The Arc de Triomf is a monument located at the confluence of Passeig de Lluís Companys, Passeig de Sant Joan and Ronda de Sant Pere. It was designed by the architect José Vilaseca as the main entrance to the Barcelona Universal Exhibition of 1888. The sculptural decoration was the work of Josep Reynés, Josep Llimona, Antoni Vilanova, Torquat Tasso, Manuel Fuxá and Pere Carbonell.

Unlike other triumphal arches of a markedly military nature, the Arc de Triomphe of Barcelona has a more civilian component, characterised by artistic, scientific and economic progress.

The Barcelona Universal Exhibition took place between 8 April and 9 December 1888, and was held in the Parc de la Ciutadella, formerly belonging to the army and won for the city in 1851. The incentive of the fair events led to the improvement of the infrastructures of the entire city, which took a huge leap towards modernisation and development.

The entrance to the Exposition was through the Arc de Triomphe, a monument created for the occasion that still remains in its original place. This gave access to the Saló de Sant Joan - now Passeig de Lluís Companys - a long avenue 50 metres wide, with wrought-iron balustrades, mosaic paving and large lampposts, all designed by Pere Falqués.

Eight large bronze statues representing illustrious figures from the history of Catalonia were placed along this avenue, the work of various sculptors, including the authors of the sculptural decoration of the Arch. This promenade ended at the entrance to the Exhibition site, where the Parc de la Ciutadella is now located. At this intersection, the monument to Rius i Taulet, the mayor who promoted the Exhibition, was inaugurated in 1901 and now serves as a counterpoint to the Arc de Triomf on the other side of the promenade.