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Fountain · Barcelona, Catalunha
Font Màgica de Montjuïc
Illuminated fountain at the foot of the Palau Nacional, created by Carles Buïgas for the 1929 Exposition. On show nights, jets of water, light and music form choreographies. The schedule varies by season.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Font Màgica de Montjuïc
The Font Màgica de Montjuïc is located in the square named after its creator, Carles Buïgas, at the top of avenida de la Reina Maria Cristina and just below the Palau Nacional. Buïgas had been designing illuminated fountains since 1922 and presented the project a year before the 1929 International Exposition. Many thought the proposal was too ambitious for the timeframe, and the construction mobilized more than 3,000 workers.
The first show took place on 19 May 1929, on the eve of the exposition's opening. The fountain uses 3,620 jets, and the tallest exceeds 50 metres. Damaged during the Civil War, it did not operate again until 1955, after a renovation overseen by Buïgas himself.
Music was added to the performances in the 1980s, and the fountain was restored together with the museum before the 1992 Olympic Games, which had Montjuïc as their centre. Each night has its own programme, featuring film scores, classical music, pop and Catalan songs. The hymn "Barcelona", by Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé, appears frequently.
The shows follow a seasonal calendar set by the city council. In the European summer they usually take place on several nights per week; in October, on fewer nights; in winter, there are few or no dates. Outside performance days, the fountain is switched off.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Each session usually lasts about an hour, split into two parts. Arrive a little early to choose a spot on the steps.
Best time
It's only worth going on show nights. In the Spanish summer the show starts later because it gets dark after 9 p.m. Check the schedule before you go.
How to get there
It's about a five-minute walk from Espanya station (metro lines L1 and L3). From Plaça d'Espanya, follow avenida de la Reina Maria Cristina, between the two Venetian towers, to the plaza de Carles Buïgas. The MNAC is just above, and the Poble Espanyol about 400 metres away.
Tip
The audience gathers on the steps and along the avenue; the Palau Nacional stairs provide a wider view of the choreographies. On leaving, the Plaça d'Espanya metro gets crowded: wait a few minutes or walk back. The session schedule is published by the Barcelona city council and may change; confirm on the day.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Font Màgica de Montjuïc
Does the Font Màgica operate every day?
No. The shows follow a city council calendar, with more nights in the European summer and fewer in the autumn. In winter the dates are rare. Check the schedule before you go.
Who created the Font Màgica?
Carles Buïgas, for the 1929 International Exposition. The first show was on May 19, 1929.
How long does the show last?
Generally about an hour, in two half-hour parts, with different programs depending on the day of the week.
Can you combine a visit to the fountain with other outings?
Yes. The MNAC is just above and the Poble Espanyol is a few minutes' walk away. A common plan is to spend the afternoon in Montjuïc and finish at the fountain.