Barcelona museums

A selection of Barcelona museums you must visit during your stay in Barcelona

The city itself is a living museum with art and architecture defining almost every street, park and boulevard. Barcelona presents a daily kaleidoscope of creativity inspired by the spirit of Picasso, Gaudi, and Miró. The city beckons to be discovered and for a starting point Short-stay Apartments Barcelona offers a short list of museums not-to-be-missed.

Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC)

Ten centuries of art. Also within Parc de Montjuïc, this museum houses more than 1000 years of Catalan art from the 10th century to modern time plus it showcases an extensive collection of medieval art (Romanesque and Gothic), and quality examples of Spain’s art nouveau – modernism, and the sculptural avant-garde. Free admission is offered the first Sunday of the month. Address: Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc .

Fundació Joan Miró

See the surreal. This is an art student’s delight. Barcelona is the hometown of Miró Mueum who became famous for his departure from the traditional. His surrealistic works remain on display is a dramatically beautiful building created the just that purpose. Address: Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc.

Frederic Marès Museum

Collector’s dream. Anyone with a passion for travel and collecting will appreciate museum with collection of Hispanic sculpture from the twelfth to the nineteenth centuries in Spain. The influences of Marès who was himself a historian, teacher, sculptor may be felt throughout the museum. Free for those younger than 16 and free for all each Wednesday after 3 pm and on the first Sunday of each month. Address: Museu Frederic Marès Plaça de Sant Iu, 5-6 08002 Barcelona.

Palau Güell

One of Gaudi’s best. This Neo-Gothic urban palace located along Les Rambles represents Gaudi’s work as a young architect. It has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site because it exemplifies Modernisme a variant of Art Nouveau originating in Barcelona. Entrance is free. Address: Nou de la Rambla 3-5 Barcelona.

Casa- Museu Gaudi

Once his home. Located within Parc Güell, this house contains many furnishing designed by Gaudi and was for a time his residence prior to moving to La Sagrada Familia. Address: Olot 7 Vallacarca.

La Sagrada Familia

Gaudi’s magical masterpiece. Begun in 1882, this unfinished cathedral designed by Antonio Gaud is a work in progress and remains an icon for the city. The timeline for completion is 2026. The building is a very popular place for visitors. Address: C/ Mallorca, 401, 08014 Barcelona.

Casa Batllo

Gaudi’s most eccentric house. Located on the Passeig de Garcia, some say the work symbolizes the legend of St. George killing the dragon. Undulating doorways, curving walls, artful yet functional chimneys, facades adorned with tiles and wrought iron compose this architectural work of practical whimsy. Address: Passeig de Garcia 43.

Picasso Museum

Five palaces for one museum. Located within the Gothic Quarter of the city, the Picasso Museum houses more than 3,500 works in its permanent collection including much of his earliest work and his famous series Las Meninas. Tours in English are available on select days. Entry is free the first Sunday of each month and entry is always free for those younger than 16 years of age. Address: Carrer Montcada, 15-23 Barcelona .

Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA)

Showcasing modern art. The MACBA showcases major pieces created within the last five decades plus an ever changing selection of guest artists from around the world. The building itself is worth a view. The Museum offers night viewing hours on Thursday and Friday and tours in English at select times during the week. Address: Sq. dels Àngels, Barcelona.

Museum of Natural Science

Zoology and geology in two awesome buildings. Located at the entrance to Ciutadella Park Museu de Ciencies Naturals Zoologia is maintained in a remarkable building (a work of art on its own). It houses thousands of specimens of interest including sea life, earth bound and air bound. It companion Museu de Ciencies Naturals Geologia showcases an extensive collection of fossils and indigenous specimens. First Sunday of the month admission is free. Address: Parc de la Ciutadella, Passeig de Picasso.

Barcelona Aquarium

One of the best aquariums in Europe. Not far from the marina the aquarium’s glass edifice showcases marine life and the habitats indigenous to the Mediterranean and the tropics. Moving walkways send visitors along glass tunnels through viewing tanks with countless species of fish in their habitats. A large hall with an interactive island is dedicated to activities for children. Address: Moll d’Espanya.

The Botanical Garden of Barcelona

A municipal institution at the service of society. The Garden conserves collections of Mediterranean plants from all over the world. The mission entrusted to this institution includes particularly that of conserving and documenting Catalonia’s natural heritage. Address: C/ Dr. Font i Quer, núm. 2, Parc of Montjuïc.

Note: This information was accurate at time of posting. Because things often change, we suggest that you confirm details directly with the locations before making plans.