Best Museums in Barcelona

15/06/2023

31/05/2023

Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya

With over a thousand years of art on display, this delightful museum is perched atop of Montjüic hill and is a must-see when in Barcelona. Dedicated to Catalan art, the galleries are full of amazing paintings, objects, and artifacts that range from murals and carvings to frescoes and furniture.

A beautiful collection, some of the art dates all the way back to the 12th century, with more recent additions dating to the 20th. The four zones of the museum are very well laid-out and each tells its own story.

Whether you are interested in Gothic or Renaissance art or prefer Romanesque and Modern, the MNAC will never disappoint. With numerous masterpieces by such Catalan masters as Gaudi and Picasso, it really is a fascinating collection to explore. Set in the national palace, the museum is exquisitely designed and the architecture on show is the piece de resistance of what the MNAC has to offer.

31/05/2023

Museu Picasso

A fascinating place to wander around, Museo Picasso’s extensive collection is remarkably spread around five elegant palaces, which are themselves a large part of why the museum is so stunning to visit.

The Gothic archways seamlessly give way to beautiful courtyards, which in turn merge into lavish rooms and studios where the painter produced some of his seminal paintings. With over 3,800 pieces on display, the museum offers an amazing look at Picasso’s art, focusing on the fantastic series of work that the renowned artist produced between 1890 and 1904.

Wonderfully presented, the permanent exhibits explore his development as an artist and explain how his style evolved from classical art to the Cubist masterpieces for which he is remembered today. While many of his most famous pieces are actually exhibited in other museums around the world, the Museo Picasso and its stunning setting is definitely worth a visit.

29/05/2023

Museu d'Historia de Catalunya

Offering a fascinating look at the history of Catalunya, the museum is appropriately set in the Old Port: one of the oldest parts of Barcelona. The region of Catalunya has a long and tumultuous history that is proudly displayed, educating future generations about the culture and customs of its people.

Covering an incredible expanse of time, it is an interesting museum to wander around; Paleolithic findings are on show alongside temporary exhibitions that highlight what life is like in modern times.

Any visitor to the Museu d’Historia de Catalunya will come away with a greater understanding of what it is to be Catalan and a greater appreciation for the region’s culture. After exploring the exhibitions, head to the nearby beach for a lovely walk in the sun along the beachfront.

26/05/2023

MEAM

Located in the oldest neighborhood in the city right, next to the Museu Picasso, this wonderful museum may be small but it’s certainly impactful. MEAM has an ever-changing catalog of exhibitions on show, with most of the artists hailing from Spain.

The aim behind the museum is to find meaning in the fantastic works on display. Often called a ‘living museum’, the MEAM is unlike many other institutions in that it regularly hosts live music events, theatre courses, and sculptures workshops, and really attempts to engage with its community – something that it certainly achieves.

From provocative paintings and hyper-realistic photo portraits to daring sculptures and more, the Museu Europeu d’Art Modern will astound and delight art lovers with all that there is to see and do.