Magic Fountain of Barcelona: The Ultimate Guide (2024)

The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc is more than just a fountain – it’s a dazzling display of water, light, and music that never fails to amaze. Situated in Barcelona’s Montjuïc neighborhood, this fountain is famous for its spectacular shows that light up the night.

Living in Spain, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to see the Magic Fountain in action, and each time it’s just as mesmerizing as the first.

So, what makes the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc a must-visit attraction in Barcelona? Well, I’ll take you through its history, what makes its shows so special, and when you should visit to get the best experience…plus, perhaps most importantly, is it actually running at the moment?

So stick with me, and I’ll let you in on all the must-know info about this magical marvel that’s on every list of what Barcelona is known for.

History of Barcelona’s Magic Mountain

If you’re looking for a magical experience in Barcelona, the Magic Fountain is a must-see attraction. The fountain, located at the head of Avinguda Maria Cristina in the Montjuïc neighborhood, has a fascinating history that spans nearly a century.

Origins

The Magic Fountain was designed by Carles Buïgas, a Catalan architect who also designed several other illuminated fountains. It was built for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition, which was held to showcase the city’s cultural and economic achievements. 

During the Expo, the fountain was a major attraction, drawing thousands of visitors who were enchanted by its colorful displays and choreographed water shows. 

After the Expo ended, the fountain remained a beloved landmark, but it fell into disrepair during the Spanish Civil War. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the fountain was restored to its former glory.

Restoration

In the 1980s, the fountain was in need of another restoration, and it was decided that the restoration should be completed in time for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. The restoration was a massive undertaking, involving the reconstruction of the fountain’s water system and the installation of new lighting and sound systems.

The restored fountain was unveiled in 1992 and it quickly became one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona. 

Today, the fountain is still a major draw for visitors, and it’s been the site of many important events. More importantly for tourists, the fountain’s choreographed water displays, set to music and lights, are a truly magical sight that you won’t want to miss during your visit to Barcelona – if it’s on. And on that point…

Is the Magic Fountain in Barcelona working?

No, at the time of publishing this article, the Magic Fountain in Barcelona has been turned off as a water saving measure. With Barcelona, like much of the rest of Spain, experiencing a severe drought at the moment, there’s been no announcement on when the fountain will be working again. 

While it’s a shame you’ll miss the show if you’re visiting soon, there are, fortunately, plenty of other things to do in Barcelona!

Maybe start by grabbing a drink at one of Barcelona’s markets to toast the fountain that you almost saw…

Where is Barcelona’s Magic Fountain?

The Magic Fountain is located in Montjuïc, which is a hill in Barcelona that offers spectacular views of the city. The fountain is situated at the foot of the hill, in the Plaça d’Espanya, with lots of restaurants, bars, and shops nearby. 

How to get to the Magic Fountain in Barcelona

The fountain is situated in the Plaça d’Espanya, which is a bustling square in the heart of the city. You can get there by taking the L1 or L3 metro lines, or by taking the FGC train. 

There are also several bus lines that stop near the fountain, so you have plenty of options to choose from. If you’re coming from the city center, you can take the tourist bus, which stops at the fountain. 

Alternatively, you can rent a bike and cycle to the fountain. There are several Bicing parking racks near the fountain, so you can park your bike safely while you enjoy the show.

What time is the Magic Fountain show in Barcelona?

During the summer months, the Magic Fountain show times are from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm and, in winter, the Magic Fountain show times are from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with both running Thursday to Saturday. 

The shows run on the hour and half-hour mark, and each show lasts around 20 minutes. When there’s no show, the Magic Fountain is still on but just operates more like a normal fountain, without the light and music show.

It’s important to note that the show may be canceled in case of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances, so it’s a good idea to check the official website before you go.

Also, the summer season is the busiest time of the year, so expect large crowds and get there early to secure a great spot. If you want to avoid the crowds, try visiting on a Thursday.

Remember to bring a jacket or a blanket, as it can get chilly at night, especially during the winter months. I’d also add that you should bring snacks and drinks, as there are no official vendors nearby, although people do often walk around selling drinks. 

What does the Magic Fountain’s show include?

The Magic Fountain of Barcelona is a stunning attraction that combines water and light to create a mesmerizing show that will leave you in awe. The show is set to music and lit by every color of the rainbow, making it a true spectacle that you won’t want to miss.

Choreographies

The Magic Fountain can produce around 7 billion light-and-water combinations by combining the hydraulic features and lighting it is equipped with. The choreographies are meticulously planned and executed, with each movement of the water jets and lights perfectly synchronized with the music. 

What’s great about it is that the show is constantly evolving, with new choreographies added regularly to keep things fresh and exciting.

Energy and Maintenance

The Magic Fountain is an energy-efficient attraction that uses recycled water and LED lighting to reduce its environmental impact. The fountain is also regularly maintained to ensure that it remains in top condition. 

The water is constantly monitored to ensure its cleanliness, and the fountain is cleaned regularly to keep it looking its best.

FAQs

Is it free to visit the Magic Fountain in Barcelona?

Yes, it’s completely free to visit the Magic Fountain in Barcelona! It’s one of the best things to do in the city, and you won’t have to spend a single euro to enjoy it, even when the light and music show is on.

That’s right – the light show is a spectacular display of water, music, and color. It’s a must-see if you’re in Barcelona, and it’s completely free. 

Just be sure to arrive early to get a good spot, as the fountain can get quite crowded.

What days are the Montjuic Fountain on?

The Montjuic Fountain is on every day of the week, although it’s not working at the time of publishing this due to water restrictions. However, the sound and light show is only on Thursdays to Saturdays, with the exact time depending on the season. 

During the summer months, the fountain show takes place from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm. In the winter months, the show takes place from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

If you’re planning to visit Barcelona during the holiday season, you’re in for a treat. The fountain show is a popular attraction during Christmas and New Year’s Eve, and the schedule often changes to accommodate the holiday crowds.

In previous years, the fountain show has taken place every day from December 23rd to January 5th, with two shows per night at 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm.

What metro station is closest to the Magic Fountain?

The closest metro station to the Magic Fountain is Espanya, which is serviced by both the red L1 and green L3 lines. You can easily catch a train from any of the major train stations in the city and arrive at the fountain in no time.

Once you exit the Espanya metro station, you’ll only be a short walk away from the Magic Fountain. The fountain is located in the Fira Montjuïc exhibition center, which is just a few minutes away from the station. 

You’ll find plenty of signs and directions pointing you in the right direction (not to mention that it’s huge so it’s easy to spot from a distance), meaning that you won’t have any trouble finding your way.

If you’re not familiar with the metro system in Barcelona, don’t worry. The trains are clean, safe, and efficient, and the staff are always happy to help you with any questions or concerns you may have. 

You can purchase tickets at the station using cash or a credit card, or you can use a T-casual ticket, which is a multi-use ticket that can be used for multiple journeys on the metro and other public transport in the city.