The Art Nouveau European Route convened the IV coupDefouet International Congress on Art Nouveau, which is jointly organised by Barcelona City Council and Barcelona University, which was held in Barcelona from 29 June to 2 July 2023.

The main strand of the fourth edition of this coupDefouet Congress aimed to address new perspectives on the Art Nouveau movement in relation to national identities (art, society and thought). The coincidence in time of constructing national identities was the subject for analysis and thought from a variety of perspectives.

The second strand focused on the decorative programmes of buildings, in addition to linking these to the restoration initiatives that have made it necessary to recover 19th-century techniques and trades. The third strand was dedicated to Lluís Domènech i Montaner, to mark the centenary of his death, and Art Nouveau around the world, exploring the influences received and mastery exercised by this architect throughout the world. Finally, the fourth strand of the programme is the section on research and doctoral theses in progress, which encourages doctoral students and senior researchers to share their analyses and opinions.

The Congress sessions began on 29 June and ran until Saturday 2 July. However, as is traditional for a coupDefouet Congress, a broad range of cultural activities related to Art Nouveau took place place during the period between 25 June and 9 July. These were free of charge for all those registered for the Congress.

The registration fee included attendance at the sessions and snacks during the breaks, as well as official meals and activities organised and scheduled around the Congress. It also provides participants with access to the written versions of papers and communications, some of which were available prior to the Congress and some afterwards.