A walk through Barcelona is always an immersion in a kaleidoscope of eras. Here, the legacy of the Roman Empire—recently highlighted by archaeological discoveries—coexists with echoes of the turbulent twentieth century and the vibrancy of a cosmopolitan metropolis. The Catalan capital is in constant motion, and its architecture is clear proof of that. It seems that not a single ancient wall, Gaudí masterpiece, or cobblestone escapes the admiring gazes and cameras of the millions of travelers who fill its streets every year. Among its many iconic sites, there is one place that has not fulfilled its intended purpose for the past three years. This refers to the grand fountain on Montjuïc, designed to adorn the entrance to the hill from Plaça d’Espanya. The fountain stopped operating in 2022 due to an unprecedented drought. But now, it is ready once again to capture the hearts of locals and visitors with its display of water and light.
This colossal, daring, and costly creation, as its own creator Carles Buïgas described it, was unveiled nearly a century ago. Its inauguration was timed for the 1929 World’s Fair, alongside other architectural masterpieces such as the Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina and the Palau Nacional, which today houses the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. From that very moment, this water theater became a silent witness to all the city’s pivotal events. While panic swept across the Atlantic, stocks plummeted, and Wall Street faced the collapse known as the Great Depression, Barcelona was in the global spotlight. The city hosted a prestigious event that, in the 19th and 20th centuries, served as a showcase for humanity’s technological and cultural achievements.
For this event, the capital of Catalonia was transformed beyond recognition: new avenues were laid, palaces and pavilions were erected, many of which still shape its unique urban landscape today. Among them, Buïgas’ creation became a true symbol of progress and modernism—an unprecedented spectacle where water, light, and color merged in perfect harmony. However, dark times soon followed. The Spanish Civil War silenced its powerful pumps, and for many years during the conflict, the structure was plunged into complete silence. Only in 1955 did the monument come back to life. In Barcelona, which was slowly and with difficulty recovering from the upheaval, Buïgas carried out the first major restoration, and his creation once again dazzled in all its former glory.
Arguably, one of the defining moments in the recent history of the fountain was its role in the ceremonies of the 1992 Olympic Games. For this spectacular sporting event, all four cascades were completely restored, creating an unforgettable spectacle. However, just a year later, the water display was temporarily replaced by laser beams projected onto the façade of the National Palace. The story of this unique landmark has truly been intermittent, yet at the same time enduring. In 2022, the climate crisis and severe drought once again forced city authorities to take drastic action and halt its operation. This was a necessary decision, the effects of which have lasted to this day. Now, at last, the monument embodying the progress of the past century is set to shine again. According to a statement from the Barcelona City Council, the grand relaunch will take place on 28 September, during the height of the La Mercè 2025 celebrations. The new show is expected to blend centuries-old traditions with the principles of sustainability. Following this event, the water performances will resume as usual, delighting both residents and tourists.
