Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, Art Deco fountain at Sants-Montjuïc, Spain.
The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc is a monumental fountain in the Sants-Montjuïc district of Barcelona, composed of a central round basin surrounded by smaller pools of water. The installation spreads across a wide plaza at the foot of Montjuïc hill, with colored spotlights embedded in the ground and water jets positioned at different heights.
Architect Carles Buïgas designed the fountain for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition, with construction completed within one year using a large workforce. The original installation was modernized in the 1980s when new lighting technology and computer-controlled systems were installed to enable more complex choreographies.
After dark, the fountain transforms into a free open-air stage where locals and visitors gather on the steps to watch the spectacle unfold. Performances alternate between classical compositions by Catalan artists and international melodies, with the water responding to the rhythms like an orchestra.
The fountain sits just a short walk from Plaça Espanya metro station, accessible via lines L1 and L3. Shows typically take place in the evening, with exact times varying by season, and the installation may close during inclement weather.
The hydraulics rely on a closed-loop system that recirculates the same water throughout each performance, reducing consumption considerably. Programming allows for thousands of possible combinations between light colors and water patterns, with each performance able to vary slightly.
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