Home to Gaudi’s masterpieces, sundrenched beaches and history dating back over 2,000 years, Barcelona has loads to explore. One of the best ways to spend an afternoon in the bustling Catalan capital is at one of the many museums in Barcelona. If you are heading to Barcelona soon, be sure to check out these seven top picks.
The Best Museums In Barcelona
1. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC)
Get your fill of Catalan art at Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. From 12th to 20th century with an impressive Romanesque collection, there is much to be explored at MNAC. Be sure to check out the Modernista collection and finish the trip with a walk up to the former castle.
2. Museu Picasso
Fans of Picasso, this is the place for you. Museu Picasso holds nearly 4,000 pieces of the Spanish native’s work. Due to the popularity, the queues can be long, so we recommend booking in advance. The museum is very easy to navigate to be sure you catch as of his best pieces. While there, don’t miss his Blue Period works.
3. Fundacion Mapfre
This rotating exhibition is perfect for fans of photography and paper works. With a heavy focus on Catalan artists and masters of early photography, you won’t be bored with options. While the exhibitions do rotate, you will always have works from the first years of photography ranging from 1850-1950.
4. European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM)
Tucked away in an ally sized street not far from Museo Picasso is the European Museum of Modern Art. This 18th-century palace turned museum holds some of the most loved contemporary art and sculpture in the country. Be sure to check their website for exhibitions as they are on rotation.
5. Poble Espanyol
Come experience the richness and soul of Spanish heritage at Poble Espanyol. This open-air ethnographic museum is a dedication to traditional Spanish villages, local craftsmanship and the old way of life for Spaniards. Purchase artisan goods from one of the many craft shops or enjoy traditional food on a scenic patio. We recommend trying to catch a flamenco show while there.
6. Museu d’Historia de Barcelona – MUHBA
What better place to explore the history of Barcelona than in the city itself? Museu d’Historia de Barcelona or, MUHBA, demonstrates the 2,000 years of history with an emphasis on the Medieval years. See how Barcelona evolved from a small Iberian settlement into the metropolitan hotspot it is today at MUHBA.
7. Casa MilÃ
Explore one of Gaudi’s most heartfelt works at Casa Milà . Designed by Gaudi between 1906 and 1912, it was the last private residence he designed and is one of his most iconic buildings. This museum is widely considered to be a labour of love by Gaudi as his vision was to build a tight-knit community within the walls.
Take our word for it – it’s one of the best museums in Barcelona…
