Experience the Lights and Sounds of the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

Experience the Lights and Sounds of the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

Barcelona’s  Magic Fountain of Montjuïc has earned its name after a century of virtually uninterrupted, crowd-pleasing performances in the heart of one of the world’s most beautiful cities. The fountain’s waters are known to jump and dance in a rainbow of colors and to a diversity of melodies and pictures. The performances have earned a genre all their own and are now called water acrobatics.

Attending a magic fountain show is integral to the Barcelona experience. If you’re staying at one these great Barcelona short term rentals you definitely want to make the fountain a priority on your sightseeing list. It’s a great and free way to spend a night out in this temperate Mediterranean city.

Magic Fountain of Montjuïc History

This city landmark was built in 1929 with its first performance taking place on May 19th during the Great Universal Exhibition, which was the reason for the fountain’s construction. Carles Buigas was the ambitious architect who designed it as early at 1922. Buigas oversaw the building of the fountain, which took over 3,000 workers less than a year to complete.

During the Spanish Civil War, the fountain was completely decimated, resulting in the only period since its construction that it wasn’t in operation. It was up and running again in 1955 after Buigas oversaw its reconstruction. In the 1980’s music was incorporated into the fountain performances, bringing the show to a whole new level. A decade later, prior to the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, the Montjuïc was completely restored, and the performances have since come to include film as well.

Visit the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

The fountain performances are considered magical largely due to the astounding synchronicity of the numerous technical elements that complete the show. The over three million liters of water dance using five different pump systems, 134 electric motors, and 109 hydraulic valves. The lights create over 50 different shades and hues, turning the water nearly every color you could imagine. This isn’t just a beautiful show, but it’s an engineering masterpiece, demanding the consultation and planning of the city’s greatest talents.

Since the advent of music and film, the fountain has included some of the world’s most famous acts. Historic film showings have included The GodfatherThe Lord of the Rings, and Gladiator. Some reputable musical acts that have been part of the shows are the Spanish zarzuela movement, and “Barcelona” by Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé.

The Magical Fountain of Montjuïc is chosen each year as the site for the “Pyromusical”, which is part of La Mercè festival. This is typical fountain performance accompanied by an epic fireworks and laser show.

Showtimes:

Autumm & Winter:
Friday & Saturday, from 7pm to 9pm.

Spring & Summer:
Thursday to Sunday, from 9pm to 11.30pm.

When you’re visiting Barcelona, be it for business or pleasure, be sure not to miss a chance to see a show at the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. This is a great activity for the kids, and also makes for a lovely night out with your sweetheart. Grab some dinner around Plaça de Carles Buigas and make an evening of it.