Does the Barcelona Pavilion Still Exist?

By Anna Duncan

The Barcelona Pavilion, also known as the German Pavilion, was a temporary structure designed by the famous architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona, Spain. The pavilion was intended to showcase Germany’s technological and cultural achievements after World War I. The building’s design is considered one of the most important works of modern architecture.

History of the Barcelona Pavilion:
The pavilion was built in just over six months and was intended to be dismantled after the exposition ended. However, its unique design and materials caught the attention of architects around the world and it became an icon of modern architecture. In 1930, Mies van der Rohe received a commission to reconstruct the pavilion on a permanent site in Berlin, but due to financial constraints and political changes in Germany, it never came to fruition.

What Happened to the Original Pavilion?
After the exposition ended, the pavilion was dismantled as planned. For several decades its existence was only known through photographs and drawings. However, in 1980, a group of Spanish architects led by Oriol Bohigas began a project to reconstruct the pavilion using Mies van der Rohe’s original plans and photographs.

The Reconstruction:
The reconstruction project took four years to complete and aimed to recreate every detail of the original pavilion. The materials used in construction were carefully selected to match those used in 1929. The original furniture designed by Mies van der Rohe was also recreated for display inside.

The Current State:

Today, visitors can visit the reconstructed Barcelona Pavilion which is located on its original site in Barcelona’s Montjuic district. It is open to visitors year-round except for Mondays when it is closed for maintenance.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while the original Barcelona Pavilion no longer exists as it was intended, the reconstructed pavilion is a testament to the enduring legacy of its designer, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Its unique design and use of materials continue to inspire architects around the world and make it a must-see destination for anyone interested in modern architecture.