Explore fascinating museums in Barcelona

Barcelona: A Cultural City

Barcelona’s status as one of Europe’s top cultural destinations is evident by its abundance of museums. Whether you’re interested in art, history, science, or a host of other subjects, you’ll find your interests well catered for during your trip to the Catalonia capital. Invest in a Barcelona museum pass and you’ll have access to six of the best art museums in the city, or you can cherry pick your favourite destinations and pay for them separately. Here are some of the best in the city.

The Museu Nacional D'Art de Catalunya in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city that has art running through its veins. Here you’ll find many world-class art institutions that celebrate art from Spain, abroad, and of course its own streets. The Museu Nacional D'Art de Catalunya, or MNAC as it's more commonly known, which is close to other main attractions such as Palau Sant Jordi or Montjuic hill, receives approximately one million visitors each year and has a collection of more than 290,000 items. Luckily, this is one of the biggest museums in Spain - it’s huge, more than big enough to handle the large number of visitors and works of art it accommodates.

The building itself, which was originally built for the 1929 World Exhibition and restored in 2005, is a delight to behold, but of course the real draw is the artwork. The art collection spans from the Romanesque period all the way through to modern art. The Romanesque collection is particularly noteworthy; it’s one of the best collections of medieval art found anywhere on Earth. Enjoy the early art and walk through the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, and modern art sections. The latter houses an early Salvador Dali - a Catalan native - painting, as well as many others from regional artists. Once you’ve finished wandering, stop for a drink in the restaurant and admire the view over the city.

Pablo Picasso Museum Barcelona

The second most popular art museum in Barcelona is dedicated to another artist with a long standing connection to the city - Pablo Picasso. The Museu Picasso, or Picasso Museum, houses one of the world’s largest collections of Picasso works of art. It’s housed in five medieval palaces and contains some 4,200 works. The museum focuses on the early work of the artist, including extensive collections up to and including the Blue Period. For anyone with an interest in Pablo Picasso, this is a must visit. Moreover of being a cultural attraction, it's center location allows you to have a rest in Barceloneta beach or visit The Plaça Catalunya if you beg for a good time in a sunny day.

Contemporary Art in Barcelona

Museums in Barcelona aren’t solely focused on the past. At the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, or MACBA, you can see the works of three art periods - 1945 to the '60s, the '60s and '70s, and finally a contemporary art section where you can see the best work being produced today. With a collection of more than 5000 works, special exhibitions, and events, this is the best modern art gallery in the city.

Museum of the History of Barcelona

Barcelona dates back to Roman times, and there’s much to discover in this city’s past. Visit the Museum of the History of Barcelona and discover Barcelona's cultural heritage. This is a city museum, so the attractions are located all across the city, but there is a concentrated museum at Plaza del Rey, where you can see an underground exposition of Roman life.

However, besides all the art offer, if what you need is to live another cultural attraction through the city do not miss the music and concert festivals and sports events Barcelona hosts every year.