The 16 Best Museums in Barcelona, Spain [2024]

Barcelona, Spain, is known for its art and culture. Over the years, dozens of museums have opened throughout the city, covering various subjects from history to art. Whether you’re visiting alone or with family, there’s a Barcelona museum that deserves a spot on your travel itinerary.

The Best Museums in Barcelona

1. Big Fun Museo Barcelona (Big Fun Museum)

Dedicated to optical illusions, the Big Fun Museum is one of the best places for families to go for a fun day in Barcelona. With 8 different exhibits, the museum creates an immersive experience that lets visitors take a hands-on approach to learning about optical illusions and creativity.

Some favorite galleries within the facility are “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” “Museum of Madness,” and “Records and Wonders.” Each has detailed sets that create a memorable experience for people of all ages.

Taking photos in the museum is welcome, and there’s no time limit for your visit, so you can admire the space for as long as you want. This facility is available for private events and parties as long as you book in advance.

While the museum is family-friendly, some young children might be overwhelmed by the atmospheric rooms. Make sure to call ahead if you’re traveling with people who have sensory issues.

Admission is free for children under 6 and €25 (~$27) for adults. The museum is open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The nearest metro stop is Liceu.

• Address: Rambla de Sant Josep, 88-94, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona

“Our favorite room is Alice in Wonderland. It really transports you to a magical place and there´s so many details that you can spend infinite time walking around.” 

Paula Sánchez, manager, Big Fun Museum 

2. CaixaForum Barcelona

CaixaForum Barcelona is located in what used to be a textile factory. Since opening in 2002, the space has been one of the most important art spaces in the country.

Notably, the museum doesn’t have a permanent collection. Instead, it consistently rotates its temporary galleries throughout the year to showcase different art mediums and artists from Spain and around the world.

CaixaForum also serves as an educational space, hosting lectures, artist talks, and workshops to help educate the public on the art world. Other art mediums are also highlighted by the space’s annual events, like concerts and light shows.

Most of the events and galleries are suitable for people of all ages, but there are also a number of activities and exhibitions specifically geared toward children. Keep in mind that most of the space’s information and events are hosted only or primarily in Spanish.

Admission is €6 (~$6). The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The nearest metro stop is Espanya.

• Address: Av. de Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 6-8, Sants-Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona

3. Casa Museo Gaudí (Gaudí House Museum)

Once the home of the famed Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, the Gaudí House Museum houses a collection of personal and professional artifacts collected throughout his life.

This home has 4 floors, 2 of which are dedicated to exhibits open to the public. Its garden is also open to the public and acts as a living exhibit. If you make arrangements before your visit, you can access a handful of other rooms in the home, like the library.

Though many of the furnishings in the home were those chosen by the artist, others were acquired or donated later to showcase Gaudí’s work and evolution throughout his career. The museum’s visitor information is available in multiple languages, including English. However, be sure to check the language availability before your visit if you’d like to attend one of the site’s educational events.

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

Hot Tip:

The museum is currently closed for maintenance and renovations.

4. Fundació Joan Miró (Joan Miró Foundation)

With a collection of over 14,000 pieces, the Joan Miró Foundation honors its namesake artist, the painter and sculptor Joan Miró. Since the museum’s collection is so large, many of the pieces housed on-site are kept in the archives and are occasionally rotated through the facility’s galleries. Some of the highlights are “Chapel of Sant Joan d’Horta,” “Village and church of Mont-Roig,” and “The music-hall usher.”

The museum also regularly hosts temporary exhibition spaces. Some of these draw parallels between Miró and other artists like Picasso, while others delve into the work of other artists and mediums. Its museum library is used for research.

This space’s event calendar is full of activities for visitors of all ages. These events range from guided tours to book readings and child-friendly workshops. Most of the time, events are hosted in multiple languages, especially if the facility is aware it has international guests.

Admission is free for children under 15, unemployed visitors, and members, €9 (~$10) for students 15 to 30 and seniors 65+, and €15 (~$16) for general admission. The museum is open Tuesday to Friday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The nearest metro stop is Poble Sec, which is a 20-minute walk away.

• Address: Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, Sants-Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona

5. Moco Museum Barcelona

Located in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, the Moco Museum Barcelona is one of the city’s premier modern art centers. Moco is an international art facility with 2 museums: 1 in Amsterdam and 1, of course, in Barcelona.

As an art center, it doesn’t specialize in any single art medium. Instead, it highlights contemporary and modern art in all its forms, from street art to sculpture. The space mostly focuses on established artists, but up-and-coming names in the industry are showcased occasionally.

Some of the artists who have been featured include Banksy, Warhol, and Haring. In addition to the permanent collection housed on the premises, the space hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year, as well as a handful of other types of events.

These events range from educational lectures and workshops to more social gatherings like cocktail parties and gallery opening events. Most information for these events is available in multiple languages.

Admission is free for children under 6, €14.95 (~$16) for students, Spanish residents, and youths 7 to 17, and €18.95 (~$20) for adults. Discounts are available for booking online. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The nearest metro stop is Jaume I.

• Address: C/ de Montcada, 25, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona

6. Museu Banksy (Banksy Museum – Barcelona)

Banksy is one of the most elusive popular artists in the world. So, it’s unsurprising that the Banksy Museum – Barcelona is a favorite exhibit space among locals and tourists alike. The museum is a mix between a traditional gallery and an immersive art experience. Initially, the 130 pieces in this exhibit were part of a temporary traveling exhibition, but it has become a permanent fixture in Barcelona in recent years.

Though you can enjoy the art on your own, the museum also offers guided tours on Monday in various languages, including English. You can also schedule a private weekend tour in Spanish or English.

Some pieces showcased in the exhibit are “Banksy’s Rage, the flower-thrower” and “The Girl with the Umbrella.” Workshops, lectures, and other educational activities can also be scheduled and attended for group visits.

Admission is free for people with reduced mobility and children under 6, €8.50 (~$9) for children 7 to 12, €11 (~$12) for youths 13 to 24 and seniors 65+, and €14 (~$15) for adults. The museum is open Friday to Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The nearest metro stop is Urquinaona.

•  Address: C/ de Trafalgar, 34, Ciutat Vella, 08010 Barcelona

7. Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art)

Opened in 1995, the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) is one of Spain’s most important contemporary exhibit spaces. The museum has a collection of over 5,000 pieces and focuses on modern and contemporary artists, both established and up-and-coming.

Most of the gallery’s pieces were acquired after its initial opening, meaning this collection will likely continue growing over the coming years. Virtually all art mediums, from paintings to sculptures, are represented in the space. Some of the site’s highlights include “Phantom Home” by Ahlam Shibli, “Non-slave Tenderness” by Lucia C. Pino, and “Pantheon Buzludja I.” by Kristina Kostadinova.

In addition to the sizable permanent collection on display, numerous spaces are dedicated to educational workshops and temporary exhibitions, which often feature the works of particular artists or art movements.

Admission is free for children under 18, seniors 65+, visitors with disabilities, members, and students 18 to 25 studying in Catalonia. Tickets are €9.60 (~$11) for other students, €10.20 (~$11) for off-peak entries, and €12 (~$13) for adults.

The museum is open Monday and Wednesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The nearest metro stops are Sant Antoni and Universitat.

• Address: Plaça dels Àngels, 1, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona

8. Museu d’Historia de Barcelona (Barcelona History Museum)

Opened in 1943, the Barcelona History Museum aims to preserve the city’s history and heritage through artifacts, documents, and other types of exhibits. Its main museum is located in the historic Gothic Quarter. However, it also runs a selection of other sites around the city.

This museum showcases archeological ruins and exhibits depicting the daily lives of Barcelona’s citizens throughout the years, from the Romans to the Renaissance. The facility also hosts a selection of tours to get a more in-depth look at the museum’s archeological sites. These tours are offered in languages other than Spanish, so people from around the world can enjoy them.

Guests are also welcome to participate in the museum’s educational events, such as seminars and workshops that delve into specific periods of history. The museum is generally family-friendly, but some younger children may struggle to stay engaged with the displays.

Admission is free for children under 16, €5 (~$5) for visitors 16 to 25, and €7 (~$7) for everyone else. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The nearest metro stop is Jaume I.

• Address: Pl. del Rei, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona

9. Museu de Cera (Museum Of Wax Barcelona)

The Museum Of Wax Barcelona offers visitors an interactive experience through its sets and detailed wax sculptures. Its space is divided into 28 areas dedicated to different themes, from space to pirates. Lifelike models of famous people and characters from media such as “Star Wars” and “Money Heist” are set in these exhibits.

Since these sets offer guests a hands-on experience that lets imaginations run wild, taking photos of yourself with your favorite characters is welcome. Just don’t climb or move the sculptures. Children might also be confused by the realism of the wax statues.

You can take a guided tour in Spanish or English if you want an even more in-depth visit experience. This space is available as an event venue and is particularly popular for children’s birthday parties.

Admission is €21 (~$22) for all visitors. The museum is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The nearest metro stop is Drassanes.

• Address: Passatge de la Banca, 7, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona

10. Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona (Museum of Natural Sciences of Barcelona)

Dedicated to educating visitors of all ages, the Museum of Natural Sciences of Barcelona is the city’s most popular natural science museum.

First established in 1882, the museum originally consisted of the founder’s private collection of artifacts from archeological digs and natural history. Over time, the space has expanded to 5 exhibits and numerous other collections covering topics like bonsai plants and the natural history of the Catalonia region.

In addition to these permanent exhibitions, the space also hosts temporary displays that delve deeper into specific scientific fields. Some highlights include a botanical garden full of Mediterranean plants and a seed bank of numerous international species as part of a worldwide preservation project. Additionally, all the information and most of the on-site events are held in multiple languages, including English.

Admission is free for children under 16, €2.70 (~$3) for those who qualify for reduced tickets, and €6 (~$6) for general admission. The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The nearest metro stop is Fòrum.

• Address: Plaza Leonardo Da Vinci, 4-5, Sant Martí, 08019 Barcelona

11. Museu d’Història de Catalunya (Museum of the History of Catalonia)

Since its opening in 1996, the Museum of the History of Catalonia has aimed to educate locals and tourists on the history of the Catalonia region and the evolution of the area’s culture.

The museum’s permanent collection, which consists of documents and artifacts, is displayed to create a timeline of how the region developed, starting with its first prehistoric settlements. Highlights include prehistoric pottery and sculptures and published texts in the Catalan dialect.

While much of the museum’s information is available in English, this translation process is still underway. So, keep in mind that some areas may only have information available in Spanish or Catalan. Guided visits are available in English if arrangements are made in advance.

This museum also hosts temporary exhibitions during the year. These galleries often focus on specific events or time periods in the area’s history. Galleries dedicated to the region’s fashion and photography are just 2 of the most popular recent exhibitions hosted.

Admission is free for children under 16, unemployed visitors, tour guides, members, and journalists, €4 (~$4) for seniors 65+ and students, and €6 (~$6) for adults. The museum is open Tuesday and Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The nearest metro stop is Barceloneta.

• Address: Pça. de Pau Vila, 3, Ciutat Vella, 08039 Barcelona

12. Museu Frederic Marès

Almost entirely dedicated to the works and collection of the artist Frederic Marès, the Museu Frederic Marès is both a history museum and a sculpture gallery.

The museum houses statues dating back to Spain’s pre-Roman history, but there are also numerous more recent art pieces. One of the space’s most beloved wings is dedicated to Medieval and religious art, though there is also a notable collection of artisanal pieces. This museum’s collection is known for its diversity, which is why it’s beloved by fans of a wide array of art styles.

When the museum opened in the 1940s, all its pieces could be displayed in 4 rooms. However, in the years since, it’s grown exponentially. Today, a large portion of the museum is kept in the archives and rotated occasionally during the year or when the museum hosts special exhibitions.

Admission is free for children under 16, €2.40 (~$3) for visitors aged 16 to 29 and seniors 65+, and €4.20 (~$4) for adults. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The nearest metro stop is Jaume I.

• Address: Plaça Sant Iu, 5, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona

13. Museu Marítim de Barcelona (Barcelona Maritime Museum)

The Barcelona Maritime Museum (MMB) is dedicated to Spain’s maritime history and shipbuilding legacy. Thanks to its location in the Barcelona Royal Shipyard, it includes, in addition to its Gothic-style architecture, remains of ancient ports traced back to the Roman Empire.

The museum houses a collection of hundreds of documents and artifacts highlighting the evolution of the port’s history and the Spanish maritime industry. Some of the collection’s highlights include maps of the Port of Barcelona, which show how it changed over 200 years, tools used in building ships, and numerous newspaper articles.

This collection is quite large, so only a fraction of the pieces are on display at a time, with the others kept in the archive for safekeeping and preservation. Barcelona’s Maritime Museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibits and educational events each year.

Admission is free for children under 17, €5 (~$5) for students and seniors 65+, and €10 (~$11) for adults. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The nearest metro stop is Drassanes.

• Address: Av. de les Drassanes, 1, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona

“A maritime museum is one of the richest and most stimulating places that you can visit. You will find action, drama, knowledge, fun, etc., and, above all, a constant reference to the greatest challenge of the human being: the overcoming of barriers, both physical and mental, symbolized by a sea without visible borders.”

Enric Garcia, general director, Barcelona Maritime Museum

14. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) displays art from over 1,000 years of Catalonia’s history. MNAC’s facility houses nearly a dozen art collections, including notable Romanesque and Renaissance wings. Though the museum’s historic exhibits are some of its most beloved, the space also has quite a few modern pieces as well.

The museum is responsible for over 100,000 pieces, including art prints, artifacts, and documents. However, only a fraction are on display at any given time. Some of the archived works are rotated through the site’s displays, while others are brought out of storage for special temporary galleries.

Some highlights are “Virgin and Child” by Pietro da Bonitate, “Apostles of the Pentecost from Bellcaire” by Anonymous, and “Ruins of a Temple” by Lodovico Pozzetti. The museum also hosts educational activities and events, including research opportunities for art and history students in the on-site library.

Admission is free for children under 16 and seniors 65+, €2 (~$2) for basic admission to the rooftop, and €12 (~$13) for general admission. The museum has varying opening hours depending on the season. The nearest metro stop is Espanya.

• Address: Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, Sants-Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona

15. Museu Picasso de Barcelona (Picasso Museum)

Housing over 4,200 pieces created by the famed artist, Barcelona’s Picasso Museum specifically highlights his early works. One of Picasso’s friends originally opened the museum in the 1960s to honor the artist’s career. Though initially intended to be opened in Malaga, where Picasso was born, it was later moved to Barcelona since it would allow more people to see the space’s exhibits.

Its permanent collection is divided into 3 main areas, each dedicated to a specific medium that Picasso dabbled in. Area 1 is dedicated to paintings and drawings. Area 2 focuses on his work in engraving, and the last centers on ceramics. Some highlights are “Barceloneta Beach,” “Madame Canals,” and “Gored Horse.”

The Picasso Museum collaborates with other museums and collectors to host temporary galleries and educational events during the year. Most of these events are held in English, Spanish, and Catalan.

Admission is free for children under 18, €7 (~$7) for visitors under 25 and seniors 65+, and €13 (~$13) for general admission. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (8 p.m. from May to September). The nearest metro stop is Jaume I.

• Address: C/ de Montcada, 15-23, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona

16. Poble Espanyol

Barcelona’s Poble Espanyol Center is an architectural museum meant to recreate a historic Spanish Town. Built in 1929, the museum was created for the city’s International Exposition to showcase the typical layout of Spain’s towns.

The museum consists of over 100 different functional buildings, including restaurants, workshops, and theaters. As an open-air museum, it’s meant to be explored slowly, though guided tours are available for a more educational experience before you meander at your own pace.

To add to the museum’s ambiance, the Poble Espanyol also hosts concerts, theatrical performances, and other cultural events for people of all ages. However, keep in mind that some of these events may require an additional ticket.

One of the museum’s most notable features is its “patchwork” display. It combines a variety of architectural styles inspired by the over 600,000 sites the original designers visited.

Admission is free for children under 4, €10 (~$11) for children under 13, and €15 (~$16) for adults. Discounts are available for advance online purchases. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Monday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The nearest metro stop is Espanya.

• Address: Av. de Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 13, Sants-Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona

How To Get Free or Reduced Admission to Barcelona Museums

We’ve indicated with each museum whether or not children, students, or seniors receive free or reduced admission. There is 1 other option worth considering.

The AirticketBCN Barcelona Museum Pass offers visitors access to 6 of the city’s museums with a single card that costs €38 (~$41) for adults rather than the typical €69 (~$75) cumulative price for purchasing all tickets separately. This pass is valid for 12 months and can be used once for each of the following museums: CCCB, Fundació Antoni Tàpies, Fundación Joan Miró, MACBA, Museu Nacional, and Museu Picasso.

Participation is subject to change; please verify participating museums and entry conditions before your visit.

Final Thoughts

Barcelona is known worldwide as one of Europe’s most important cultural hubs, so it’s not surprising that it’s home to numerous world-renowned museums. Whether you’re a history buff or an art lover, there’s a museum in Barcelona for you. We hope this list can help you figure out which to visit first.