Top 11 Museums to visit in Barcelona

Barcelona is known as a city of art and artists. There are lots of cultural events in the city, such as operas or jazz concerts. However, today we are showing you top 11 Museums to visit in Barcelona!

#1 MACBA  (Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art)

The building itself is a stunning work of architecture by Richard Meier, an American artist and architect. Indeed, the white curves and rectillinear walls combine to create an interesting and beautiful space. Moreover, the gallery is dedicated to works from the second half of the 20th century. Furthermore, there are only a few pieces that remain in the permanent collection. However, there are new temporary exhibitions by exciting and interesting designers and artists quite regularly.

#2 Museu d’Història de la Ciutat (Barcelona City History Museum)

If you are interested in learning about the evolution of the city of Barcelona starting from the beginning of the Roman times, passing through the Medieval times, and ending as we see the city today, then this is the place for you. Besides, in the museum you can see original parts and roman foundations of the city, and ruins of the city wall that surrounded the city. The museum spans from the ruins of the 18th century palace to other buildings such as the Palacio Real and the magnificent Salón Tinell where you can see great exhibitions.Of course, in Summer there are guided tours available from 10pm til midnight, where you can end the night with a glass of cava.

Address: Placa del Rei, 08002 Barcelona
Opening hours: From Monday to Sunday from 10:00AM to 7:00PM
How to get there: Metro L4 (Jaume I)

#3 Fundació Antoni Tàpies

Here you will find all the works Antoni and Teresa Tàpies, evolving through different time periods. Furthermore, there is a beautiful library dedicated to Modern and Asian Art. Thus, the establishment is located in the building designed by modern architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, where you can see the controversial piece by Tàpies (Núvol i cadira – Nube y Silla). The roof terrace alone makes this place worth a visit.

Address: Carrer d´Aragó 255, 08007 Barcelona
Opening hours: From Thursday to Sunday from 10:00AM to 7:00PM
How to get there: Metro L2, L3, L4 (Passeig de Grácia)

#4 Museu Picasso

The museum occupies the space inside 5 medieval palaces in the hidden street Calle Montcada in neighbourhood El Born. The museum has many of Picasso’s early works (1895-1904) and is surely one of the most exciting museums of Barcelona. Additionally, this museum has some of the most complete collections of Picasso’s work (4,249 works in total). Do not forget to visit the place where Picasso met up with other artists and intellectuals during the years he spent in Barcelona: a cafe and restaurant which remains in place today, called Els Quatre Gats (C.Montsió, 3 – Barrio Gótico).

Address: Carrer Montcada 15-23, 08003 Barcelona
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00AM to 8:00PM, Wednesday closed
How to get there: Metro L4 (Jaume I)

#5 Fundació Joan Miró

The building was designed by Josep Lluís Sert. Inside you will find all the works and developments from different time periods of Miró. Thus, a visit to Fundació Joan Miró is an incredible experience, with stunning light shows, beautiful squares, fantastic views over the city, and temporary exhibitions by other artists. Indeed, it is located on the hill called Montjuïc, in Barcelona.

Address: Parc de Montjuic, 08038 Barcelona
Opening hours: Mon closed; Tue-Sat 10:00am – 6:00pm; Sun 10:00am – 3:00pm
How to get there: Metro L1, L3, L8 (Pl. Espanya), L3 (Poble Sec), Funicular de Montjuic

#6 Museu d’Arqueológia de Catalunya (Archaeology Museum of Catalonia)

Occupying the ancient Palacio de Artes Gráficas, constructed by the Feria Mundial in 1929, the Museu Arqueológia reflects the grand history of this Mediterranean port-city with its collection of prehistoric monuments and ornaments. The collection includes historic artefacts from the ancient Greeks and Romans, and even from the Cartagine era. Some of the most interesting heirlooms were excavated in the ancient Greco-Roman city of Empúries in Catalunya. Other pieces of the collection come from the Balearic Islands.

Address: Passeig de Santa Madrona 39, 08038 Barcelona
Opening hours: Mon closed; Tue-Sat 9:30am – 7:00pm; Sun 10:00am – 2:30pm
How to get there: Metro L1, L3, L8 (Pl. Espanya), L3 (Poble Sec), Funicular de Montjuic

#7 Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (National Museum of Catalan visual art)

This museum is the main place to see Catalan Art. After massive renovations, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya became perhaps one of the most important centres of Romanic Art in the world. There are over 100 pieces, including sculptures and screened icons. The best thing in the museum is the collection of murals from various Roman churches. The frescos and murals are displayed in a similar way to how they were found. Each piece is layed in chronological order, taking the spectator on a trip through Roman Art starting from its primitive origins and ending at its more advanced and gothic stage.

Address: Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuic, 08038 Barcelona
Opening hours: Mon closed; Tue-Sat 10:00am – 6:00pm; Sun 10:00am – 3:00pm
How to get there: Metro L1, L3, L8 (Pl. Espanya)

#8 Museo de la Ciéncia (Science Museum)

The Science Museum of the Fundació de la Caixa is one of Barcelona’s most popular museums, attracting over 500,000 visitors per year. Its modern design and labour has made it one of the most important museums in Spain. Visitors can touch, listen, see and participate in the variety of interactive exhibitions. Weekend activities require reservations.

Address: Carrer d´Isaac Newton 26, 08022 Barcelona
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10:00am – 8:00pm
How to get there: Metro L7 (Av. Tibidabo)

#9 Museo Marítimo (Maritime Museum)

Firstly, it is impossible to tell the story of Barcelona without including the city’s maritime history. Then, this museum shows many types of navegatory instruments, ship models, and maps which take you on a journey through the Marine History of Catalunya from its origins til the development of the submarine. You can also see the Real de Juan de Austria gallery, and scenes of life at sea with audiovisual effects. The museum is located in the Drassanes Reials of Barcelona. To sum up, the impressive building is the biggest gothic (13th century) of the world, which may fool you into thinking that you are visiting a grand cathedral rather than a shipyard.

Address: Av. de les Drassanes, 08001 Barcelona
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10:00am – 8:00pm
How to get there: Metro L3 (Drassanes)

#10 Museu d’Història de Catalunya (Museum of the History of Catalonia)

Opened in 1996, the Museum of the History of Catalonia has then a mission to conserve, to show as well as to give the global recognition of Catalan history. In addition, this cultural center is open and accessible to all, with a program that offers visitors opportunities for education and training, for discussion and analysis, for relaxation and enjoyment. Further, the Museum has a bookstore that sells a wide range of souvenirs and books on the history of Catalonia.

Address: Palau de Mar, Placa de Pau Vila 3, 08003 Barcelona
Opening hours: Mon closed; Tue, Thu-Sat 10:00am – 7:00pm; Wed 10:00am – 8:00pm; Sun 10:00am – 2:30pm
How to get there: Metro L4 (Barceloneta)

#11 Museu Frederic Marès

This museum houses a fine collection of religious sculptures dating from as far back as the pre-Roman period right during the 19th century. Also, there is a collection of objects from every day life, from between the 15th and 19th century time period. In addition the patio here is the perfect place to have a relaxing break and soak in your views and surroundings. Therefore, you can enjoy a refreshing cool drink in the summer and gaz at the beautiful cathedral opposite.

Address: Placa Sant Lu 5, 08002 Barcelona
Opening hours: Mon closed; Tue-Sat 10:00am – 7:00pm; Sun 11:00am – 8:00pm
How to get there: Metro L4 (Jaume I)