The museums in Barcelona are out of this world. Nothing and no one can deny that Barcelona is a city rich in history, art, and culture, and its museums are proof of that. From galleries filled with contemporary art to classic collections spanning centuries of creativity, the Catalan capital is a paradise that hides a wealth of museums showcasing art, history, architecture, and science within its streets.
Exploring Barcelona’s diverse range of museums is the perfect way to get to know its essence and connect with the cultural and artistic movements that have shaped the city over the years.
Stay with us! We’ll tell you how much it costs to visit them, how many there are, and which ones are most worth visiting depending on your preferences.
Prices and tickets for the museums of Barcelona
Most museums in Barcelona offer affordable entry fees, ranging from €5 to €15. Many of them can even be enjoyed at reduced prices or completely free of charge. Yes, you heard right! There are plenty of free museums in Barcelona.
For example, MACBA (Museum of Contemporary Art) offers free entry every Saturday afternoon, the Maritime Museum does so on Sunday afternoons, and the Picasso Museum holds open days every Thursday afternoon.
Additionally, on the first Sunday of each month, a large number of museums offer free entry, as well as on special days throughout the year, such as Museum Day, Santa Eulalia, Sant Jordi, or La Mercè. You just need to check the official website of the Barcelona museum you’re interested in and confirm before you go.
The Best Museums in Barcelona
Barcelona boasts over 50 museums, impressive, isn’t it? This means there’s a wide variety to suit all tastes, from classical installations to more modern presentations that challenge how you see the world. So, if you’re planning a trip to the ‘Ciudad Condal’ (City of Counts), you can’t miss visiting some of the most iconic museums in Barcelona, which are… these!
National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC)
The MNAC is the most important of all the museums in Barcelona, with an impressive collection that spans from mediaeval art to the 20th century. Located in the majestic National Palace in Montjuïc, it offers a spectacular view of the city and houses one of the best collections of Romanesque art in the world. Yes, in the world!
Additionally, its Gothic and modernist art exhibitions make the MNAC a must-visit if you want to understand the artistic development of Catalonia.
Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona (MACBA)
This museum is the cathedral of contemporary art in Barcelona. Its modern structure, designed by architect Richard Meier, stands out in the working-class neighbourhood of Raval.
Its collection includes works by renowned artists such as Antoni Tàpies and Francesc Torres. And take note, this Barcelona museum is not just a space to admire contemporary art, but also a meeting place for those looking to challenge the boundaries of traditional art.
Joan Miró Foundation
The Joan Miró Foundation offers a window into the world of one of Catalonia’s most iconic artists. It was created by Miró himself with the goal of promoting contemporary art.
It houses an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and works on paper by the artist and is located in Montjuïc, in a building designed by Josep Lluís Sert. The building itself is just as striking as what it contains, adding an extra touch of surrealism and symbolism to the visit.
Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA)
This history museum offers a fascinating journey through the memories of the city. It is located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter and contains archaeological remains dating back to the 1st century BC. Here, you can walk through the ancient foundations of Barcino, the Roman Barcelona.
It’s a very intriguing place where you can learn about the city’s evolution and understand how it has become what it is today.
Maritime Museum of Barcelona
The Maritime Museum is a must-visit if you love the sea and sailing. It’s housed in the Drassanes Reials, a historic building dating back to the 13th century, and features a fascinating collection of ships, maps, and objects that tell the maritime history of Barcelona and the Mediterranean in general.
One of its highlights is a full-size recreation of the royal galley of John of Austria, used in the Battle of Lepanto, which you definitely don’t want to miss.
European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM)
Strategically located in the Born district, this museum specialises in contemporary figurative art and is the perfect place if you’re looking for a more modern and different approach than the abstract art that dominates other contemporary museums.
The MEAM is one of Barcelona’s museums that showcases works by artists from around the world, offering a fresh perspective on modern art and how it reconnects with the classic themes of the human condition.
Picasso Museum
Let’s finish off this list with the Picasso Museum, which is, without a doubt, one of the most popular in the city and absolutely has to be part of your Barcelona itinerary.
Located in the charming La Ribera neighbourhood, it houses one of the most extensive collections of Picasso’s early works, showing his development from adolescence through to his more experimental phases. This collection allows you to understand how the genius from Málaga developed his style and became one of the great figures of 20th-century art.
How Many of Barcelona’s Museums Will You Choose?
Barcelona’s museums are windows into different eras, movements, and ways of seeing the world, and visiting at least some of them is essential to understanding the essence of the city. So, you know what to do – if you’re in Barcelona, set aside some time to immerse yourself in its history, art, and culture in one of the best museums the city has to offer. The city’s museum offerings are as varied as the selection of accommodations we offer at Key Barcelona, with perfect options to rest after a day full of culture.
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