What Happened to the Barcelona Pavilion?

By Robert Palmer

The Barcelona Pavilion, also known as the German Pavilion, was a modernist building designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. It was built as the German national pavilion for the 1929 International Exposition held in Barcelona, Spain. The pavilion was renowned for its simple yet elegant design and became an icon of modern architecture.

However, the original Barcelona Pavilion was only intended to be a temporary structure. After the Expo ended, it was dismantled and its materials were sold off. For many years, it was thought that the pavilion had been lost forever.

Fortunately, in 1983, a group of architects and historians decided to reconstruct the Barcelona Pavilion. Using photographs and drawings from the original design plans, they painstakingly rebuilt every detail of the structure. The new pavilion was opened to the public in 1986 and has since become a popular tourist attraction.

The reconstructed Barcelona Pavilion is faithful to Mies van der Rohe’s original design. Its main entrance features a large glass wall that can be easily opened or closed.

The interior is divided into several rooms by walls made of green marble. The floors are made of travertine and onyx.

One of the most striking features of the Barcelona Pavilion is its use of water. A small pool runs along one side of the building, reflecting its sleek lines and creating a sense of tranquility.

Today, visitors can explore the reconstructed Barcelona Pavilion and experience firsthand Mies van der Rohe’s vision for modern architecture. It remains an important example of his work and an inspiration to architects around the world.

In conclusion, while the original Barcelona Pavilion may have been lost to time, its legacy lives on through its reconstruction. The impeccably designed structure stands as a testament to Mies van der Rohe’s skill as an architect and continues to captivate visitors with its timeless elegance.