Barcelona Museums

Barcelona offers a number of world-class museums and exhibits spanning across a wealth of subjects. For those who enjoy learning facts and studying the arts, Barcelona is a paradise. Yet if you feel like you would be staring in confusion at a painting when others are awe-struck by its significance; fear not! Barcelona still has some museums which could strike even your fancy. For example, there is the F.C Barcelona interactive sports museum, a museum dedicated to the history of erotica and even one devoted to chocolate!

Museu del Temple Expiatori de La Sagrada Familia
(Museum of the Sagrada Familia Temple)

La Sagrada Familia itself is of course the most recognised work of the palpably brilliant architect Antoni Gaudi. Construction of the Temple began in 1882 and is still not finished due to the intricacy of Gaudi's plans and the destruction of his workshop in 1936. The history behind this wonderful building is the main reason the museum inside is worth a visit, other than the pure aesthetic pleasure of its surroundings of course.

Inaugurated in 1961, the museum's exhibits focus primarily on the works of the church and display drawings, photographs, furniture, replica blueprints and a scaled down model of Gaudi's original project. The museum aims to preserve the works of Antoni Gaudi and keep the spirit of his accomplishment alive. The museum trip concludes with a visit to Gaudi's resting place in the tomb within La Sagrada Familia. This is a truly numinous experience for the religious and it is equally unforgettable for lovers of stunning architecture.

Tickets are available at the venue and those which include entrance to the church and the museum start at €14, yet concessions are available for retired persons and students. For more information on the Museu del Temple Expiatori de La Sagrada Familia and full details on prices and opening times; please visit www.sagradafamilia.org

Address:
La Sagrada Familia
Carrer de Mallorca 401
08013 Barcelona
+34 934 55 02 47

How to get there:
Metro: L2 and L5 both stop at Sagrada Familia - The aptly named Metro Station immediately outside the church.

Museu Picasso

The Picasso Museum is dedicated to the formative years of Pablo Picasso and displays nearly 4000 examples of the artist's work. The museum can be found, spread across five large town houses in the 'Barri Gótic' district of Barcelona and is a great showcase of Picasso's relationship with the city itself. Many of the paintings found in the museum were donated by Picasso himself in order to leave his 'impression' on the city he loved. Indeed the museum was due to be constructed in Malaga where Picasso was born, yet he, himself suggested that its rightful place should be in Barcelona. To this day it is one of the city's most visited exhibits.

The Picasso Museum aims to organise and display the works by timeline and collection whist providing expert knowledge to the public and other artistic foundations. Due to its popularity it is advisable to get to the museum early to avoid long queue times. For more information on opening hours and ticket prices please visit www.museupicasso.bcn.es

Address:
Montcada, 15-23
08003 Barcelona
+34 933 19 63 10

How to get there:
Metro: Arc de Triomf (L1), Liceu (L3) or Jaume I (L4).
Bus: Lines 39, 51 - Passeig Picasso Bus Stop. Lines 17, 40, 45 - Via Laietana Bus Stop.

Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya
(National Art Museum of Catalunya)

Housed within the magnificent Palau Nacional on Montjuic hill is the Museu Nacional d'art de Catalunya (MNAC). Close to the transport links of Plaça d'Espanya, this fantastic museum holds a vast collection of artwork pertaining to Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Romanesque and more contemporary styles. The MNAC celebrates art in many forms with a showcase of paintings, sculptures, drawings, engravings and photography which were all produced by Catalan artists. With excellent artwork coupled with views of wider Barcelona, as well as the Magic Fountains of Montjuic which dance to classical music every half an hour, the MNAC is a must see for any visitor to the city.

General admission starts at €8,50 and lasts for two days. Concessions are available for students and retired persons. For more information please visit www.mnac.cat

Address:
Palau Nacional
Parc de Montjuic
08038 Barcelona
+34 936 22 03 60

How to get there:
Metro: (L1), (L3) Plaça d'Espanya
Autobuses: (50) Bus Parc de Montjuic, (13) Av. Marqués de Comillas / Poble Espanyol, (55) MNAC Museu, (9), (27), (30), (37), (56), (57), (65), (79), (109), ( 157), (165) All makes stops at Plaça d'Espanya.

Opening Times:
Tuesday through Sunday 10:00 - 19:00
Sundays and Public Holidays 10:00 - 14:30
Free Entrance on the first Sunday of each month.
Closed:
Mondays (Except Public Holidays), December 25th, January 1st and May 1st.

F.C Barcelona Museum and Stadium Tour

Firmly established as one of the most popular attractions in the city, the F.C Barcelona Museum and stadium tour gives a very personal insight into this legendary football club. The museum itself has recently undergone a major redevelopment and now boasts some fantastic interactive features and multimedia technology.

The museum is housed within the club's Camp Nou stadium and allows its visitors to explore the team's very prestigious past with trophies, photographs, player profiles and countless items of memorabilia on display. After enjoying over 100 years of history, you can take a guided tour of the gigantic Camp Nou stadium itself, visiting the stands, press room, media centre, changing rooms, tunnel and pitch-side. Although this museum is of course best for football fans, it is well worth a visit from everyone in order to witness the passion associated with Barcelona's proudest export.

A ticket for the club museum and stadium tour starts at €19 for adults. For more information please visit the club website: www.fcbarcelona.com

Address:
C/Ara­stides Maillol, S/N
08028 Barcelona, España
+34 902 18 99 00

How to get there:
Metro: (L5) Collblanc or Badal (L3) Maria Cristina or Palau Reial
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday between April 6th and October 4th 10:00 - 20:00. The remainder of the year 10:00 - 18:30. Sundays and Public Holidays 10:00 - 14:30

Fundació Joan Miró

Opened to the public in 1975, the Joan Miró Foundation was arranged in honour of the world famous artist; Joan Miró. The gallery contains a collection of over 14,000 works of art which comprises of Miró's creations as well as pieces by other artists. Much of the collection was donated by Miró himself, yet other contributors have also added to this wealth of artwork including Joan Prats, Pierre Matisse and Miró's own grandson; David Fernàndez.

Located in Montjuic close to the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, this museum compliments the already world class array of contemporary artwork located in Barcelona and finds itself recognised as a major player in the world-wide contemporary arts circuit.

One feature of the museum is the 'Espai 13', an exhibition area which houses intermittent pieces of experimental art. If you are familiar with the Turner Prize projects which have been exhibited in the Tate Modern in London over recent years you will be somewhat closer to understanding the thought process behind the conceptual designs in the Espai 13. In accordance with Miró's desire to have a foundation which is open to every type of artistic initiative, the artworks found in Espai 13 have only one thing in common; the possession of complete artistic freedom and independence, making Espai 13 a benchmark for new and emerging artistic thought over the past few decades.

Adult tickets start at €8,50. Check out the foundation's website for more information; www.fundaciomiro-bcn.org

Address:
Fundacio Joan Miró
Parc de Montjuic
08038 Barcelona
+ 934 43 94 70

Opening Times: Tuesday through Saturday* 10:00 - 19:00 (October - June). Tuesday through Saturday* 10:00 - 20:00 (July - September)
*On Thursdays the museum is open later, from 10:00 - 21:30
Sundays and Public Holidays 10:00 - 14:30.
Closed: Mondays.

How to get there:
Buses: (50), (55), (193) Parc Montjuic.
Funicular: Get on at Paral-lel Station.
Metro: (L3) Plaça d'Espanya. Please note it will be a 15-20 minute walk from here to the Museum.

Maritime Museum

Found just off the bustling strip of Las Ramblas is a more relaxing escape where you can take a journey through one of the most important aspects in the formation of Barcelona as it is today. For visitors to the city who want to get a feel for how it all began, the Maritime Museum is a perfect starting point. Examining a the period between the 1700's and 1800's, the museum serves as an institution devoted to preserving, studying and interpreting the maritime culture of the Mediterranean.

Found among the museum's engrossing arrangement of artefacts there is a wealth of information about how explorers found 'new world's' and also how different goods and products were harvested and brought back to the port of Barcelona. There are also replica ships of all shapes and sizes whilst the central exhibit is a full-sized replica of Juan de Austria's Lepanto 'galera' exploration ship.

Once you are finished with the museum, why not take a stroll down Passeig Colon to Port Vell and have a Mediterranean cocktail on-board the Luz de Gaz, a floating ship come bar finishing your afternoon in true 'maritime' style.

Tickets to the Maritime Museum start at just €2,50. For further information please visit www.mmb.cat

Address:
Museu Maritim de Barcelona
Av de les Drassanes
08001 Barcelona
+34 933 42 99 20

Opening Times: Monday through Sunday 10:00 - 20:00.
Closed: December 25th and 26th, January 1st.

How to get there:
Metro: (L3) Drassanes
Bus (14), (18), (36), (38), (57), (59), (64).

La Pedrera

This grand building is also known as 'Casa Milà' and is another exquisite example of Antoni Gaudi's flair and originality. Situated centrally in L'Eixample on the famous Passeig de Gracià, La Pedrera is one of the city's most visited museums. Originally intended as a residential building, La Pedrera was built for a wealthy aristocrat named Pere Milà in the early 1900's. The building is remarkably pleasing on the eye from the outside and is, like all of Gaudi's work, unmistakably resonant among visitors to Barcelona.

Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site in the 80's, La Pedrera is now the headquarters of the Caixa Catalunya foundation who have spent an estimated €50million restoring the building. Guests are now invited to explore the site and marvel at the shapes, colours and atmosphere Gaudi has masterfully created as well as visiting the 'Gaudi Space' on the upper floor. This space aims to illustrate the personality of La Pedrera's famous architect with samples of drawings, models, photographs and audio-visual learning tools whilst paying attention to the historical, political and social contexts he was undoubtedly influenced by.

For many, the highlight of La Pedrera is found in its rooftop terrace which offers a garden space and views of the city. In the summer months, the terrace is open until midnight allowing you to have a glass of wine, listen to some live music and enjoy the panoramic views. For more information please visit www.lapedreraeducacio.org

Address:
La Pedrera
Passeig de Gracia 92
08008 Barcelona
+34 934 84 59 00

Opening Hours: (November through February) 09:00 - 18:30 Monday through Sunday. (March to October) Monday through Sunday 09:00 - 20:00.
Closed: December 25th and 26th, January 1st and 6th

How to get there:
Metro: (L3) Diagonal
Buses: (7), (16), (17), (22), (24), (28).
FGC: Provença.
RENFE Train: Passeig de. Grácia.

Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona
(Barcelona Contemporary Art Museum)

A relative newcomer to the Barcelona museum circuit is the Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA). Only opening its doors to the public in 1995, this museum of contemporary art is one of the youngest in the city. Located in the El Raval district, close to Las Ramblas the MACBA contains a modern collection which dates back to around 1950 and consists of a number of works from Catalan, Spanish and International artists.

The building which houses the MACBA itself is highly esteemed in the eyes of modern architecture and was created by American architect Richard Meier. The purpose built structure is a highly fresh design which is extremely befitting of its contemporary art collection.

A standard ticket to the museum starts at €7,50. For more information please visit www.macba.cat

Address:
Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona
Placa del Angels, 1
08001 Barcelona
+34 934 12 08 10

Opening Hours: (September 25th through June 23rd) Weekdays* 11:00 - 19:30. Saturdays 10:00 - 20:00. Sundays and Public Holidays 10:00 - 15:00. (June 24th through September 24th) Weekdays* 11:00 - 20:00. Saturdays 10:00 - 20:00. Sundays and Public Holidays 10:00 - 15:00. Closed Tuesdays)
*The Museum is closed on Tuesdays, however in the summer months; Thursdays and Fridays opening hours are 11:00 - 00:00.

Museu d'Historia de Barcelona
(History Museum of Barcelona)

The composition and rich history of Barcelona enable it to host museums covering a wealth of aspects. Yet no single project in the city has endeavoured to cover its ancestry like the Museu d'Historia de Barcelona. This museum covers several physical sites around the city and they are all part of 'one project'. By visiting the different sites and attractions, one can trace and discover all of the components which create Barcelona's rich heritage.

The Roman Barcino core of what is now Barcelona can be found at the 'Monumental de la Plaça del Rei' where the immediate surroundings allow you to see the streets and buildings as they were in Roman times. The other sites around the city include but are not limited to the Monastery of Pedralbes, A museum centre at Gaudi's Parc Güell, The Verdaguer Museum and Saint Catherine's which all combine to beautifully showcase 2000 years of Catalunyan history!

For more information on all of the different sites, exhibits, prices and corresponding opening times please visit www.museuhistoria.bcn.es

Address: (Monumental de la Plaça del Rei)
Plaça del Rei, 1
Barcelona
+ 34 932 03 92 82

Opening Times (Monumental de la Plaça del Rei): (October 1st through March 31st) Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 - 14:00 and again between 16:00 - 19:00. (April 1st through September 30th) Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 - 20:00.
Sundays 10:00 - 20:00 (All year round).
Closed: Every Monday. December 25th, January 1st, May 1st and June 24th.

How to get there: (Monumental de la Plaça del Rei):
Metro: (L1), (L3) Catalunya. (L1), (L4) Urquinaona.
Buses: (17), (19), (40), (45).

Museu de la Xocolata
(Chocolate Museum)

Take a break from the art galleries and tales of ancient ancestry to indulge your sweet -tooth with the Museu de la Xocolata. You will be given samples of some delicious local delicacies as you take a journey through the tasty history of the cocoa bean. Found in La Ribera area of El Born, this is by far and away Barcelona's most appetising, educational treat. The museum also offer daily workshops where you can learn the arts of the chocolatier and fantasise for a brief moment about leaving your job at the office in order to become the next John Cadbury!

Tickets to the Chocolate museum start at €4,30 and you can find more information here; www.pastisseria.com

Address:
Museu de la Xocolata
Carrer del Comerc 36
08003 Barcelona.

Opening Times: Monday through Saturday* 10:00 - 19:00. Sundays and Public Holidays 10:00 - 15:00.
*The Chocolate Museum is closed on Tuesdays except for those which Public Holidays fall upon.

How to get there:
Metro: (L1) Arc de Triomf.

Museu de l'Erotica
(Erotica Museum)

Another museum which is slightly alternative in nature is the Museu de l'Erotica. Perhaps not the best place for a family day out but rather entertaining for couples and sensual souls. Located on Las Ramblas it features a history of eroticism with over 800 artefacts including paintings, movies and sculptures of all things 'sex'. It covers a chronological timeline of our behaviours across different cultures. This is the first museum of its kind in all of Spain and is put together in a tastefully artistic manner.

More information can be found at their website; www.erotica-museum.com

Address:
La Rambla, 96
08002 Barcelona
+34 933 18 98 65

Opening Times: (October through May) Monday through Sunday 10:00 - 20:00. (June through September) 10:00 - 21:00.

How to get there:
Metro: (L3) Liceu is right next to the Museum.

Museu d'Història de Catalunya

With an aim to displaying the rich and fervent history of Catalunya, the Museu d'Història de Catalunya uses a storylike narrative to make visitors aware of the region's heritage and national history. Displaying a vast collection of objects and artefacts which are all relevant to Catalan history, this museum has the core mission of conserving and documenting the tangible past of Catalunya. 

With a timeline of events which have ultimately shaped the lives of modern Catalans, the  Museu d'Història de Catalunya pays attention to the roots of its civilisation and the cultivation of its land. The Mediterranean sea and its importance in the formation of Catalunya is expored and later you will discover the influences of both steam and electric power as the region became industrialised. 

Of course a great deal of the Museu d'Història de Catalunya details the hardship of the Spanish Civil War and the treatment of Catalunya during this time of huge political unrest under General Franco. The Museu d'Història de Catalunya offers a fantastic educational experience on the issues which shape the opinions of modern Catalan people and is this is the best place to uncover the issues which create such a passionate and proud community here in Catalunya.

The Museu d'Història de Catalunya offers guided tours of its main galleries as well as historical places around the region. For more information on everything that the museum has to offer please visit: www.en.mhcat.net

Address:
Pl. de Pau Vila, 3 (Palau de Mar)
08003 Barcelona
+34 93 225 47 00

Opening times: Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 - 19:00 *Wednesdays 10:00 - 20:00. Sundays and public holidays 10:00 - 2.30 pm.
Closed on Mondays (except public holidays)
Closed on December 25th and 26th as well as January 1st and 6th.

Admission to the museum is FREE on the first Sunday of each month as well as on the following special days: April 23rd, May 18th, September 11th and 24th.
Admission is also FREE for children under 7 years old.
LikewiseNormal admission fee is just €4 per person for an adult. (€3 for 7 - 18 year olds, over 65's, retired and unemployed persons).

How to get there:
Metro: (L4) Barceloneta
Bus: (14), (17), (19), (36), (39), (40), (45), (51), (57), (59), (64), (157).
Car parks:  Passeig Joan de Borbó, Moll d'Espanya and Moll de la Fusta.