With so many museums to choose from in Barcelona, it can be difficult to decide which ones to visit. We have selected what we believe to be the best museums to visit in Barcelona.
Barcelona is a city that boasts a rich and diverse cultural heritage, with many museums that showcase the art, history, and science of Catalonia and beyond. Whether you are interested in the works of Picasso, the wonders of nature, or the history of chocolate, you will find something to suit your taste in this vibrant city. Here are some of the best museums to visit in Barcelona, with detailed descriptions, locations, opening times, and entry prices.
Picasso Museum Barcelona
The Picasso Museum is a must-see for any fan of the famous Spanish painter, who spent his formative years in Barcelona. The museum houses one of the most extensive collections of Picasso’s works, with over 4,000 pieces that span his entire career. You will be able to view some his early paintings, his blue and rose periods, his cubist experiments, and his later works. The museum also features temporary exhibitions, educational activities, and a library.
The Picasso Museum is located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, in five medieval palaces that have been renovated and adapted to house the collection. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 19:00, and on Thursdays, from 10:00 to 21:30. The entry price is 12 euros, but you can get a reduced price of 7 euros if you are a student, a senior, or a resident of Barcelona. It is worth noting that you can also visit the museum for free on the first Sunday of the month, and on Thursday evenings from 18:00 to 21:30. To avoid the queues, you can buy your tickets online on the museum’s website.
MNAC: Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
The MNAC, or the National Art Museum of Catalonia, is one of the most impressive and comprehensive museums in Barcelona, with a collection that covers Catalan art from the 12th to the 20th centuries. View the stunning Romanesque frescoes, the elegant Gothic paintings, the elaborate Renaissance and Baroque sculptures, and the modernist masterpieces by artists such as Gaudí, Miró, and Dalí. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, concerts, and workshops.
The MNAC is located in the majestic Palau Nacional, a former palace that was built for the 1929 International Exhibition, on the hill of Montjuïc. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 18:00, and on Sundays and public holidays, from 10:00 to 15:00. The entry price is 12 euros, but you can get a reduced price of 8.40 euros if you are a student, a senior, or a resident of Barcelona. You can also visit this museum for free on the first Sunday of the month, and on Saturday afternoons from 15:00 to 18:00. You can buy your tickets online on the museum’s website.
CosmoCaixa
CosmoCaixa is a science museum that will delight both children and adults, with interactive exhibits, experiments, and activities that explore the natural and physical phenomena of the universe. Visitors can learn about astronomy, geology, biology, chemistry, physics, and more, in a fun and engaging way. The museum also features a planetarium, a tropical rainforest, and a touch and play area for the little ones.
CosmoCaixa is located in the upper part of the city, in the district of Sant Gervasi, in a modernist building that was formerly a hospital. The museum is open from Monday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 20:00. The entry price is 4 euros, but you can get a reduced price of 3 euros if you are a student, a senior, or a member of La Caixa. You can also visit the museum for free if you are under 16, or if you have a Barcelona Card. You can buy your tickets online on the museum’s website.
Chocolate Museum Barcelona
The Chocolate Museum is a sweet treat for anyone who loves chocolate, or who is curious about its history, production, and consumption. The museum traces the origins of chocolate in the Americas, its arrival in Europe, and its evolution as a cultural and gastronomic phenomenon. See how chocolate is made, from the cocoa bean to the final product, and admire the artistic creations of chocolate sculptures. You can also taste different types of chocolate, and participate in workshops and courses.
The Chocolate Museum is located in the former convent of Sant Agustí, in the district of El Born, near the Picasso Museum. The museum is open from Monday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 19:00. The entry price is 6 euros, but you can get a reduced price of 5 euros if you are a student, a senior, or a resident of Barcelona. You can also visit the museum for free if you are under 7, or if you have a Barcelona Card. You can buy your tickets online on the museum’s website.
Museu d’Història de Catalunya
The Museu d’Història de Catalunya, or the Museum of the History of Catalonia, is a museum that tells the story of the Catalan people, from the prehistoric times to the present day. When visiting, you can discover the political, social, and cultural events that shaped the identity and the destiny of Catalonia, through interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and original objects. The museum also offers guided tours, educational activities, and a rooftop terrace with a panoramic view of the port.
The Museu d’Història de Catalunya is located in the Palau de Mar, a former warehouse that was built in the 19th century, in the district of La Barceloneta, near the beach. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 19:00, and on Sundays and public holidays, from 10:00 to 14:30. The entry price is 4.50 euros, but you can get a reduced price of 3.50 euros if you are a student, a senior, or a resident of Barcelona. Another museum that offers free visits on the first Wednesday of the month, and on Sunday afternoons from 15:00 to 19:00. You can buy your tickets online on the museum’s website.
Casa Milà
Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, is one of the most emblematic and iconic buildings in Barcelona, designed by the genius architect Antoni Gaudí. The museum is a tribute to Gaudí’s life and work, and showcases his innovative and organic style, inspired by nature. Explore the different parts of the building, such as the courtyard, the apartment, the attic, and the roof, where you can admire the famous chimneys and the spectacular views of the city.
Casa Milà is located in the elegant Passeig de Gràcia, in the district of Eixample, near other modernist landmarks such as Casa Batlló and Casa Amatller. The museum is open from Monday to Sunday, from 9:00 to 20:30, and from 21:00 to 23:00 for the night visit. The entry price is 24 euros, but you can get a reduced price of 18.50 euros if you are a student, a senior, or a resident of Barcelona. You can also visit the museum for free if you are under 7, or if you have a Barcelona Card. You can buy your tickets online on the museum’s website.
More of the best museums to visit in Barcelona
The above selection are some museums, if you can, you really should visit. However, Barcelona has a lot more museums that you should visit, such as –
Erotic Museum: A great museum for the curios or for people looking for something different to explore. Discover the history of erotica from the dawn of time until the present day. The museum will also host a temporary exhibition in 2024 called “Sex in the City.” The Erotic Museum is open from 10:00 until 0:00. Entrance costs 13,50 Euros.
CCCB and MACBA: Both these contemporary art museums are situated almost next to each other. Permanent and temporary exhibitions featuring the best of modern contemporary art can be found in both venues. Situated in the Raval district of Barcelona, you can easily reach them from La Rambla or Plaza de Catalyuna.
Maritime Museum: The maritime museum, or MMB as it is known, can be found in the lower part of the Raval district of Barcelona. It features some unique exhibitions, including full-size vessels. The maritime museum is open from 10:00 until 20:00 and admission is 10 Euros.
Moco Museum: Barcelona: Situated next to the Picasso museum, the Moco museum offers the best in modern and contemporary art by some of the best artists. Featuring permanent and temporary exhibitions, the museum highlights the very best in modern art. Open from 10:00 until 21:00, admission is 19.95 Euros.
One thing is certain, if you are visiting Barcelona, you are sure to find the very best museums to visit. The last few years have seen Barcelona place its self on the map for museums, exhibitions, and art galleries. Alongside the magic of Gaudi, Barcelona is a fantastic place to visit for fans of the arts and culture.
