12 Best Museums In Barcelona

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

When I first visited Barcelona, I was mesmerized by the city's vibrant culture and rich history. And what better way to immerse myself in its artistic treasures than by exploring the best museums in Barcelona.

From masterpieces by Picasso to breathtaking modernist architecture, these Barcelona museums offer a glimpse into the soul of this incredible city. Join me as we embark on a journey through time and art, discovering the hidden gems that make Barcelona an art lover's dream destination.

1. Picasso Museum

I recently visited the Picasso Museum in Barcelona, and it was an incredible experience. This museum is one of the best Barcelona museums to visit for anyone interested in the life and work of Spanish painter Pablo Picasso. The museum is located in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona and is housed in five adjoining medieval palaces. The museum has an extensive collection of Picasso's artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings.

The Museu Picasso in Barcelona is a key reference for understanding the formative years of Pablo Picasso. The museum has over 4,000 pieces of artwork, and the exhibits are arranged chronologically, which allows visitors to see how Picasso's style evolved over time. The museum also has a number of temporary exhibitions that showcase the work of other artists.

The museum tickets and passes are reasonably priced, and there are several options available for visitors. Admission tickets can be purchased online, and the museum is open every day except for Mondays. Visitors can also use the Barcelona Card or Barcelona Pass to gain free entry to the museum.

One thing to keep in mind is that the museum can get quite busy, especially during peak tourist season. It's a good idea to arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds. The museum also has a strict no photography policy, so be sure to leave your camera at home.

Contact:

Address: C/ de Montcada, 15-23, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Phone: +34 932 56 30 00

2. Barcelona History Museum

As a history buff and museum enthusiast, I highly recommend visiting the Barcelona History Museum (Museu d’Història de Barcelona) during your trip to Barcelona. This top museum in Barcelona is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of Barcelona, from its Roman origins to the present day.

Situated in the historic Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera neighborhood, the museum is spread across several sites, including archaeological sites, historic buildings, and exhibition spaces. The main site is the Plaça del Rei, which features a Gothic palace that was once the residence of the counts of Barcelona.

One of the highlights of the Natural History Museum is the underground archaeological site, which features the remains of the Roman city of Barcino. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the daily life of the Romans who lived in Barcelona over 2,000 years ago.

The museum also has a collection of over 4,000 objects, including ceramics, coins, and textiles, which provide a fascinating glimpse into the city’s history and culture. The exhibits are well-curated and informative, and there are audio guides available in several languages.

Admission tickets to the Barcelona History Museum are reasonably priced, and there are discounts available for students, seniors, and groups. If you plan on visiting multiple museums in Barcelona, I recommend getting the Barcelona Card or Barcelona Pass, which includes free or discounted admission to many of the city’s top museums and other things to do in Barcelona.

Contact:

Address: Pl. del Rei, s/n, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Phone: +34 932 56 21 22

3. FC Barcelona Museum

As a football enthusiast and a lover of sports, I was excited to visit the FC Barcelona Museum during my recent visit to Barcelona. The museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the rich history and legacy of one of the world's most renowned football clubs. Located at the Camp Nou stadium, the museum offers an immersive experience that will leave you inspired and in awe.

The FC Barcelona Museum is home to a vast collection of objects and memorabilia that show why Barça is more than just a club. The museum showcases the individual and group trophies awarded to the team throughout its 100-year-old history. Visitors can immerse themselves in all things soccer as they revisit some of the most glorious moments in the history of the team.

The museum also offers an interactive experience for visitors, with touch screens and audio-visual displays that provide a deeper understanding of the club's history and achievements. The Camp Nou Experience is a tour that takes you through the stadium, the museum, and the press room. It is a unique opportunity to see the stadium from the players' perspective and learn about the club's history and traditions.

When it comes to the price of admission, the FC Barcelona Museum is reasonably priced, and admission tickets can be purchased online or at the museum's entrance. Visitors can also save money by purchasing a Barcelona Pass or a Barcelona Card, which includes admission to multiple museums and attractions in the city.

Contact:

Address: C/ d'Arístides Maillol, s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain

Phone: +34 902 18 99 00

4. Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya

The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) is one of the best places to visit for art lovers in Barcelona. The museum is located in the Palau Nacional, which was built for the 1929 International Exhibition. The building itself is a work of art, with its grand staircase and impressive dome.

The MNAC has an extensive collection of Catalan art, from the Romanesque period to the 20th century. The museum's Romanesque collection is particularly noteworthy, with its impressive collection of murals. The collection of Gothic art, Renaissance and Baroque paintings, and Catalan Modernism is also impressive. The museum also has a collection of photography.

The National Art Museum Of Catalonia is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with extended hours during the summer months. Admission prices vary depending on whether you want to visit temporary exhibitions or not. The museum is included in the Barcelona Card and Barcelona Pass, which offer free admission to many museums and attractions in the city.

If you are planning to visit multiple museums in Barcelona, consider purchasing the Articket BCN pass, which includes admission to six museums, including the MNAC. The pass is valid for six months and can save you money if you plan to visit multiple museums.

Contact:

Address: Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, 08038 Barcelona, Spain

Phone: +34 936 22 03 60

5. Fundació Antoni Tàpies

The Fundació Antoni Tàpies in Barcelona is dedicated to the work of Antoni Tàpies, one of the most important Catalan modernist artists of the 20th century.

Located in the Eixample neighborhood of Barcelona, the Fundació Antoni Tàpies is housed in a beautiful modernist building designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. The building itself is worth a visit, with its ornate façade and stunning interior.

The museum's collection includes over 300 works by Tàpies, including paintings, sculptures, and prints. The works on display span Tàpies' entire career, from the 1940s to the present day. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.

If you're planning a visit to the Antoni Tàpies Foundation, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Admission to the museum is €10 for adults, with discounts available for students, seniors, and groups.
• The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm, and on Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm. It is closed on Mondays.
• The nearest metro station is Passeig de Gràcia (lines 2, 3, and 4).
• The museum also offers guided tours in English and other languages, which can be booked in advance.

Contact:

Address: C/ d'Aragó, 255, 08007 Barcelona, Spain

Phone: +34 934 87 03 15

6. Chocolate Museum

I ones visited the Chocolate Museum in Barcelona and it is truly a treat for all chocolate lovers out there. The museum is situated in the Born district of Barcelona and is easily accessible by public transport. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of chocolate, and also offers a fun and interactive experience for visitors of all ages.

The Chocolate Museum is home to numerous chocolate statues, and visitors can learn about the history of chocolate in Europe, its cultural and economic significance, and its nutritional value. The museum also offers hands-on workshops for those who want to learn more about the art of chocolate-making. Children can enjoy various activities and learn about chocolate in a fun and engaging way.

The admission tickets for the museum are reasonably priced, and visitors can also take advantage of the Barcelona Card or Barcelona Pass to save money on museum tickets and passes. The suggested duration of the visit is 1-2 hours, but guests can take as much time as they want to explore the exhibits and enjoy the chocolate treats.

Contact:

Address: C/ del Comerç, 36, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Phone: +34 932 68 78 78

7. CaixaForum Barcelona

CaixaForum in Barcelona is a cultural and educational center located in an old Modernist textile factory built by the groundbreaking Spanish Modernista architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch. This museum is one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona, offering a range of exhibitions and activities throughout the year.

The museum showcases a variety of contemporary art exhibitions, as well as concerts, film screenings, and other cultural events. The building itself is a work of art, with a unique blend of old and new architecture that creates a striking visual experience for visitors.

One of the best things about the CaixaForum is its accessibility. The museum is located in the heart of Barcelona city, making it easy to get to by public transportation. Admission tickets are reasonably priced, and there are also options for discounted tickets with the Barcelona Card or Barcelona Pass.

Contact:

Address: Av. de Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 6-8, 08038 Barcelona, Spain

Phone: +34 934 76 86 00

8. Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona

I have visited the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB) and I must say that it is one of the most interesting museums in the city. It is located in the heart of El Raval and is often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbour, the Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA), but it is definitely worth a visit.

The CCCB is a cultural hub in downtown Barcelona that features galleries, theaters, and lecture halls. It has been instrumental in revitalizing the area and is popular with tourists and locals for its exhibitions and events. The museum focuses on contemporary art and culture, with a particular emphasis on the social and political issues of our time.

One thing to note is that the centre of contemporary culture has a different pricing system than most museums in Barcelona. Instead of a fixed admission fee, visitors can choose to pay what they want. This means that you can pay as little or as much as you like, depending on your budget and how much you enjoyed your visit.

Contact:

Address: C/ de Montalegre, 5, 08001 Barcelona, Spain

Phone: +34 933 06 41 00

9. Museu Can Framis

The Museu Can Framis is dedicated to contemporary Catalan art and is located in the Poblenou neighborhood of Barcelona.

One of the things I loved about the Can Framis museum is its unique architecture. The building itself is a renovated factory, and the museum's design incorporates elements of the original structure. It's a beautiful space that feels both modern and historic at the same time.

The museum's collection features works by Catalan and Spanish artists and sculptors from the 1960s to the present day. I was impressed by the variety of mediums represented, including painting, sculpture, and video art. The pieces on display are thought-provoking and showcase the talent of the artists.

If you're planning a visit to Museu Can Framis, be sure to check the museum's website for information on admission prices and hours. The museum is open every day except Mondays, and admission is free on Saturdays from 3 pm to 8 pm.

Contact:

Address: Carrer de Roc Boronat, 116, 126, 08018 Barcelona, Spain

Phone: +34 933 20 87 36

10. Poble Espanyol & Fran Daurel Museum

The Poble Espanyol and Fran Daurel Museum is an open-air architectural museum located in Montjuïc Park, which was designed for the 1929 International Exhibition. The museum is made up of dozens of points of interest, spread over four areas of Spain. It's a great place to explore and learn about the different architectural styles of Spain.

One of the highlights of Poble Espanyol is the Fran Daurel Museum, which is located inside the museum. The Fran Daurel Museum is a modern art museum with a sculpture garden. You will find lesser-known artists here, but also here and there a Picasso, Miró or Tàpies. The museum is a hidden gem in the city of Barcelona, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in modern art.

The admission tickets to Poble Espanyol and Fran Daurel Museum are fair, and you can also get a 25% discount when buying the three-in-one discount smart card, unlimited transport pass, and free museum passport called the Barcelona Card. This is fantastic for culture and museum lovers: it saves around €10.00 to €15.00 for basic use.

The location of the museum is also great, as it's located in Montjuïc Park, a hill that houses other museums and monuments such as the National Art Museum of Catalonia, the Montjuïc Castle, or the Joan Miró Foundation. You can easily spend a day exploring the different attractions in the park.

Contact:

Address: Av. de Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 13, 08038 Barcelona, Spain

Phone: +34 934 23 41 72

11. Fundació Joan Miró

Last year I visited the Fundació Joan Miró, and I must say, it is a must-visit museum in Barcelona for art lovers. The museum, located on Montjuïc Mountain, was founded in 1975 by the artist Joan Miró himself. The museum has become one of the city's most important cultural institutions, with a collection of more than 14,000 works of art by Miró and other contemporary artists.

The museum's architecture is stunning, and the building itself is a work of art. The museum is designed by Josep Lluís Sert, who was a friend of Joan Miró. The building is a perfect reflection of Miró's style, with its white walls, bright colors, and clean lines.

The museum's art collection includes paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints by Joan Miró. The collection also includes works by other contemporary artists, such as Alexander Calder, Max Ernst, and Francis Picabia.

The museum offers different types of admission tickets, including general admission, reduced admission for students and seniors, and free admission for children under 15 years old.

Contact:

Address: Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, 08038 Barcelona, Spain

Phone: +34 934 43 94 70

12. Gaudí House Museum

When I visited the Gaudí House Museum in Barcelona I was blown away by the impressive designs of the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. The museum is located inside Park Güell and was once the residence of the master himself from 1905 to 1925. It currently houses several of Gaudi's private objects, relics, documents, and a collection of furniture - and remains largely untouched since he resided in this space.

The Gaudí House Museum features a collection that aims to show visitors the more personal, religious side of Gaudí, re-creating some of the most private rooms of the house and displaying some of the architect's personal items. It's a great opportunity to see the more intimate side of his work and learn about his life.

The museum is open from October to March from 10 am to 6 pm and from April to September from 09.00 to 20.00. Special opening hours are available on 1st and 6th January and 25th and 26th December from 10:00 to 14:00. General admission costs around €20, which includes a visit to Park Güell. Discounts based on age are also available.

Contact:

Address: Park Güell, Ctra. del Carmel, 23A, 08013 Barcelona, Spain

Phone: +34 932 19 38 11