Barcelona hosts one of the best museums in Spain and Europe. The city has a rich cultural heritage, and its museums are among the best in the world. From contemporary art to history and science, there is something for everyone in Barcelona’s many museums. Here we’ll explore the best museums in Barcelona, what to expect, what is exhibited, how to get there, and more.
Top 10 Best Museums in Barcelona
Whether you’re a fan of Picasso, Miro, or just want to explore the city’s cultural heritage, Barcelona’s museums are a must-visit destination.
Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum is a must-visit destination for art lovers in Barcelona.
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The museum houses one of the most extensive collections of works by the famous artist, and visitors can expect to see a range of his early works, as well as his famous Blue and Rose periods. One of the best museums in both Barcelona and Spain.
- What to expect: Artistic exhibits, works by Picasso
- What is exhibited: Works by Picasso
- How to get there: The Picasso Museum is located in the Gothic Quarter, which is easily accessible by public transportation.
National Art Museum of Catalonia
The National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) is a large museum located on Montjuic Hill, and is home to an extensive collection of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque art. Visitors can expect to see works by famous artists such as El Greco, Velázquez, and Goya, as well as a range of Catalan modernist art.
- What to expect: Artistic exhibits, works by famous artists, Catalan modernist art
- What is exhibited: Art from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, as well as Catalan modernist art
- How to get there: The MNAC is located on Montjuic Hill, which is easily accessible by public transportation.
Joan Miro Foundation
The Joan Miro Foundation is dedicated to the works of Joan Miro, a famous Catalan artist known for his surrealist and abstract art. The museum features a wide range of his works, as well as rotating exhibitions and events throughout the year.
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- What to expect: Artistic exhibits, works by Joan Miro
- What is exhibited: Works by Joan Miro
- How to get there: The museum is located in the Parc de Montjuic, which is easily accessible by public transportation.
CosmoCaixa
CosmoCaixa is a science museum located in Barcelona’s uptown area. The museum features a range of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that are perfect for visitors of all ages. The museum also has a planetarium and a tropical forest.
- What to expect: Interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, planetarium, tropical forest
- What is exhibited: Science and technology
- How to get there: CosmoCaixa is located in Barcelona’s uptown area and is easily accessible by public transportation.
Museum of the History of Barcelona
The Museum of the History of Barcelona (MUHBA) is located in the Gothic Quarter and is dedicated to the city’s history and cultural heritage. The museum features a range of exhibits and interactive displays that explore the city’s ancient Roman roots, as well as its medieval and modern history.
- What to expect: Historical exhibits, interactive displays
- What is exhibited: Barcelona’s ancient Roman roots, medieval and modern history
- How to get there: The MUHBA is located in the Gothic Quarter, which is easily accessible by public transportation.
Barcelona Contemporary Art Museum (MACBA)
The Barcelona Contemporary Art Museum, also known as MACBA, is located in the Raval neighborhood and is dedicated to contemporary art.
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The museum features a range of exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, that showcase the work of contemporary artists from around the world.
- What to expect: Contemporary art exhibits
- What is exhibited: Contemporary art from around the world
- How to get there: MACBA is located in the Raval neighborhood, which is easily accessible by public transportation.
Palau Güell
Palau Güell – The Palau Güell is a mansion located in the El Raval neighborhood of Barcelona, designed by Antoni Gaudi.
The building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features stunning architecture and design. Visitors can expect to see a range of exhibits, including furniture, artwork, and architectural elements. One of the best museums in both Barcelona and Spain.
- What to expect: Historical and architectural exhibits
- What is exhibited: Furniture, artwork, and architectural elements
- How to get there: The Palau Güell is located in the El Raval neighborhood, which is easily accessible by public transportation.
Casa Mila (La Pedrera)
The Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera, is another famous building designed by Antoni Gaudi, located in the Eixample neighborhood of Barcelona.
The building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features stunning architecture and design. Visitors can expect to see a range of exhibits, including furniture, artwork, and architectural elements.
- What to expect: Historical and architectural exhibits
- What is exhibited: Furniture, artwork, and architectural elements
- How to get there: Casa Mila is located in the Eixample neighborhood, which is easily accessible by public transportation.
Barcelona Museum of Modernism
The Barcelona Museum of Modernism is located in the Eixample neighborhood and is dedicated to the Catalan modernist movement. The museum features a range of works by famous Catalan modernist artists, including Gaudi, Rusiñol, and Casas.
- What to expect: Artistic exhibits, works by famous modernist artists
- What is exhibited: Catalan modernist art
- How to get there: The museum is located in the Eixample neighborhood, which is easily accessible by public transportation.
Barcelona Maritime Museum
The Barcelona Maritime Museum is located in the Gothic Quarter and is dedicated to the city’s maritime history. The museum features a range of exhibits and interactive displays that explore the city’s seafaring past, including the Age of Discovery and the city’s role in the Spanish Civil War.
- What to expect: Historical exhibits, interactive displays
- What is exhibited: Barcelona’s maritime history
- How to get there: The museum is located in the Gothic Quarter, which is easily accessible by public transportation.
Fundacio Joan Brossa
The Fundacio Joan Brossa is located in the Gracia neighborhood and is dedicated to the life and works of the famous Catalan poet, playwright, and artist Joan Brossa. The museum features a range of exhibitions and events that explore his life and artistic career.
- What to expect: Artistic exhibits, events
- What is exhibited: Works by Joan Brossa
- How to get there: The museum is located in the Gracia neighborhood, which is easily accessible by public transportation.
Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, also known as the MNAC, is located in Montjuic and is dedicated to Catalan art from the Romanesque period to the mid-20th century. The museum features a range of works by famous Catalan artists, as well as a collection of European art from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
- What to expect: Artistic exhibits, works by famous Catalan artists
- What is exhibited: Catalan art from the Romanesque period to the mid-20th century, European art from the Renaissance and Baroque periods
- How to get there: The museum is located in Montjuic and is easily accessible by public transportation.
