Embrace the vibrant art scene of Barcelona, a city where history and modernity collide in a kaleidoscope of masterpieces. Our lively guide to the best art museums in Barcelona is like having a personal curator, providing insider tips and a tailored itinerary to ensure you savor every artistic delight in this culturally rich metropolis. Get ready to jump into the colorful world of Barcelona’s art!
Aperçu des musées d'art de Barcelone
If you’re an art lover visiting Barcelona, you’re in for a treat. The city has many museums and galleries showcasing everything from Catalan art to contemporary works. In this section, we’ll give you an overview of some of the top art museums in Barcelona so you can plan your visit accordingly.
Art catalan
One of the standout features of Barcelona’s art scene is its focus on Catalan art. If you’re interested in exploring the region’s unique artistic heritage, there are several museums you will want to attend.
1. Musée national d'art de Catalogne (MNAC)
The National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) houses one of the world’s largest collections of Catalan art, including works from the Romanesque and Gothic periods through to the 20th century.
Entrance fee: €12; free admission on Saturdays after 3 pm and the first Sunday of each month.
2. Musée Picasso
The Picasso Museum is another must-visit for art lovers in Barcelona. While Picasso was born in Malaga, he spent much of his life in Catalonia, and the museum’s collection includes many of his early works.
Entrance fee: €12; free admission on Thursdays from 6 pm to 9:30 pm and the first Sunday of each month.
3. Joan Miró Foundation
The Joan Miró Foundation is dedicated to the work of the eponymous Catalan artist and features a range of paintings, sculptures, and other pieces from throughout his career.
Entrance fee: €13; free admission on Saturdays after 4 pm and the first Sunday of each month.
Musées d'art historiques
If you’re an art lover visiting Barcelona, you’re in for a treat. The city has numerous museums showcasing some of the world’s most impressive artworks. Some of these museums are dedicated to historical art, offering visitors a chance to explore the evolution of art through the centuries. Here are some of the landmark art museums you shouldn’t miss:
1. L'art roman
The Romanesque period in art history spanned from the 10th century to the 12th century. During this time, artists created some of the most beautiful and intricate artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and frescoes. If you’re interested in exploring this period of art history, head to the National Art Museum of Catalonia. This museum has an impressive collection of Romanesque art, including the famous murals from the churches of Sant Climent de Taüll and Santa Maria de Taüll.
Entrance fee: €12; free admission on Saturdays after 3 pm and the first Sunday of each month.
2. Le gothique
La période gothique de l'histoire de l'art a succédé à la période romane et a duré du 12e au 15e siècle. L'art gothique se caractérise par des motifs ornés et complexes et par l'utilisation de l'ombre et de la lumière. Si vous souhaitez découvrir l'art gothique, rendez-vous au musée de la cathédrale de Barcelone. Ce musée possède une impressionnante collection d'art gothique, comprenant des sculptures, des peintures et des tapisseries.
Entrance fee: €7; free admission on Sundays from 2 pm to 5 pm.
3. Art espagnol
Spain has a vibrant art history, and many museums in Barcelona showcase some of the country’s most impressive artworks. If you want to explore Spanish art, head to the Picasso Museum. This museum has a unique collection of works by Pablo Picasso, one of the most famous Spanish artists ever. You’ll also find works by other Spanish artists, including Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí.
Entrance fee: €12 free admission on Thursdays from 6 pm to 9:30 pm and the first Sunday of each month
4. Le modernisme
Modernism was an artistic movement that surfaced in the late 19th century and continued until the early 20th century. Its bold colors, intricate designs, and rejection of traditional art styles characterized it. If you want to explore Modernism, head to the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA). This museum has an impressive collection of modern art, including works by some of the most famous Modernist artists, including Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró.
Entrance fee: €11; free admission on Saturdays after 4 pm and the first Sunday of each month.
Musées d'art spécialisés
Barcelona is a paradise if you’re an art lover. The city has many museums and galleries that showcase a wide range of art, from Romanesque and Gothic to modern and contemporary. Here are some of the best specialty art museums in Barcelona.
1. Dali
The Dali Museum in Figueres, about an hour outside of Barcelona, is a must-visit for fans of the surrealist artist. The museum is housed in a former theater and is a work of art. You’ll find many of Dali’s works, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings.
Entrance fee: €15; free admission for children under 9 years old.
2. Joan Miro
The Joan Miro Foundation is a modern art museum dedicated to the works of the Catalan artist. The museum has an extensive collection of Miro’s paintings, sculptures, prints, and works by other contemporary artists. The building is a work of art designed by architect Josep Lluís Sert.
Entrance fee: €13; free admission on Saturdays after 4 pm and the first Sunday of each month.
3. Camarasa
Les Musée Can Framis est un musée d'art contemporain consacré à l'art catalan du XXe siècle à nos jours. Le musée est installé dans une ancienne usine et possède une vaste collection d'œuvres d'artistes catalans, dont Rafael Barradas, Joaquim Mir et Ramon Casas. Le musée dispose également d'un jardin de sculptures et d'une bibliothèque.
Entrance fee: €6; free admission for children under 16 years old and the first Sunday of each month.
4. Fondation Miro
The Miro Foundation is another museum dedicated to the works of Joan Miro. The museum is housed in a modernist building designed by architect Josep Lluís Sert and has a large collection of Miro’s paintings, sculptures, and prints. The museum also has a library and a sculpture garden.
Entrance fee: €13; free admission on Saturdays after 4 pm and the first Sunday of each month.
5. Musée Fran Daurel
Les Musée Fran Daurel is a modern art museum that focuses on sculpture. The museum has an extensive collection of works by Spanish and international sculptors, including Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and Salvador Dalí. The museum is housed in the Poble Espanyol, a replica of a Spanish village.
Entrance fee: €9.50; free admission for children under 4 years old.
6. Galeries d'art
Barcelona has many art galleries that showcase works by local and international artists. Some best galleries include Galeria Joan Prats, Galeria Carles Taché, and Galeria Mayoral. Admission is generally free for these galleries, but it’s always a good idea to check their websites for any special exhibitions or events that may require an entrance fee.
7. Can Framis
Les Musée Can Framis est un musée d'art contemporain consacré à l'art catalan du XXe siècle à nos jours. Le musée est installé dans une ancienne usine et possède une vaste collection d'œuvres d'artistes catalans, dont Rafael Barradas, Joaquim Mir et Ramon Casas. Le musée dispose également d'un jardin de sculptures et d'une bibliothèque.
Entrance fee: €6; free admission for children under 16 years old and the first Sunday of each month.
In summary, Barcelona offers diverse art museums, each with its unique focus and collection. With so many options, you’re sure to find a museum that will pique your interest and provide a memorable experience during your visit to this vibrant city.
