What Happened to the Original Barcelona Pavilion?

The Barcelona Pavilion, also known as the German Pavilion, is considered one of the most significant works of modern architecture. Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich, it was built as the German national pavilion for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition. The pavilion was intended to showcase Germany’s cultural and technological achievements and to promote its modern architecture.

Despite its importance, the original Barcelona Pavilion did not survive for long. In fact, it was dismantled just a year after it was built.

But what happened to this iconic structure? Let’s take a look.

The Construction of the Barcelona Pavilion

The construction of the Barcelona Pavilion began in 1928 and was completed in just seven months. The building had a simple rectangular plan with a flat roof supported by eight steel columns. It was made of luxurious materials such as marble, onyx, and travertine, which were carefully selected to create a sense of harmony and balance.

The interior of the pavilion was equally impressive. It featured an open floor plan with minimal partitions and a series of courtyards that blurred the boundaries between inside and outside. The furniture designed by Mies van der Rohe himself complemented the building’s clean lines and minimalist aesthetic.

The Dismantling of the Barcelona Pavilion

Despite its critical acclaim, the Barcelona Pavilion did not serve its intended purpose for long. After the 1929 World Expo ended, it was dismantled due to financial constraints faced by Germany during that time.

For many years, it seemed like this iconic structure had been lost forever. But in 1983, a group of architects led by Oriol Bohigas decided to reconstruct the pavilion based on original plans and photographs.

The Reconstruction Process

The reconstruction process was not easy. The original plans were incomplete, and many details had been lost over time. However, the team of architects was determined to recreate the pavilion as accurately as possible.

They used historical photographs and documents to guide them in their work. They also sourced materials that closely matched those used in the original construction. The reconstruction finally opened to the public in 1986.

The Legacy of the Barcelona Pavilion

Today, the reconstructed Barcelona Pavilion stands as a testament to Mies van der Rohe’s vision and modernist design principles. It is considered one of the most important works of modern architecture and has been a source of inspiration for many architects around the world.

In conclusion, while the original Barcelona Pavilion may have been dismantled, its legacy lives on through its reconstruction. Its simple yet elegant design continues to captivate audiences almost a century later, proving that good design truly stands the test of time.