Barcelona’s Cultural Treasures: Museums You Must See

National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC)

The National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) is housed in the majestic Palau Nacional, located on the mountain of Montjuïc. This museum is the foremost authority on Catalan art and houses an impressive collection ranging from Romanesque to modern art. In addition to its vast permanent collection, the MNAC also organizes high-level temporary exhibitions. You can admire Catalan Romanesque art, Catalan Gothic art from the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque art by renowned artists such as El Greco and Velázquez and the Modernist collection that includes works by artists such as Gaudí and Casas.

Address: Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, 08038 Barcelona.
Hours: Open every day except Mondays. Variable hours.

Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona (MACBA)

The Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona (MACBA) is a center dedicated to contemporary and modern art. The building itself, designed by architect Richard Meier, is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture. The MACBA houses an impressive collection of works by Spanish and international artists representing various artistic currents. You can explore the permanent collection of a wide range of contemporary art, temporary exhibitions showcasing the latest in contemporary art, and a library and study center are valuable resources for art lovers.

Address: Plaça dels Àngels, 1, 08001 Barcelona.
Hours: Open every day except Tuesdays. Variable hours.

Museum of the History of Barcelona (MUHBA)

The Museum of the History of Barcelona (MUHBA) is a collection of museums that explore the history of the city from its Roman foundation to contemporary Barcelona. Each museum is located in a historic site, making the visit a unique experience to discover the history of the city:

• Gothic Quarter Underground: Explore the archaeological excavations that reveal Barcelona’s Roman and medieval remains beneath the streets of the Gothic Quarter.
• MUHBA El Call: This museum is located in Barcelona’s old Jewish quarter and offers a glimpse into Jewish life in the Middle Ages.
• MUHBA Refugi 307: Discover a subway bomb shelter used during the Spanish Civil War.
• MUHBA Plaça del Rei: Visit Barcelona’s Royal Palace and explore the city’s medieval history.

Address: Various locations throughout the city, including the Gothic Quarter and El Born.
Hours: Variable hours depending on location.

Barcelona Science Museum (CosmoCaixa)

The Barcelona Science Museum, known as CosmoCaixa, is a fascinating place to explore science and nature. This interactive museum is ideal for visitors of all ages and offers a wide range of exhibits and activities related to physics, biology, astronomy and more. Marvel at the flooded forest which is a recreation of an Amazonian ecosystem that allows you to explore the rainforest and its biodiversity, enjoy projections in the planetarium that will transport you through the far reaches of the universe, and experience numerous interactive exhibits that allow you to learn about science in a fun and educational way.

Address: C/ Isaac Newton, 26, 08022 Barcelona.
Hours: Open every day except Mondays. Variable hours.

Barcelona Music Museum

The Barcelona Music Museum is a fascinating place for lovers of music and the history of musical instruments. The museum’s collection includes more than 2,000 musical instruments from all over the world, from antiquity to the present day. You can admire a wide variety of antique instruments, temporary exhibitions related to music and instruments and they also organize concerts and musical events in their facilities.

Address: L’Auditori de Barcelona, Carrer de Lepant, 150, 08013 Barcelona.
Hours: Open every day except Mondays. Variable hours.

Joan Miró Foundation

The Joan Miró Foundation is a space dedicated to the work of the famous Catalan painter Joan Miró. The building, designed by architect Josep Lluís Sert, houses an impressive collection of Miró’s works, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics and more. In addition to Miró’s works, the foundation also presents temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. You can explore Joan Miró’s various creative stages through his masterpieces, enjoy panoramic views of Barcelona from the foundation’s terrace, and they also offer workshops and educational activities for all ages.

Address: Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, 08038 Barcelona.
Hours: Open every day except Mondays. Variable hours.

European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM)

The European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM) focuses on the promotion and exhibition of contemporary figurative art. The museum houses an ever-growing collection of paintings, sculptures and contemporary artworks by leading artists in this genre. You can explore works of art that depict the human figure in a realistic and expressive manner, temporary exhibitions that highlight contemporary artists and also organize cultural events, concerts and art-related activities.

Address: Carrer de la Barra de Ferro, 5, 08003 Barcelona.
Hours: Open every day. Variable hours.

Barcelona Design Museum

The Barcelona Design Museum has an impressive collection covering diverse areas of design, from fashion and graphic design to industrial and product design. You can discover a wide variety of garments ranging from historical designs to contemporary creations by renowned designers, the history of graphic design through posters, typographies and visual elements that reflect the evolution of communication design, admire a collection of everyday objects and industrial designs that illustrate how design has influenced the functionality and aesthetics of the products we use in everyday life, explore the transformation of public and private spaces with a focus on architecture and interior design, temporary exhibitions that explore current themes and specific aspects of design, and also organize design-relatedevents and activities that offer an interactive experience for visitors.

Address: Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes, 37-38, 08018 Barcelona.
Hours: Open every day except Mondays. Variable hours.

Barcelona Chocolate Museum

The Barcelona Chocolate Museum offers an interactive and educational experience about the world of chocolate. It is a delightful place to learn about the history and process of chocolate making, as well as to enjoy various chocolate samples. You will learn about its origins in Mesoamerican civilizations until its introduction in Europe and its evolution over the centuries, discover how chocolate is made from the transformation of cocoa beans to the elaboration of chocolate bars and chocolates, admire impressive chocolate sculptures made by master chocolatiers, have the opportunity to taste different types of chocolate, educational activities designed especially for children and you can also buy handmade chocolates and other products related to cocoa and chocolate in their store.

Address: Carrer Comerç, 36, 08003 Barcelona.
Hours: Open every day. Variable hours.