Barcelona’s Most Underrated Museums That We LOVE

You already know Barcelona and its most popular attractions and museums. You will have definitely have heard a lot about the Fundació Joan Miró and the National Art Museum of Catalunya. However, there are so many underrated museums and galleries in Barcelona that deserve a lot more attention than they receive. These attractions can be amusing and informative at the same time, adding something more interesting to your trip to Barcelona. If your curiosity is aroused, keep reading our article on the most underrated museums in Barcelona that we just LOVE!

“A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others.” -Salvador Dali

#1 Museum of Modernism Barcelona

The Art Nouveau is an international style of art that was most popular between 1890 and 1910. More than a temporary trend, the Catalan Nouveau contributes to an urbanist, social and political revival in Barcelona and in Catalonia. Soon, the local authorities adopted it as an official art form and ordered modernist construction sites (such as the Palau de la Música Catalana and the Hospital of Sant Pau). You can also see the influence of this movement in the design of lampposts, benches, and religious buildings such as La Sagrada Familia.

The museum has been opened since 2010 in Born, thanks to the passion of a couple of antique dealers. Although the museum is not very big, it shelters a varied collection showing a good overview of the diversity of the artistic movement. For instance, you can have a look at the different furniture distributed in three rooms (Busquets, Homar, and Gaudí). Regarding the paintings in the museum, you will realise that the Catalan art nouveau is not as uniform as the other movements (impressionism or cubism). Among the exposed painters, we can quote in particular Ramon Casas, an iconic figure of the modernist movement.

You can also enjoy some sculptures from Art Nouveau. Women and nature are recurring themes in that period. And last but not least, the decorative arts. One of the peculiarities of modernism is the diversity of the sectors in which it shows itself.  You will see some beautiful examples at the Museum of Catalan Modernism. Intrigued by the Catalonian Art Nouveau? Make sure you pay it a visit and let us know in the comments below what you think!

Contact Information

Telephone: +34 932 72 28 96

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 10:30-14:00 and 16:00-19:00 & Saturday 10:30-14:00

Address: 48 carrer de balmes

2# The Museum of Optical Illusions

Our second most underrated museum in Barcelona is The Museum of Illusions. Coming from Russia, the galleries of illusions concentrate on a series of paintings that produce a 3D impression. Due to their success, these places were exported beyond the Russian territory; the Museum of Optical Illusions in Barcelona is for the moment the only one in Europe. Opened at the end of 2015,  it accommodates 70 paintings of animals, maritime panoramas, characters of fiction or celebrities, and even zombies and escalators.

The painters of the Museum of Illusions also paid tribute to the city by representing some Catalan symbols on the walls: you can photograph yourself in front of La Sagrada Familia, sit down on the steps of the Park Güell, attend a match at the Camp Nou or interfere in one of the famous paintings of Salvador Dalí. To make your photo a success, follow the marking which indicates where to place yourself. Share your photos with us on Instagram (@barcelona_home)!

Contact Information

Telephone: +34 618 55 56 55
Opening hours: Everyday 11:00-19:00
Address: Museu de les Illusions, Carrer del Pintor Fortuny, 17

3# Olympic and Sports Museum 

Our third most underrated museum in Barcelona is the Olympic and Sports Museum. This exhibit is located on Montjuïc, just down the road from the 1992 Olympic Stadium. The museum features exhibits on high performance sport in addition to leisure sport. In addition to Paralympic sport and the importance of mental health in sport. They also offer a series or workshops and seminars

If you are looking for a local place to hang out after you visit to the museum, pop down into the Sants-Montjuïc neighbourhood. Whether you want to do a bit of shopping, or just want to hang amongst the locals, the Sants-Montjuïc neighbourhood is a great place to relax.

Contact Information

Telephone: +34 932 92 53 79
Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00-18:00 & Sunday 10:00-14:00
Address: Avinguda de l’Estadi, 60, 08038, Barcelona

Are you planning a trip to Barcelona and are looking for somewhere to stay? Why not take a look a the available apartment rentals on our website! Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.