carob, olive, pomegranate, hazel, willow, and poplar, all species native to or well adapted to the Mediterranean climate. Among the shrubs, climbers, and trailing plants you'll spot lavender, sage, rosemary, jasmine, honeysuckle, and ivy woven into a tapestry of textures and seasonal colour.↗↗↗

The installation is deliberately designed to attract pollinators and birds: species with high nectar value feed bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, while fruiting plants chosen for winter ripening provide calories for migratory birds. You might notice this wildlife adding movement and sound to the scene throughout the day.↗

Engineering a Self-Sustaining Ecosystem

Behind the lush facade is a carefully engineered system of hydroponic modules grown on rock wool substrate, fed by a drip irrigation network spanning 500 linear metres. Thirteen water storage tanks hidden within the structure collect rainwater and recirculate irrigation runoff, providing up to 25 days of autonomous watering — or 7 days during Barcelona's driest months. This approach aligns with the city's broader commitment to greening its urban corridors without draining precious water resources.↗↗

Visiting the Vertical Forest

The Bosc Vertical is viewable from the exterior of CaixaForum Barcelona on the open plaza created after the demolition of La Pèrgola restaurant in 2014, making it freely accessible even if you're not visiting the exhibitions inside. Its location on the south slope of Montjuïc places it along a pleasant walking route between the city centre and the hilltop castle, gardens, and museums. The nearby Modernista architecture of the old Casaramona textile factory — now CaixaForum's building, redesigned by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Arata Isozaki — adds another layer of visual interest.↗↗

For a deeper experience, guided tours of the CaixaForum complex include a detailed look at the vertical forest, explaining its botany, engineering, and artistic intent. A QR code on-site provides multimedia content about the concept of "roots" and the interplay of vegetal and human history. The area is wheelchair accessible.↗↗↗

Best Time to See It

The forest is open year-round and changes constantly. Spring brings flowering bursts of lavender and jasmine; summer highlights the trailing species and dense green foliage; autumn shifts colours as deciduous trees prepare to drop their leaves; winter reveals the sculptural roots and bare tree silhouettes against the steel structure. Mornings offer soft light on the west-facing wall; late afternoon gives a warmer glow. Combine a visit with the Montjuïc gardens, Miró Foundation, or a stroll down toward Plaça d'Espanya.↗

Practical Information

The Vertical Forest is located on the wall of CaixaForum Barcelona, Av. de Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia 6–8, on the slopes of Montjuïc. CaixaForum itself opens daily from 10:00 to 20:00 with general admission at €6 for exhibitions; the forest exterior is viewable freely at any time. Metro connections include Espanya station (Lines L1, L3, and FGC). The installation is wheelchair accessible.↗↗