Discover the best museums in Barcelona: Top 13 must-visit landmarks

Discover the best museums in Barcelona: Top 13 must-visit landmarks

From the history of Catalonia to virtual reality art, Barcelona’s museums have something for everyone. Here are 13 of the best.

No visit to this eclectic city is complete without exploring the best museums in Barcelona, which offer something for every cultural taste. From world-renowned art to Roman ruins to sporting legends, these cultural institutions are among the best things to do in Barcelona. Dive into the works of Gaudí, Picasso, and Dalí, uncover local history, and visit FC Barcelona’s home to learn about its legendary success. Through these museums, experience art, history, and architecture in Spain’s popular city.

Barcelona’s best museums at a glance

Best museums for history: Museum of the History of Catalonia

Best museums for art: Picasso Museum Barcelona

Best museums for families: CosmoCaixa

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photo: Miguel Discart & Kiri Karma

The Museum of the History of Catalonia showcases artifacts and exhibits that span from prehistoric times to the present day.

1. Museum of the History of Catalonia

Best for Catalan history buffs

Why should I visit the Museum of the History of Catalonia?

The people of Catalonia are fiercely proud of their region. In the Museum of the History of Catalonia, you will discover why through its art, literature, history of war, business, and traditions.

How long can I spend at the Museum of the History of Catalonia?

You can easily spend two to three hours at the Museum of the History of Catalonia. You may need four hours to visit all of the exhibits and enjoy some time on the rooftop terrace for the best views of Barcelona.

Insider tip

Looking for the best views in Barcelona? The museum has a rooftop restaurant that features panoramic city views.

Address and opening hours

3 Plaça Pau Vila, 08039 Barcelona, Spain. Open 10:00 AM-7:00 PM Tuesday- Saturday, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM Sunday. Closed Mondays.

Book Museum of the History of Catalonia tickets and tours

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photo: JosepBC

The Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA) takes visitors through the city's past with a collection of archaeological sites, historical artifacts, and interactive exhibits.

2. MUHBA

Best for Roman history buffs

Why should I visit MUHBA?

The Museu d’Història de Barcelona, located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, is an immersive journey through the city’s history thanks to well-preserved Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and exhibits that chronicle Barcelona’s evolution.

How long can I spend at MUHBA?

You can spend up to two hours exploring MUHBA. The museum’s main site in the Gothic Quarter offers a deep dive into Roman history. You may need more time to visit the multiple MUHBA sites around the city.

Insider tip

Want more Roman history? The Temple d’August, another MUHBA site showcasing the impressive pillars of an ancient temple, is five minutes away. It also gives you more opportunity to explore the Gothic Quarter, one of the best neighborhoods in Barcelona.

Address and opening hours

Plaça del Rei, 08002 Barcelona, Spain. Open 10:00 AM-7:00 PM Tuesday- Saturday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM Sunday. Closed Mondays.

Explore MUHBA on these Barcelona tours

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photo: Fred Romero

Through its preservation of the 18th-century El Born neighborhood's ruins, the El Born Culture and Memory Center takes you on a tour through the past.

3. El Born Culture and Memory Center

Best for European history buffs

Why should I visit El Born Culture and Memory Center?

El Born Culture and Memory Center takes you back in time to the year 1700 when King Carlos II died without an heir, and the Iberian Peninsula was plunged into one of its most brutal wars. Learn about the 1714 Siege of Barcelona in this emotionally charged museum.

How long can I spend at El Born Culture and Memory Center?

You’ll need one to two hours at the El Born Cultre and Memory Center to explore its historic sites and exhibits on the War of the Spanish Succession.

Insider tip

The museum aims to show how ordinary people’s lives were turned upside down by war. Visit the museum’s painstakingly reconstructed historical records, which tell you more about the individuals who lived here for a remarkably moving exhibit.

Address and opening hours

12 Plaça Comercial, 08003 Barcelona, Spain. Open 10:00 AM-7:00 PM Tuesday-Sunday. Closed Mondays.

Explore El Born Culture and Memory Center

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photo: bjaglin

Poble Espanyol is an open-air architectural museum that replicates various Spanish regional styles.

4. Poble Espanyol

Best for culture lovers

Why should I visit Poble Espanyol?

The name of this open-air museum, high on the slopes of Montjuïc, means Spanish Village. And that’s exactly what it is — a small-scale reconstruction of the different styles of architecture and traditional crafts found across Spain.

How long can I spend at Poble Espanyol?

You can spend at least two hours at Poble Espanyol and much longer if you prefer to explore leisurely. The open-air museum has over 100 full-scale replicas of buildings from different regions of Spain, shops, and restaurants.

Insider tip

Catch a live flamenco show in Poble Espanyol, one of the best things to do in Barcelona at night. These beautiful performances, with their emotionally charged music, are only enhanced by the enchanting backdrop.

Address and opening hours

13 Avinguda Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 08038 Barcelona, Spain. Open 10:00 AM-midnight Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-10:00 PM Monday.

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The Museo Nacional d'Arte de Catalunya (MNAC) has a collection of Catalan art spanning from the Romanesque period to the mid-20th century.

5. Museo Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

Best for fine art lovers

Why should I visit Museo Nacional d’Art de Catalunya?

The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) is one of the best art museums in Barcelona. Against the stunning backdrop of Montjuïc, this museum has everything from murals to photographs and more paintings than you can imagine.

How long can I spend at MNAC?

You can spend three to four hours at MNAC in Barcelona. The museum has a broad collection of Catalan art, ranging from Romanesque and Gothic art to Modernist masterpieces.

Insider tip

Make the most of the audioguide, which is included with an MNAC entry ticket. So many works are on display here that it’s easy to miss some real masterpieces without the guide’s help.

Address and opening hours

Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona, Spain. Open 10:00 AM- 8:00 PM Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM Sunday. Closed Mondays.

Explore MNAC

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The Gaudí House Museum takes a look at the life and work of Antoni Gaudí within the context of Casa Milà.

6. Gaudí House Museum

Best for architecture lovers

Why should I visit the Gaudí House Museum?

Deep within Park Güell, the Gaudí House Museum is inside Antoni Gaudí’s old house. His furniture, trinkets, and audio-visual displays bring him to life.

How long can I spend at the Gaudí House Museum?

Budget 45 minutes to an hour at the Gaudí House Museum. This relatively small museum in was Antoni Gaudí’s residence for nearly 20 years.

Insider tip

Visit Gaudí’s amazing Sagrada Familia church for an incredible contrast between Gaudí’s austere personal life and his extravagant works.

Address and opening hours

Parc Güell, 23A Carretera del Carmel, 08013 Barcelona, Spain. Open 9:30 AM-6:00 PM every day.

Learn more about Gaudi House Museum

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photo: LemonOne

The Picasso Museum in Barcelona has a broad collection of Pablo Picasso's works, including paintings, sketches, and ceramics.

7. Picasso Museum

Best for Cubism art lovers

Why should I visit the Picasso Museum?

Pablo Picasso never stayed in one place for long, but he certainly left his mark on Barcelona. With over 4,000 works on display, the Picasso Museum is a must for any fans of Cubism, the 20th-century geometric art movement,.

How long can I spend at the Picasso Museum?

You can spend between two and three hours at the Picasso Museum, which has a large collection of works by Pablo Picasso.

Insider tip

If you want to see more about Picasso’s perspective, visit some of his old haunts in the city, like El Quatre Gats Restaurant, where he first exhibited his work. You can also wander past Carrer d’Avinyó 44, which used to be the location of a brothel where Picasso was a regular.

Address and opening hours

15-23 Carrer de Montcada, 08003 Barcelona, Spain. Open 10:00 AM-8:00 PM Tuesday-Sunday. Closed Mondays.

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photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra

The Fundació Joan Miró celebrates the artist's legacy through a collection paintings and sculptures.

8. Fundació Joan Miró

Best for modern art lovers

Why should I visit the Fundació Joan Miró?

Fundació Joan Miró is another Barcelona museum atop Montjuïc Hill. The museum features more than 14,000 pieces by the Catalan artist, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. The building itself is a work of art designed by Josep Lluís Sert. Highlights include the stunning "The Birth of the World" and an impressive sculpture garden.

How long can I spend at the Fundació Joan Miró?

You can spend around three hours at the Fundació Joan Miró. It’s the world’s largest collection of Joan Miró’s work, and spans several floors.

Insider tip

Check out the Espai 13 area, where fun interactive activities let the kids show off their own artistic skills.

Address and opening hours

Parc de Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona, Spain. Open 10:00 AM-8:00 PM Monday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM Sunday. Closed Mondays.

Top Fundació Joan Miró tickets and tours

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photo: Kintaro

CosmoCaixa is an interactive science museum with exhibits on everything from the origins of the universe to the complexities of human biology.

9. CosmoCaixa

Best for families

Why should I visit CosmoCaixa?

CosmoCaixa is a hands-on science museum that has plenty of interactive fun for the family. With everything from experiments testing Newton's laws to enormous dinosaur fossils, this is the perfect place for things to do in Barcelona with kids.

How long can I spend at CosmoCaixa?

You will need about three hours to go to CosmoCaixa. The museum features interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and an Amazonian rainforest replica to explore.

Insider tip

The aquarium may be the coolest thing in CosmoCaixa. Its unusual rainforest habitat houses some of the most interesting fish you’ve ever seen.

Address and opening hours

26 Carrer d'Isaac Newton, 08022 Barcelona, Spain. Open 10:00 AM-8:00 PM every day.

Best-recommended CosmoCaixa tickets and tours

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photo: Alberto-g-rovi

IDEAL is a digital art center that blends visual art, technology, and interactive experiences.

10. IDEAL

Best for digital art

Why should I visit IDEAL?

Is it art? Is it science? You decide at IDEAL, a wild museum where nothing is as it seems. Enjoy giant projected versions of Dalí’s most famous works and immerse yourself in the wonders of the metaverse.

How long can I spend at IDEAL?

Budget one to two hours at IDEAL, Barcelona’s immersive digital art center. The museum features large-scale digital installations, immersive exhibits, and lots of art and technology.

Insider tip

You can really enhance your museum experience with the VR headset that is included with your entry ticket. You’ll feel like you’re really walking through a Dalí dreamscape, seeing art as you’ve never seen it before.

Address and opening hours

196 Carrer del Dr Trueta, 08005 Barcelona, Spain. Open 10:0 AM-9:30 PM Wednesday-Monday. Closed Tuesdays.

Discover more hidden gems in Barcelona

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photo: Fred Romero

The Natural Science Museum explores the natural world through paleontology, geology, and biodiversity.

11. Natural Science Museum

Best for earth science lovers

Why should I visit the Natural Science Museum?

Dedicated to the natural world, with a particular emphasis on climate change, the Natural Science Museum is full of hands-on exhibits to delight every age group.

How long can I spend at the Natural Science Museum?

The Natural Science Museum of Barcelona is worth three hours of your time. Its exhibits on fossils, minerals, and ecosystems are fascinating.

Insider tip

Combine your trip to the Natural Science Museum with a visit to the Botanical Gardens to see plants from all the world’s Mediterranean climate zones.

Address and opening hours

4-5 Plaça Leonardo da Vinci, Parc del Forum, 08019 Barcelona, Spain. Open 10:00 AM-7:00 PM Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM Sunday. Closed Mondays.

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photo: LemonOne

The FC Barcelona Museum celebrates the legacy of the football club with a collection of trophies and memorabilia.

12. FC Barcelona Museum

Best for sports fans

Why should I visit the FC Barcelona Museum?

Within the world-famous Camp Nou stadium, the FC Barcelona Museum is one of the top museums in Barcelona. Learn the history of this legendary team and the fascinating tale of how Barça became a key symbol of Catalan identity.

How long can I spend at the FC Barcelona Museum?

You can spend two hours at the FC Barcelona Museum viewing its exhibits on trophies and player jerseys and touring the stadium and VIP sections.

Insider tip

An FC Barcelona immersive tour ticket lets you go beyond the museum, into the players’ changing room, and through the players’ tunnel.

Address and opening hours

Camp Nou, 12 Carrer d'Arístides Maillol, 08028 Barcelona, Spain. Open 9:30 AM-7:00 PM every day.

Discover FC Barcelona Museum

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photo: Kent Wang

The Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum is an in-depth look at the historical, cultural, and industrial significance of cannabis and hemp.

13. Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum

Best for culture fans

Why should I visit the Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum?

Leave the kids at home for this one. This intriguing and very cool museum in Barcelona explores the history and use of cannabis, including some unusual examples of marijuana in artworks from the 17th century.

How long can I spend at the Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum?

Expect to spend one to two hours at the Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum, where you will learn about the history, culture, and science of cannabis.

Insider tip

The 100 years between 1837 and 1937 are known as the Golden Age of Medicinal Cannabis. Check out the museum’s collection of the second most commonly used ingredient in medicines across Europe and America.

Address and opening hours

35 Carrer Ample, 08002 Barcelona, Spain. Open 11:00 AM-8:00 PM every day.

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FAQs

What are the most famous museums in Barcelona?

Most visitors agree that the best museums in Barcelona are the art museums. These include the Gaudí House Museum, the Picasso Museum, and MNAC.

Are there any free museums in Barcelona?

You’ll have to pay to visit most museums in Barcelona. However, many offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month.

What’s the most interesting museum in Barcelona if I only have time for one?

If you only have time for one museum in Barcelona, the Museu Picasso is the most interesting choice. It houses one of the most extensive collections of works by Pablo Picasso, offering an in-depth look at his early years and artistic development.

Are there any fun museums in Barcelona for families and children?

Yes. Family-friendly museums in Barcelona include the CosmoCaixa Science Museum and, for budding athletes and soccer enthusiasts, the FC Barcelona Museum.

For which museums in Barcelona are guided tours recommended?

A guided tour is good for places like the Picasso Museum, the Gaudí House Museum, and other Gaudí works. This way, you won’t miss any details.

Are there any museum passes or discount cards available to visit multiple museums in Barcelona?

You can find discount bundles if you’re visiting several Gaudí museums and monuments. Some other museums with multiple sites will offer discounts, like the Natural Science Museum and MUHBA.