A landmark temporary hotel built in just 53 days for Barcelona’s Universal Exposition, designed by modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner.
At a glance
The Hotel Internacional was a 5,000 square-metre structure purpose-built to accommodate visitors during the 1888 Universal Exposition. Its rapid construction—completed in 53 days—demonstrated the engineering prowess of the era. The hotel fulfilled its temporary function and was demolished after the exhibition closed.
History
Lluís Domènech i Montaner designed the hotel as part of the architectural programme for Barcelona’s Universal Exposition of 1888. Built as a temporary facility, the hotel served the exposition’s visitors before being dismantled once the event concluded. Its brief existence exemplified the transient nature of world-fair architecture.
What you see
The hotel occupied 5,000 square metres of purpose-built space. Its design reflected Domènech i Montaner’s modernist sensibility while meeting the practical demands of rapid construction and temporary use.
Cultural significance
The Hotel Internacional represents a pivotal moment in Barcelona’s emergence as a modern European city. Domènech i Montaner’s involvement underscored the exposition’s importance as a showcase for Catalan architectural innovation and industrial capability during the late 19th century.
Key facts
- Country: Spain
- City: Barcelona, Gothic Quarter
- Coordinates: 41.37907, 2.18093
- Architect: Lluís Domènech i Montaner
- Year: 1888
- Size: 5,000 square metres
- Construction time: 53 days
Practical information & getting there
The Hotel Internacional no longer stands; it was demolished after the 1888 exposition. The site is located in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. For information about related exposition architecture and modernist buildings by Domènech i Montaner that remain, visit Barcelona’s tourism office or local heritage organisations.
Sources & resources
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