National Art Museum of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya)

The Basics

The majestic palace of the National Art Museum of Catalonia towers over Barcelona from its perch above Plaça Espanya and the Montjüic Fountain. The building is an attraction in its own right and many sightseeing tours of the city stop there. Visitors can choose between a single admission ticket to the museum or a museum pass that grants skip-the-line entry to six Barcelona museums, including the Picasso Museum and Joan Miró Foundation.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The museum is a must-see for art lovers and architecture buffs.

• Book your entrance ticket ahead of time to skip the line at the ticket office and spend more time enjoying the collection.

• Most of the museum spaces are wheelchair-accessible, and wheelchairs are available to rent from the cloakroom.

• Free Wi-Fi is available on both floors of the museum.

How to Get There

There are several ways to get to the hilltop museum. Ride the funicular from Parallel metro station, or take the Barcelona metro to Plaça Espanya (Line 1 or 3) and walk up the hill to the museum entrance. The Barcelona hop-on hop-off bus stops at the museum as well.

When to Get There

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday year-round, though hours vary from season to season. Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month, when the museum can get rather crowded. Plan to visit first thing in the morning on a weekday for the best experience.

Famous Landmarks in La Ribera

The extensive museum collection can be overwhelming, so it’s a good idea to pick out a few highlights you’d like to see before you arrive. Visitor favorites often include the collection of Modernista design pieces by Antoni Gaudí, Zurbarán’s Immaculate Conception, and works by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, and Rubens.

Ways to explore

The palace that houses the National Art Museum of Catalonia offers glorious views of Barcelona from its perch above Plaça d’Espanya and the Magic Fountain (Font Màgica). The building is an attraction in its own right, and many Barcelona sightseeing tours stop here, including Segway and e-bike tours focused on Montjuïc. You can choose a general admission ticket for access to the art collection or a basic ticket, which allows entry to public spaces, including the rooftop terrace (but not the collection). The museum is included in the Articket pass, which covers six Barcelona cultural institutions, including the nearby Joan Miró Museum.

Accessibility

The National Art Museum of Catalonia is very accessible. Although a few spaces are not wheelchair-friendly, most of the collection is accessible. Wheelchairs are available for loan. Tactile models, displays, and diagrams (which also have audio descriptions) assist visitors with vision impairments, while hearing loops are available. There are adapted bathrooms. Service animals are welcome.

Age limits

None; free entry is offered to young people under 16 years old.

What to pack

Water bottle, pad and pencil if you’d like to draw

What to wear

Comfortable shoes are a must, as this is a large museum and Montjuïc is a hill.

Not allowed

Tripods, selfie sticks, flash photography, phone noise, pets, food and drink in the galleries

Amenities

Wi-Fi, eateries, cloakroom, gift shop

Address

The National Art Museum of Catalonia is on the north side of Montjuïc, about 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) southwest of Plaça de Catalunya. It’s about a 5-minute walk uphill from the Magic Fountain.

Driving

Driving is not efficient in Barcelona; however, the museum offers paid parking, including spaces that are accessible to travelers in wheelchairs.

Public transportation

There are several ways to reach the museum. You can ride the funicular from Paral·lel (line 3) to Parc de Montjuïc and walk for less than 15 minutes; the uphill walk from Espanya (line 1 or 3) takes a little longer. You can also choose from a range of hop-on hop-off buses.

Best times to visit

The museum is closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25, as well as Mondays (unless it’s a public holiday). On Sundays and public holidays, it opens 10am to 3pm year-round. From Tuesday to Saturday, it operates 10am to 8pm in summer (May–September) and 10am to 6pm during winter (October–April).

Best days to visit

For a quiet experience, visit first thing in the morning between Tuesday and Thursday. Free admission draws large crowds on Saturdays after 3pm and on the first Sunday of the month.

Best months to visit

Visiting during shoulder months, such as April (excluding Easter) and October, should let you enjoy both the collection and the terrace without the summer crowds or the winter chill.

Special events

On an evening close to International Museum Day (May 18), the museum participates in Catalonia’s Night of the Museums. It’s a busy, free evening, packed with fun events that can run from concerts and talks to classes and feasts.