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Montjuïc sheds its skin with the demolition of several Fira pavilions
The renovation of the Fira de Montjuïc has entered one of its most visible phases with the start of demolishing several pavilions. Over the coming years, the works will change the landscape of the avenue of Reina Maria Cristina and prepare the site to open new spaces in 2029.
Machinery is already at work demolishing pavilion 4 and the current Palau de Congressos, where a new multifunctional building for major events will be constructed. This is part of a large-scale redevelopment aimed at modernising facilities closely tied to the fair history of Barcelona.
At the same time, asbestos is being removed from the Palau Alfons XIII and the roof of the Palau del Vestit is being dismantled. The goal is for these three buildings to be fully renovated by 2029, coinciding with the centenary of the International Exposition that transformed Montjuïc.
One of the most striking images of the project is the installation of a crane with a 60-metre arm. Demolition is progressing towards the avenue of Reina Maria Cristina to minimise disruption to the area and better organise the movement of heavy machinery.
The future multifunctional palace will have two independent exhibition floors and entrances from the new carrer de l’Univers and from Maria Cristina. The layout will allow different types of activities to take place at the same time and increase the venue’s capacity for fairs and congresses.
The new Palau de Congressos will occupy the site of the current Palau Alfons XIII. The project includes an auditorium for more than 2,000 people, a garden of almost 7,000 square metres, and a direct connection from the plaça de Carles Buïgas, near the future entrance to the expanded MNAC.
The Palau del Vestit will become a space linked to innovation and fair activity. The first phase of the works involves an investment of nearly 250 million euros and also paves the way for the construction of 548 protected homes within the area.
From 2030, a second stage will focus on the Palau de les Comunicacions and the Palau de la Metal·lúrgia. The full schedule runs until 2035, so the transformation will coexist for years with Montjuïc’s usual activities.
The project is already giving a new look to one of the city’s most recognisable gateways. Amid cranes, empty pavilions and demolition, Barcelona is beginning to redraw a venue that aims to remain urban while continuing to compete for major international congresses.