Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya

Art museum · el Poble Sec

Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya

Art museum · el Poble Sec

5

Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, Sants-Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona, Spain

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Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by MATADOR_NETWORK
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya by null

Highlights

Perched atop Montjuïc hill, the Palau Nacional houses MNAC’s epic collection of Catalan art spanning Romanesque frescoes to modern masterpieces.  

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Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, Sants-Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona, Spain Get directions

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Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, Sants-Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona, Spain Get directions

+34 936 22 03 60
museunacional.cat
@museunacional
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@museunac_cat

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Jul 30, 2025

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@matadornetwork

Art and Culture in Barcelona

"This museum’s name, National Art Museum of Catalonia, gives you a sense of the region’s separatist aspirations. While it’s no Prado, it does have an impressive collection of classical art. The location of this building, unabashedly called the Palau Nacional (National Palace), does beat that of Madrid’s big museum. Sitting atop Montjuïc, it offers a view back toward Barcelona and Tibidabo mountain that you don’t get from many other vantage points.Pedralbes Monastery -– This 14th-century monastery in the leafy Pedralbes neighborhood has beautiful grounds, medieval murals, and a museum with European art from the 16th to 20th centuries. You can get here on public transportation, but it’s far enough from the center of town to never get too crowded. Behind the monastery, you can find a trail that leads you up to Carretera de les Aigües." - MATADOR_NETWORK

https://matadornetwork.com/destinations/europe/spain/barcelona/art-culture/
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@artnet

"Before leaving Barcelona, ride the cable car up and down Montjuïc for excellent city views and make time to visit the nearby National Art Museum of Catalonia, which houses centuries’ worth of local art."

Headed to Spain for an Art-Filled Adventure?
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@eater

Top-Tier Delivery Restaurant Pop-Ups to Try in Barcelona - Eater

"Place an order in the morning before you head out, and have it delivered to the steps of Montjuïc for an impromptu meal before you visit the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya." - Chris Ciolli

https://www.eater.com/22632614/instagram-restaurant-pop-ups-barcelona-delivery-food
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@afar

How to Make the Most of a Last-Minute Trip to Spain - AFAR

"Standing in front of the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, a palatial building perched atop a fortress of stairs." - Mira T. Lee

https://www.afar.com/magazine/why-spain-is-the-best-place-to-rekindle-a-love-of-late-nights
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@cntraveler

14 Best Museums in Barcelona | Condé Nast Traveler

"Set atop Montjüic hill, Barcelona’s MNAC is in the city’s national palace; access is via grand stairway (or outdoor escalators), with waterfalls that flow down as you ascend. Indoors is epic too. There are four zones—Medieval Romanesque, Medieval Gothic and Renaissance, and two Modern Art rooms—and each genre is like a maze, every turn transporting you to a new mood, artist or medium (from Gaudí to Picasso to propaganda posters from the Spanish Civil War). Don’t miss the Romanesque frescoes that have been "extracted" from World Heritage churches and reinstalled inside huge domes." - Gemma Askham

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-museums-in-barcelona
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Kenneth Park

Google
This museum, I have to confess, is the one I enjoyed its rooftop view and the botanic garden next to it (with exotic green budgies) more than its art collections. I will definitely visit again for the collection, but my point is that the building (and the location of it) is so beautiful and quite different from all other major museums in other European cities, this museum has its own merit and is unique from the others. Never miss it if you visit Barcelona.

Alejandro Perez

Google
If you're planning to come here, try coming in the morning. The museum is huge and there's so many wonderful things to see! From ancient to modern, you will see art, statues, even early cinema films. This is perfect for family and friends!

Alex_theAviation

Google
The place I visited was such an incredible tourist attraction and it really did interest me. I would recommend for anyone to visit here it has lovely views once walk up to the main entrance on top has nice rest stop coffee shop and visiting inside the Art museum was really worth seeing.

Katerina Arn

Google
An exceptional museum with a collection of wonderful pieces of art. The modern art collection is just phenomenal, featuring pieces from many different art styles and time periods. From paintings and statues to jewellery and furniture, the museum showcases pieces that can impress every visitor and widen their spiritual horizons. The gothic art and renaissance and baroque art collections were also very interesting. I'd also like to add that the staff of the museum were kind and helpful. You absolutely can't skip this museum during your visit in Barcelona! (Note: Bring 1€ coins if you want to use the lockers in the wardrobe).

Grace

Google
An exceptional place. The building itself is an outstanding example of Italian architecture and it dates back to the 1920s. It houses some of the finest collections of paintings, sculptures and other objects. Its collection of romanesque church paintings is noteworthy. It also contains some wonderful displays of local Catalan art.Be advised that there are lots stairs to get to the building even using escalators and great views from outside whit spectacular views of Barcelona. The museum has a nice restaurant with wonderful views so you can take a lunch break and spend the day. There is also a casual Cafe outside the museum with quick meals and refreshments.

Poonam Saini

Google
I had a great time at the National Art Museum of Barcelona! There’s so much to explore, from Romanesque to Gothic art. They even have these cool frames where you can step in and feel like you’re part of the artwork. Bonus: admission is free on Saturdays after 3 PM. Definitely worth a visit!

Stessy

Google
Lovely museum with lots of art to see. Visiting the entire museum does take a long time, so it was a pleasant surprise to learn that the tickets are valid for two days to be able to spread out your visit. We ended up visiting everything in one day which took up most of the day, but I enjoyed myself. Visited on a week day, visitors were few.

Katty

Google
This location offers amazing views and fantastic experience for visitors, whether you come alone or with family, and it is also designed to be child-friendly. I visited with friends on a weekday and found it easily accessible via local transport from Barcelona. For those who enjoy walking, it’s also within a comfortable distance to explore on foot.
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Susan C.

Yelp
Looking up from Plaça d'Espanya toward the Montjuïc area, the classical Italian facade of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya sits atop a hill like an elaborate crown perched on a pedestal. You can't miss it. Walking by, if you weren't sure what building this was, you'd google it for sure. Taking the direct route from the traffic roundabout (and nearest metro station, as well as many bus stops) to the front entrance entails many stairs. Plan a good 10 minutes to walk up, that is if you don't stop for photos along the way. From the side streets, where I came from, there is the option of outdoor escalators (how novel! I haven't seen many outdoor ones before) for part of the trek upwards. Upon entering the ticket counter is to the left/center right inside the door, there is the option to purchase online though I bought them in person and it took only a few minutes with no line on a Friday in September. The ground floor lobby is right beyond the counters and provides direct access to the 6 main areas of the museum - Medieval Gothic art, Medieval Romanesque art, Renaissance and Baroque art, Modern art, Numismatics (coins and medals), and the main auditorium/atrium which also contains the cafe and a massive pipe organ. The exhibits were very thorough and for the most part chronological. I was impressed by their extensive Romanesque fresco collection and maintenance, and also enjoyed the modern art and Art Nouveau/Art Deco furniture collection. Walking around the total museum can easily take 2-3 hours, more if you want to read all the descriptions. The museum attendants are quite detailed in checking your tickets at the entry of each exhibition hall. Larger bags and backpacks must be carried in front of you not on your back. Bathrooms are available. Parking for cars and buses is also available though aside from tour groups it looked like majority of patrons walked there.
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Retna S.

Yelp
This review is for the beautiful view of the city on top. Not far from a metro station. I wish the fountain is working to add the beauty to the scenery.
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Bladimir M.

Yelp
Beautiful and breathtaking museum! The waterfalls in the front with lots of staircases makes this place so majestic! It's quite a sight and popular spot. Lots of visitors and people walking around and hanging out. Also lots of people selling things on the stairs. When you get up to the top, the view is amazing. Inside, the art selection is immense. The museum is super clean and elegant. There's also a little cafe to order snacks, drinks like coffee, and sandwhiches!
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Steven W.

Yelp
Beautiful and a must see, when visiting Barcelona. It is so grand and magnificent from the exterior. They have great exhibits and paintings to check out. The outside bottom fountain area attracts many interesting people, so be mindful, but the pictures at the top are worth the walk.
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Jose P.

Yelp
We had a great day at the museum on a rainy day. We spent the whole day and even had lunch at the restaurant in the museum. Great exhibits and a great building. It is certainly worth spending time visiting, especially on a rainy day when outdoor activities are limited.

Christi C.

Yelp
Very net place to look at if you love art. We also ate at the cafe here and it was great!
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Mark B.

Yelp
Great museum of Catalonia Art from pre-renaissance, renaissance along with pre and post modern. Great way to see a ton of ancient wall art, sculptures as well oil paintings, furniture, and much more. There is a lot to see so make sure to have enough time to see everything.
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Eric B.

Yelp
The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya features an impressive collection of Romanesque church paintings and Catalan art and design from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It's located in an "you can't miss it" site on Montjuic hill and is housed within the Palau Nacional, a huge Italian-style building dating back to 1929. Gayle and I spend a pleasant couple hours here last month. We first started at the Museum's nice cafeteria which is located within a large domed room, which is probably used for various public events. We spent most of our time in the 2 modern art wings, and particularly enjoyed the exhibits covering the Spanish Civil War and a special display covering the current Ukraine war. There's lots to see here and it's easy to be overwhelmed with what this place has to offer. The inside exhibit spaces are roomy and a pleasure to walk through. It's just that we probably needed another visit to cover the Romanesque art. The view of the City from the entrance is also very impressive, especially on a clear day.
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Karen L.

Yelp
This is one museum I highly recommend a visit. Located on Montjuic hill, the outside is impressive looking and doesn't look like a museum. It houses a good amount of Romanesque and Catalan art work and I spent almost three hours in here going through the whole museum. The first floor has the Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance art, which was where I really spent a lot of time. The Romanesque collection has a lot of mural paintings, and those are really impressive. The Gothic and Renaissance paintings were beautiful. The second floor holds the modern (19th century) art collection, and while modern art doesn't really appeal to me, it was still worth a walk through. The museum also has a cafe, located in the Oval Hall. If you follow the provided map layout, you end up at the cafe after viewing the Renaissance wing. It's genius, as a break is much needed after going through all the wings of the first floor.
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Andrea U.

Yelp
The majestic museum is on Montjuïc hill at the end of Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina, near Pl Espanya. It is notable for its outstanding collection of romanesque church paintings, and for Catalan art & design from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum is housed in the Palau Nacional, a huge, Italian-style building from 1929. The Palau Nacional, which has housed the Museu d'Art de Catalunya was declared a national museum. The Oval Hall was reopened in 1992 for the Olympics, It is one of the largest museums in Spain.
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Mahnaz B.

Yelp
An amazing art such a beautiful building. I love everything about here I highly recommend it anybody visit this country that museum.!
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Geoff M.

Yelp
Loved this museum! I felt like the curatorial notes to the exhibits and to various pieces told a historical narrative rooted in consideration of the sociological and economic factors that shaped the art. The museum's commitment to artists with Catalan connections was refreshing. The building is beautiful and the views of Barcelona are great too!
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Rohan D.

Yelp
One of maybe 5 absolutely can't miss Barcelona highlights. To really take in this museum you need a couple of days, but in two hours you can see the frescoes from the Romanesque period a millennia ago. The process is explained here, but in the 20th century they figured out how to rescue the frescoes from the oldest Catalan churches and move them onto the same shaped walls and surfaces here. Absolutely incredible. The front of the museum offers a nice café with a spectacular view of the city, and a very photogenic opportunity for selfies with either the city below or the museum behind you on the stairs.
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Tyler L.

Yelp
This museum is located on top of Montjuic and is inside of the Palua Nacional. The Palau Nacional is a Spanish Renaissance style building from 1929. The museum collection is certainly impressive and is mainly made of Catalan paintings for the last 200 years. However, in my opinion, it is actually the structure itself that makes this place worth visiting. The Palau Nacional is simply majestic and looks like a huge palace.
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Yuko H.

Yelp
If you are in Barcelona for more than a day, I recommend visiting this museum. They have some outstanding Romanesque church paintings. I stayed here for about one hour but could have stayed there longer. I don't think you need to get a ticket in advance. Line moved quickly enough when I visited. Inside is nice but building itself is notable as well. If your time is limited, it's worthwhile to stop by here just to enjoy the architecture.
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Nohemy C.

Yelp
For 6 euros per person you get access to a 3 story museum that was very detailed. We were here about 90 minutes but you can easily be here for hours. The museum itself offers a headphone option that you pull up on your smartphone. We opted not to do that and most things had an English translation. There is a rooftop terrace that is open to the public with a cafe and great views. It is close to the waterfront and a must for all of the history buffs!
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William G.

Yelp
Not only is the medieval Gothic and medieval Romantic collection amazing, but the setting was also just as amazing. Initially, I didn't know what to expect, which I guess was good. I spent about half a day here and still didn't feel as if it was enough. Why? Well, the art pieces are just that moving and beautiful. Trying to understand the painter or sculptor in every piece requires some thought. Each piece tells a story and understanding what the artist is trying to convey is part of challenge. The problem is, the collection is huge. I most definitely need to return! Did I mention the stunning views from the museum. If you don't visit, then you're missing out on some of the best views of the city.
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Isabella B.

Yelp
The 4 main tourist regions of Barcelona are as follows: Barceloneta beach, Barri Gòtic (the old city with Roman and Gothic structures), l'Eixample (where all the Modernisme sights are) and the area surrounding Montjuïc hill. Most people make it to the first three but Montjuïc is unloved since not many people are willing to make a day out of exploring a hill. If you do have enough time in Barcelona or are interested in exploring Montjuïc I recommend taking 2-3 hours of your day to explore Catalonia's premier art museum, the MNAC. Out of the sights in Montjuïc it's certainly the most accessible as you see it just as you get out of the Plaça d'Espanya metro station. LOGISTICS - Location: Inside the Palau Nacional building on Montjuïc hill. You can reach it from bus #55 (closest), take the L1 or L3 line to Plaça d'Espanya then access it via a series of escalators OR if you're crazy like me and like to do lots of walking from the Paral*lel stop take the funicular to the to Parc de Montjuïc and walk down. - Closed Mondays. - Cost: €12. Rooftop access only - €2. Free entry days are Saturdays after 3 and the first Sunday of each month. Or if you're a woman it's free on International Women's Day (seriously!) - Ticket allows in-out privileges for date of entry plus another day within a 30-day period. - Allow a minimum of 2 hours for complete visit. The Palau Nacional was initially built to house the 1929 World's Expo but has housed the museum since. Once inside there are 3 floors, of which 2 are the permanent collection arranged in chronological order. The top floor is the rooftop with the best birdseye view of the city. Notable collections include: 1. Romanesque and Gothic The Romanesque portion of the collection is noteworthy in that it's one of the most important and significant collections of Romanesque art anywhere in the world. Originally found inside small rural churches in the Pyrenees, they were taken away for preservation but saved from a fate in the US by being displayed here. The most significant piece in this collection is the "Apse of Sant Climent de Taüll", which depicts Christ in Majesty (similar to Pantocrator). It is one of the most recognizable art to come from that time period. The highlight of the Gothic collection is "Consagració de Sant Agustí" where St. Augustine is crowned as bishop. 2. Modern The modern collection walks through the history of modern art as it relates to Catalonia. The room is divided up into four sections: The Rise of the Modern Artist, Modernisme(s), Noucentisme(s) and Art and Civil War. The most notable works of art here are the interior decorations made by the famous Modernisme architects, especially the 3 that have their houses represented on the Block of Discord. My personal favorite was the original furniture that was located on Casa Batlló (replicas are inside the house itself). Rooftop Can't forget about the rooftop. There are two levels of the rooftop terrace. On summers you can even have a cocktail. Supposedly it's a good vantage point for viewing the magic fountains, another famous symbol of Barcelona. I was pleasantly surprised by my visit as I got to learn about a side of Barcelona's art history that isn't heavily focused on "modernisme". Also helped a lot that my ticket was free. Made walking around that area worth it.
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Marc M.

Yelp
Superb siting with magnificent grounds and building make this a must visit. The walk from their memorable fountain up to the museum is worth it to get the view of Barcelona below. The museum within is 12€ per adult. They have a small cafe and restaurant. Each wing is its own period in art history. Worth a visit!

Xavier R.

Yelp
It is a pretty that such a gorgeous museum is so poorly adapted. People in wheelchairs cannot go any level without the assistance of the employees. It's is all platforms, some out of service, and only employees can use them. Every summer I come to this museum and in makes me more dependent and more disabled. Either ramps, more elevators or self-service platforms would make a huge difference. Barcelona deserves better and finding such in-adaptations is bad image. The menu at the inside cafe was delicious
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Tiffany D.

Yelp
The front landscape and scenery of this Museum in Barcelona, Spain, is what I enjoyed the most about this majestic place. One can see a city's view from the way top and it took some time to hike up the stairs and more stairs. The view is definitely gorgeous from the top. There are water fountains to be pleasantly watching and take in. Breathtaking, indeed. I was here all afternoon to simply take it all in.
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Gabriella S.

Yelp
This museum is amazing! There is so much to see, including Gaudi original wood works! Not to mention the location is insanely amazing and so close to so much other art to see. If you're into art history at all, I definitely recommend coming here. If you're into architecture, I definitely recommend coming here! If you're into culture at all, COME HERE. I have attached some photos of just a snipet of the art you can see if you come here. Also, you can go to the roof and get some of the most amazing views of Barcelona that you will see the entire time you're in the city. We took the gondola from the top of the park where the citadel was to come here and it was a really cool experience!
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Michael S.

Yelp
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya is much like many of the art pieces on display in the museum: the more I look, the more I love. My initial rankings had MNAC as just 3-4 stars, but, today as I reflect on all the history, beauty, skill, and inspiration at the National Art Museum of Catalonia in the remarkable Palau Nacional building atop Parc de Montjuïc, I'm inspired to paint this review with 5 bright red stars. Tips: * Closed Mondays * Open 10:00 am daily until 6:00 pm * Except Sundays & holidays until 3:00 pm * Open late in summer until 8:00 pm * Closed Jan 1, May 1, & Dec 25 * Admission: €12; Free for under 16 * Audio guide: €4 * Save €2 online with combo ticket/guide * Rooftop viewpoint: €2 extra * Free admission after 3:00 all Saturdays * Free admission 1st Sundays * Free admission May 18 and Sep 11 * Take Green L1 or L3 metro to Plaça d'Espanya * Or ride the Montjuïc Funicular there * We just did uber which meant less walking * Check large bags or coats in the cloakroom * The Musuem Shop was ok * A quick Café is in the large Oval Room * Òleum is a full-restaurant in the Throne Room The collection ranges a thousand years with tens of thousands of artifacts and art work. Catalonia has a proud artistic heritage and the full array is revealed at Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya including Romanesque Art, Medieval Gothic Art, Renaissance Art, Baroque Art, and Modern Art. A few of my favorites include: * Circus by Modest Cuixart, 1950 * Woman in Hat and Fur Collar by Pablo Picasso, 1937 * The New Hat by Feliu Elias, c. 1935 * The Gallery / La galería by Feliu Elias, 1928 * Reflected Shadows by Lluís Masriera, 1920 * The Novice by Joan Llimona, c. 1898 * Reading by Joan Llimona, c. 1891 * Public Exhibition of a Picture by Joan Ferrer Miró, c. 1888 * Parc Cordier in Trouville by Louis-Eugène Boudin, 1880-1885 * The Spanish Wedding by Marià Fortuny, 1870 * Portrait of Elena and María with old Valencian jackets by Joaquin Sorolla, 1863 * Allegory of Love, Cupid and Psyche by Francisco de Goya, 1798-1805 * Return of "Il Bucintoro" on Ascension Day by Giovanni Antonio Canal (Canaletto), 1745-1750 * Three Beggars by Giacomo Ceruti dit (Il Pitocchetto), 1736 * Basket of Flowers by Juan de Arellano, c. 1670 * Saint Francis of Assisi according to Pope Nicholas V's Vision by Francisco de Zurbarán, c. 1640 * Saint Peter & Saint Paul by Doménikos Theotokópoulos (El Greco), 1590-1600 * Christ Carrying the Cross by Doménikos Theotokópoulos (El Greco), 1590-1595 * Man of Sorrows by Unknown artist, 16th century * The Ill-matched Couple by a follower of Lucas Cranach (The Elder), 1530-1550 * Portrait of Kunigunda of Austria by Unknown artist, c. 1485 * Last Supper by Jaume Huguet, 1463-1475 * Virgin of the 'Consellers' by Lluís Dalmau, 1443-1445 * Saint Anthony the Abbot by Jaume Cascalls, c. 1350 * Virgin Suckling the Child by Llorenç Saragossà, 14th Century * Christ, Wood carving with polychrome remains, Consecrated 1147 * Apse of Sant Climent de Taull by the Master of Taull, c. 1123 As a celebration of Catalan and European art, Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya is not only the biggest art museum in Barcelona, but it also offers the best presentation and experience. The more you see of it, the more you'll love it ... and the history and art on display.
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Victor G E.

Yelp
Very big & wonderful art from early to now. Current exhibit on Gala Dali, Salvador's wife & imagination partner, was over the top. Highly recommend it. Two tips: 1) The restaurant is beautiful, tasty & with a limited lunch menu but it is WAY EXPENSIVE. 2) Take a Taxi, rather than a bus or Metro. It is 1-2 euros more expensive but it takes you right to the front door rather than having to walk up a gazillion steps especially in over 80* temp. Also the large indoor gift store closes at 1500h but the small outdoor store remains open.
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Kevin W.

Yelp
What an amazing museum! One of the buildings you can point out in the Barcelona skyline since it sit upon the hill and is so big. I did not go into the museum, I just came to admire the grounds and the building. The entire area where the museum is located is awesome. First, there are two huge towers right before you enter the grounds walking toward the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. Then you see the fountain, it was not running when I came. Then there are 4 tall pillars in front, right before you walk up to hill to the museum. Great panoramic views of Barcelona if you reach the museum. Great skyline shots from there.
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Charles H.

Yelp
If you have already seen Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell, I will tell you that MNAC is a worthy addition to your multi-day BCN itinerary. If you're looking to see lots of world-famous artwork, you're likely to be disappointed, but if you have an open mind, you will really enjoy the works that you see at the MNAC, which are mostly from Catalunya (like the name says). I had never seen the work of Ramon Casas before, but it certainly left an impression on me. The historic building is worth the trip all by itself. The view of the city from the front entrance was epic. All of the work was beautifully displayed. The overall vibe was cool, laid back and elegant. None of the galleries were particularly crowded. I'm not going to say it's hard to get to, but we did take the more scenic route to Montjuic and through the park starting with the funicular at the Paral-lel metro station. NOTE: If you are a teacher, be sure to bring your ID. Teachers get in FREE! Thanks, MNAC!
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Matthew L.

Yelp
Why do I love the MNAC? The MNAC showcases the art of the Catalonian region from ancient to modern times. Since Spain was and still is a very religious country, this museum showcases some of the best religious artwork I've ever seen. I'm a big fan of religious artwork, particularly from the medieval ages & the transition period from medieval times to the Renaissance -- and the MNAC has it all! Some of my favorite pieces include the classic Romanesque woodcarvings (Majestat Batlló and Mare de Déu) which really highlight the exquisite craftsmanship of medieval woodcarvings. One of my favorite religious scenes is that of the Virgin and Child, and the MNAC has about 100 pieces depicting this famous scene. What is really wonderful is being able to see the artwork progress from medieval to Renaissance times -- seeing how the artwork becomes much more lifelike and filled with emotion. This can especially be seen in the Virgin and Child scenes here as you go room to room in the museum. Catalonia is home to Gaudi and the MNAC showcases some of his works, including his nifty and very interesting-looking furniture. Gaudi was a very creative man and the pieces showcased at MNAC highlight his ingenuity. With admission (8,50 Euro for 2 days; if you are a student you can get a discount; if you are 65+, you get in free), the MNAC offers free guided tours via headset in multiple languages. Most of the artwork has the name translated in Catalan, Spanish, and English - so you won't be left looking up what things mean in a Spanish dictionary :). You probably will need at least 2 days to see the entire museum at some moderate level of detail. Unfortunately, I only had 1 day to see as much as I could. When I'm in Barca again, I'll definitely come back here!!!!
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David J.

Yelp
Located in the imposing Palau Nacional, in Montjuïc Park (where the 1992 Olympics were held), the Museu Nacional D'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) is Barcelona's premier art museum. The building dates from the 1929 Barcelona International Exhibition, but was adopted by the MNAC in 1934. It was remodelled and expanded in 2004 to include the collections of photography, renaissance and modern art that had until that time been scattered across various museums in Barcelona. The redesigned interior is a contrasting mix of white minimalism superimposed on the baroque original, which doesn't always work, especially in the grand auditorium. But there's no denying that the gallery spaces work well, even if the layout is sometimes hard to follow. And don't forget the view over Barcelona from the front of the museum it's absolutely stunning. The collections themselves represent Catalonian art from around 1000 AD to the present, although both in terms of quality and quantity, the collection is strongest at either end of this spectrum: the Romanesque, mediaeval and (huge) modern collections are world-class. The Romanesque collection essentially consists of a series of paintings removed from church interiors, mostly in fresco, cleverly reproduced in full-scale models of the buildings they came from. The stimulus for saving them in this way was the discovery in the late 19th century that Italian art dealers were eyeing them up for sale to private collectors. Dating from around 1000 to 1200, the quality and state of preservation of the frescoes is outstanding by any measure, and represents the highlight of the museum. The original churches are collectively part of a UNESCO World Heritage site well deserved if the frescoes here are anything to go by. Although one may lament the fact that the frescoes are now in a museum rather than in situ, there's no denying that they will last better in a controlled environment, and are more easily appreciated than in a dark church interior. Almost the equal of the Romanesque collection are the subsequent galleries of mediaeval art (1200-1550), again mostly taken from Catalonian churches, in the form of literally hundreds of altar panels and triptychs. These works include works by foreign as well as indigenous Catalan artists, especially the later works from Flemish and Dutch renaissance painters. The other highlight is the huge collection of modern art, with stunning contributions from the Catalan impressionists, and representatives from the various modernist movements in which Spain played such an important part. The collection features works by Picasso and Miro, furniture by Gaudi, and much more besides. Other galleries include a large collection of coins and photography. The collection is so vast that it is really impossible to so it justice in one day: helpfully, the entrance ticket allows you to return for a second day if you want to take more time. It really is worth it. Practicalities The nearest metro stop is on Plaza Espanya and, although it is a bit of a hike, the hill is made easier by a series of escalators. Alternatively, the TMB bus around the park takes you rather closer, and there are several car parks. The museum has a small café and an excellent shop, and is wheelchair accessible throughout, although the Romanesque collections features several flights of stairs which have rising wheelchair platforms, which might become a bit tedious. The entry price includes a good audio-guide in a selection of languages. A few words of warning: there's not a lot of provision for children, and the museum gallery staff included some of the most petty I have encountered in many years: small bags are (in theory) allowed into the museum, but in successive galleries we were then asked to carry them by hand, then on our fronts, then on our backs, and finally to return to the entrance to leave them in the cloakroom. The best advice is to leave them at the beginning, and take any valuables with you. Finally, plan on paying by cash credit cards result in a painful and slow experience.
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Dian K.

Yelp
Organized in order of time, the most impressive is its collection of church murals that's been painstakingly transplanted from its original location into recreated identical spaces within the museum. Watch the short video on how they do this. Don't forget to see the rooftop terrace. To avoid stairs, take the elevator that's all the way at the back (dome building). It's free after 3pm on all Saturdays and first Sunday of the month. Combine with watching the magic fountain after the the museum on Saturdays.
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Jenn L.

Yelp
There are enough reviews of this place so I don't need to add too much. However one hidden gem that the Museum does not shout from the rooftop is the fact that when you buy your ticket, you are able to go onto the rooftop! Go to the lower level near the cafeteria. You will see a guard sitting at a little desk, and you show him your general admission museum ticket and he admits you to an out-of-the-way elevator. I felt like Charlie in the Chocolate Factory with a Golden Ticket LOL. The views from the top are incredible. I can't believe they don't mention this when you first enter the museum, probably to keep it mellow up there.
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Cheryl N.

Yelp
Great rooftop and panoramic views of Barcelona. You can see Sagrada Familia from here, although it's a little tiny. Since it's located on a steep hill, the entrance facing the cascading waterfalls and Magic Fountain also has great views and a bar with seating so you can order a refreshing drink. I saw the Gala Dali exhibit here and thought it was well curated. It featured her husband's works that were inspired by her and gives insight to her life, her prior marriage, and her adventures with Salvador Dali. I hope to return to see more exhibits here along with their permanent collection.
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Annie G.

Yelp
Awesome museum with an amazing collection. It is also worth a visit for its panoramic view of Barcelona.
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Billy K.

Yelp
Overall: I would highly recommend. Parking: n/a Subway/Metro: 13/150 Pro tip: 55 is closest bus line Entrance cost: 12 euro ( good for two days in a single month) During summer peak tues-sat, they stay open 2 extra hours. They are closed on mondays. Pro-tip: Free Saturdays, from 3pm onwards; the first Sunday of each month, and 11 September, the national day of Catalonia Time cost: Depends - I would give at least several hours. Ground floor contain on one side Romanesque Art and other side, Renaissance Art and Baroque Art First floor contains Modern Art. They have free restroom and a cafe on the ground floor They also have couches to sit. And lots of outlets to charge your phone nearby. From the entrance, you have nice views of the city and the fountain, Font Màgica de Montjuïc. Overall: I would highly recommend.
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Sanaa H.

Yelp
Incredible building! From the outside it's a piece of artwork in and of itself. The grandeur and fountains are overflowing with details. You will not be disappointed in this spectacle. Upon arriving it's suggested you buy your tickets online as the lines are absolutely ridiculous. Even then you'll stand in a line to get in. Once inside it's very clean and straightforward as to where everything is placed and organized. Take your time enjoying each space as it's dedicated to specific years in art history. Lovely weka that you can photograph. There are knowledgeable docents and audio guides available.
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David N.

Yelp
Honestly, I was not impressed by the contents of the museum, however, the area that the museum sits on and the surrounding area is beautiful. We walked from the back side of the museum, so when we arrived we were able to look down. If I came from the other direction, I would be very sad to walk UP to the museum. But the direction we did it, allows us to be constantly amazed at the view as we walked down all the way to the magic fountain.
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Damkee ..

Yelp
Park with a view looking down. You can see folks jogging in the morning, and spectators for the fountain show at nighttime.
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Abbie O.

Yelp
Not only does this museum host a massive collection of Catalonian art, but it houses plenty of other pieces from the past several hundred years as well. The museum is enormous, and in hindsight, I wish I would have spent two days there. Sundays are free, so prepare or a horde.
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Dave B.

Yelp
A large beautiful building. It is many, many steps up and quite distant from the Plaça de España. The escalators help--if they are not broken. We went to see a special exhibit "Gala/Dali" about Salvador Dali's wife. It was excellent. I learned a lot. €8 for the two of us as I got in for free (old fart discount).
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Michael U.

Yelp
One of the six Museums included on ARTICKETBCN the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) easily outperforms the rest of the city's museums both in terms of location and grandeur, everyone from Gaudi and Miro to Picasso and Dali represented along with several classical and art-deco pieces. Not full of "masterpieces" like Le Louvre but nonetheless a large collection those visiting later in the evening on weekends should also consider sticking around on the steps out front for a party including fireworks shot off over Barcelona at sundown.
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Loren L.

Yelp
The Palau Nacional was the flagship of the 1929 Exhibition, drawing lots of attention from the crowds that descended upon the Catalan region for the event. It was originally designed by the Catalan architect Josep Puig i Cadalfach, but dictator Primo de Rivera intervened and took the modernist architect off the project. A new design was created by architects Enric Català and Pedro Cendoya in a more 'nationalist' style. The result is a pompous Neo-Baroque building with a central dome surrounded by a number of towers. The magnificent Oval Hall was renovated in 1992 and opened in time for the summer Olympics, held in Barcelona that year. The rest of the building was renovated at the beginning of the 21st century by architects Gae Aulenti and Josep Benedito.
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M. C.

Yelp
Go for the building; see the art if you like that sort of thing. Don't miss the rooftop views--on a lovely July day, my son and I had the roof to ourselves for about 10 minutes before another few people came up. The walkway goes around the building, so you not only see Barcelona proper, you also see Montjuic greenery on the other side. The building is just amazing! I loved the central space with its gorgeous arches. The art is worth some time as well; see other reviews for more knowledgable comments :-) Surprise art for me was a fantastic Miro mural on ceramic tiles in the modern section (you'll find exceedingly comfy couches nearby as well).
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Ken G.

Yelp
This was a pretty impressive museum - focusing on Catalonian art and spanning everything from gothic to modern art, this museum had some incredible pieces. One of the more interesting parts were the frescoes that had been transferred from decaying churches and monasteries to the interiors of this museum - it's an amazing process and an amazing feat - I'd never seen anything like it before. Besides all the cool artwork inside the building is also very impressive...in fact, I'd have to say that it's the most impressive looking art museum building I've seen so far.
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Chris F.

Yelp
We visited the National Catalunya Museum on our last day in Barcelona. There is a lot of history and historical artifacts that are on display hear with many being several hundred years old. The location is beautiful and so is the building. We hiked up the stairs and escalators from the front of the grounds, it was quite warm that day. There was a musical performer when we got to the top outside the entrance which was nice. The views are pretty nice as well from this area as well. We took about 3 hours to go through the museum and recommend it.
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Ciara S.

Yelp
The Museu National d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) is an outstanding hilltop palace, housing amazing art, with awesome views over Barcelona. You'll find older Catalan, Baroque and Romanesque church paintings plus Modern art here. My favourite section was the Modern which was superb. This is the largest museum in Barcelona and MNAC is worth visiting to see both the art (260,000+ works) and the building itself which is marvellous. MNAC and the Museu Picasso are the two places not to miss if you're an art lover holidaying in Barcelona. An absolute experience of a lifetime.
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Markus L.

Yelp
Beautiful museum and special event venue. Worth the trip up the hill, even if you are not going inside (but you should). The view over Barcelona is spectacular.
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Scott W.

Yelp
Absolutely gorgeous space overlooking Barcelona. They had acrobats hanging from the ceilings and wonderful music being played. The food and drinks served to our private party were excellent too but this spot is breathtaking regardless
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Eddy P.

Yelp
We came late at night after it was already closed. The outside was beautiful and lit up with lights. Set of stairs lead to the top where you can take cool photos. I wish I would of came when it was open. Maybe next time !
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Ely A.

Yelp
The MNAC short for Museu Nacional D'Art de Catalunya is must visit if you ever visit Barcelona. Even if your not a big museum fan. Which i'm not. Its free to get in but to get into certain parts you have to pay. You can see this place from any where in Barcelona so we had to check it out. Our hotel was in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat and we can see it. We walked through Plaça Espanya to get there. The weather was bad when we went sightseeing through Barcelona, it was raining. But still...THE VIEW FROM THE TOP, OUTSIDE THE ENTRANCE IS AMAZING!!! YOU GET A WHOLE PANORAMIC VIEW OF BARCELONA HERE!!! I think that's the best part about this place! Kinda reminds of the Philadelphia Museum of Art when you get to the top of the stairs and you see the whole city of Philadelphia. Other than that, inside has a bunch of art stuff, we tried to get into the Barroc or Modernism sections but we had to pay. So we left. If you go I'd recommend visiting the Modernism part because that's what Barcelona is known for, specifically Antoni Gaudi the major architect of many of Barcelona's wonders. (Parc Guell, Sagrada Familia,etc)
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Allison D.

Yelp
Of course you must go here. The Modern Art I and II exhibits were wonderful with very useful descriptions in 4 languages (Spanish, Catalan, English and French). There is a nice cafe and a fancy restaurant for when you are done, tired and hungry. The cafe is located in the large, beautiful atrium which cannot be missed. Enjoy!