Are you looking for the best museums in Barcelona? In this article, we detail the most interesting museums to visit in Barcelona, which, if you organise yourself well, you can see in about 4 days.
As well as having magnificent architecture and a lively cultural scene, Barcelona is full of must-see museums that you can’t miss. In Barcelona you’ll find art exhibitions, contemporary masterpieces alongside the ruins of an ancient Roman city, a maritime museum and a natural science museum, among many other options.
If the offer is so varied that you don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place. In this article we’ve put together a list of the top museums to see in Barcelona.
Museo Picasso
Whether you consider yourself a fan of the painter’s work or not, a visit to the Picasso Museum in Barcelona is a must. The building is located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter and boasts one of the largest collections of the painter’s work, including more than 4,000 pieces. Plus, if you’re looking for an exclusive experience, you’ll be happy to know that the museum offers private guided tours outside regular opening hours.
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Museo Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC)
The MNAC is located at the top of Montjuïc mountain, in the Palau Nacional. Inside you can find one of the largest collections of Catalan art, ranging from Romanesque art to the most iconic modernism of Catalan culture. You’ll find works by Antonio Gaudí and Joan Miró, among many other artists. It is one of the most important museums in Barcelona.
Also, for those looking for free museums, you can visit the MNAC for free on Saturdays from 3pm and on the first Sunday of every month.
Fundació Joan Miró
Joan Miró was a Catalan painter, sculptor, engraver and ceramist considered one of the most influential artists in the history of Catalan culture. That’s why he has a foundation dedicated to his work on the hill of Montjuïc. In total, it contains more than 104,000 pieces, including paintings, sculptures and tapestries.
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Barcelona (MACBA)
MACBA, located in the Raval neighbourhood, is one of Europe’s leading contemporary art museums and, for many, the best museum in Barcelona. In addition to the extensive collection you can find inside, it stands out for its incredible, avant-garde building, which was designed by the architect Richard Meier and is considered a symbol of modernity.
Museo Europeo de Arte Moderno (MEAM)
The MEAM offers a collection of works by international and emerging artists, including painting, sculpture and photography. This museum can be visited either freely or on a private guided tour, and on special occasions concerts or performances are held inside. It is considered a living museum in permanent movement.
MOCO Museum
MOCO is probably the most innovative on the list. It is a museum of modern, contemporary and street art that brings together works by Basquiat, Banksy, Warhol, Hirst, KAWS, Koons and more. It was originally set up in Amsterdam, but the exhibitions were so well received that they opened another one in Barcelona in 2021.
CosmoCaixa
If you are interested in natural sciences, this is definitely one of the museums to visit in Barcelona. The exhibition is divided into several rooms that are divided into different areas of divulgation, such as the universe, the kosmos, the Amazon rainforest, geology, etc. It is one of the largest and most interesting exhibitions you can find. In fact, it even has a planetarium with explanations of how the universe works. This makes it an ideal place to visit with the family.
Museo Marítimo
The Maritime Museum of Barcelona is dedicated to the conservation and dissemination of Catalonia’s maritime culture and cultural heritage. They offer virtual exhibitions and there are some fixed collections, such as one on maritime history told through the figures of seven important figures, another on a medieval merchant ship and another on the Reials Atarazanes (Royal Shipyards).
Museo del Modernismo Catalán
The Museum of Catalan Modernism is one of the main museums in Barcelona, as it is entirely dedicated to Catalan Modernism, a very important and characteristic movement in the region. Inside you’ll find paintings, sculpture, Modernista furniture and decorative arts. It also has sections dedicated to artists such as Gaudí, Busquets and Homar.
In conclusion, if you are looking for museums in Barcelona, you have nothing to worry about. The city of Barcelona is a paradise for lovers of quality museums, as it has many options for quality art and culture that will brighten up your leisure time.