Page Content

Photo of Exterior

Some of you may not have heard of Mies Van Der Rohe's Barcelona Pavilion, for others it will be your primary reason for visiting Barcelona. As a founding symbol of modernist architecture, for many it is Barcelona's most important building. On viewing the building today its lines, form and design may be familiar to you. What is interesting is to attempt to view it through the eyes of someone seeing it when it was first constructed in 1929 - a building that was totally unique and kick-started a new architectural movement.

In this article I will provide a short history to the museum, along with details of how to get there, opening times, entrance prices and temporary exhibitions.

A History of the Mies Van Der Rohe Pavilion

On visiting the Mies Van Der Rohe Pavilion, what you are witnessing is not the original building, rather a re-construction of the one that was first produced in 1929. However, the fact that the building has been reconstructed so meticulously is a point of interest in itself.

The building was first constructed in 1929 for Barcelona's International Exposition. This was an exposition showcasing examples of architecture from around the world. The Pavilion's position was chosen by Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe as it led to the Palace. It was the official reception place for the arrival of King Alphonso XII to the exposition. The Barcelona Chair A Guide to the Famous Barcelona Chair at Pavello Mies Van Der Rohe is one of the only objects within the building. Mies Van Der Rohe insisted that only two chairs be placed in the Pavilion - thrones for the King and Queen of Spain.

The other object is a sculpture by Georg Kolbe called 'Morning'. The sculpture was designed as part of a set, alongside one named 'Evening'. However, only the 'Morning' sculpture was ever used by Mies Van Der Rohe.

At the end of the Exposition in 1930 the building was dismantled and its parts were shipped back to Germany to be used in other buildings.

Over time the world of architecture began to realise just how influential the Pavilion had come to be. So, in 1980 Barcelona City Council decided to reconstruct it. They did this with the help of prominent architects and a great deal of research. Work began on the reconstruction in 1983 and was completed in 1986. Great care was taken to ensure that materials were sourced from the same locations as the original building, with different marbles coming from Rome, Greece and the Atlas Mountains.

The Mies Van Der Rohe Foundation

When Barcelona Town Council first decided to reconstruct the Pavilion a Foundation was set up to do this. The Foundation still exists today and is a non-profit organisation promoting modern architecture.

One of the Foundation's main activities is a bi-annual Awards ceremony - The European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture. Prior to these awards, those nominated give lectures at the Pedrera. To book a place at the lectures call +34 90 240 0973.

Temporary Exhibitions at Mies Van Der Rohe Pavillion

The Mies Van Der Rohe Foundation also organise temporary exhibitions inside the Pavilion. These are not simply exhibitions using the building as a gallery space. The Foundation asks artists to pitch concepts in which the Pavilion is linked to art - adding something to the Pavilion rather than simply placing something in it.

The temporary exhibitions change on a regular basis. For information on what is taking place it is best to check the official website (below) under 'What's New'.

The Mies Van Der Rohe Pavilion Shop

Next door to the Pavilion you will find a small shop. Rather than being a souvenir shop, the Mies Van der Rohe Foundation have created a design and architecture bookshop focused on modern architecture. It offers books dealing specifically with Mies Van Der Rohe and the construction of the Pavilion, as well as more general books about modern architecture.

The shop has the same opening times as the Pavilion.

Opening Times for Mies Van Der Rohe Pavilion

Monday - Sunday: 10:00 - 20:00

If you are making a specific journey to see the Pavilion it is worth checking ahead of time that it will be open. The Pavilion is sometimes used for private functions, meaning that the space is closed to the public during these periods.

How to get to the Mies Van Der Rohe Pavilion

The Pavilion is situated to the right of Barcelona's Palace. It is easiest to take the Metro to Espanya. On exiting the Metro, head up the wide Avenida Reina Maria Cristina towards the Palace. Before any of the stairs, turn right on to Avenida Marques de Comillas - you will see the Pavilion directly in front of you, opposite the Caixa Forum. The Pavilion is adapted for access for handicapped people. There is also a stop for the Bus Turistic outside the Pavilion.

Entrance Prices for Mies Van Der Rohe Pavilion

General Public: €4.75
Students: €2.60
Groups (prior reservation must be made via e-mail): €2.50
Under 18 years old: Free

Pavelló Mies Van Der Rohe
Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia 7
Parc de Montjuïc
08038 Barcelona, España

Metro: Espanya (Red Line, L1) or (Green Line, L3)

Tel: +34 93 423 4016

Web: www.miesbcn.com

E-mail: pavello@miesbcn.com