The Captivating History of the Magic Fountain
Located in Barcelona, Spain, the Magic Fountain of Montjuic is often referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World by the locals. Like most of the developments surrounding it, this world famous fountain was constructed as part of the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition. Over time, it has become a familiar and beloved icon to the people of Spain.
Carles Buigas was the brilliant mind who designed and oversaw the construction of the Magic Fountain. He was among the first architects in the world to begin creating illuminated fountains, and he built his first one in 1922. The location where the Magic Fountain sits was previously home to The Four Columns, which are symbolic of the Catalanism movement. The Prime Minister at the time ordered The Four Columns to be destroyed to make way for the Magic Fountain. In 2010, the Columns were rebuilt just a few feet away from their original home.
Initially, it was doubtful whether or not the Magic Fountain would actually be built. Buigas submitted his design only 13 months before the Exposition was to take place. Critics said that there was too little time to complete the design, and it was called too ambitious. In the end, it required the cooperation of more than 3,000 workers to complete the Magic Fountain on time. The Magic Fountain put on its first show just one day before the Exposition was to start.
During the Spanish Civil War, the Magic Fountain sustained heavy damages, and it was non-operational until 1955. Buigas acted as overseer for repairs on the Fountain. It has operated on a daily basis since then.
The Enchanting Setting of Barcelona's Iconic Fountain
In the mid-1980s, the fountain’s operators began to incorporate music alongside of the fountain’s water and light shows. The Magic Fountain underwent restoration and repairs before the 1992 Barcelona Summer Games. Currently, the Magic Fountain puts on shows on the weekends at half hour intervals. Music that is played during the shows include modern pop music, classical music, and soundtracks from famous movies, like The Godfather, Lord of the Rings, and the Gladiator. The light shows incorporate more than 50 different shades of color.
Each year, the Magic Fountain of Montjuic is the selected site of the Piromusical, which is an enormous display of fireworks, accompanied by a laser and music show. The show is very popular in Barcelona. The Magic Fountain can be found at the very end of Avinguda Reina Maria Cristina just below the Palau Nacional. Another noteworthy fact regarding the Magic Fountain is that it operates solely on recycled water in an effort to conserve drinking water.
How the Magic Fountain Inspires Fountains Worldwide
The Magic Fountain of Montjuic stands as a mesmerizing testament to the power of creativity and engineering. Its enchanting water and light displays have captivated audiences for decades, leaving an indelible mark on the world of fountains. From Dubai to Las Vegas, fountains around the globe now draw inspiration from Montjuic's grandeur. Its harmonious choreography of music, water, and light sets a standard for artistic expression and technological innovation. As people witness the magic unfold in Barcelona, they carry the spark of imagination, spurring a wave of awe-inspiring fountains worldwide.