15 Best Barcelona Art Museums and Galleries

Barcelona’s art museums are a real highlight for anyone interested in the city’s artistic side. From centuries-old masterpieces to modern art that pushes boundaries, these museums offer a fascinating look at a wide range of artworks.

As someone who lives in Spain and has spent plenty of time in Barcelona, I can tell you that each art museum here has its own unique flavor and story to tell.

So, which art museums in Barcelona are truly worth your time? Well, from the famous Picasso Museum to the impressive National Art Museum of Catalonia, each one has something amazing to offer.

Let’s explore Barcelona’s vibrant art scene and find out what makes each of these museums a must-visit for art lovers and curious travelers alike.

Best Barcelona art museums

1. Museu Picasso (Picasso Museum)

For anyone who’s a fan of Pablo Picasso’s art – or even if you want to discover just what one of the most famous artists in the world produced in his lifetime – then the Museu Picasso is a must-visit when in Barcelona. 

This incredible famous Barcelona museum houses an extensive collection of over 4,200 works by the artist. It’s spread across five medieval palaces in the middle of Barcelona’s Old Town, which only adds to its charm and historical significance. 

The collection here is focused on Picasso’s formative years, from his early works to his Blue Period and beyond. And in addition to the permanent collection, the Museu Picasso also hosts temporary exhibitions showcasing works by other artists who have influenced Picasso or who were influenced by him. 

Do you need to buy tickets ahead of time for the Picasso Museum in Barcelona?

Yes, it’s highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance for the Picasso Museum in Barcelona. Due to its popularity, the museum often experiences long queues, especially during peak tourist seasons. Buying tickets ahead of time not only secures your spot but also allows for a faster entry.

Purchasing tickets online, for instance, gives you a designated entry time, minimizing the wait and ensuring you can plan your visit efficiently. Moreover, some ticket packages might offer additional benefits, such as guided tours or combo deals with other attractions. 

You can secure your skip-the-line entry to the Picasso Museum with a guided tour here.

While spontaneous visits are possible, securing tickets in advance ensures you make the most out of your Picasso Museum experience without the hassle of unforeseen waits or potential ticket unavailability.

Is Barcelona’s Picasso Museum worth it?

Absolutely, Barcelona’s Picasso Museum is worth a visit. It offers an unparalleled glimpse into the artist’s formative years and showcases a vast collection of his works that you won’t find elsewhere. This museum not only captivates art aficionados but also those interested in understanding Picasso’s deep-rooted connection to Barcelona.

The museum does a stellar job at narrating Picasso’s journey from his early sketches as a young artist to his evolution into one of the world’s most celebrated painters. The intimate atmosphere allows you to experience his art on a personal level, understanding the contexts and inspirations behind each piece. 

Housed within the charming ambience of medieval palaces, the museum’s architecture and layout only add to its appeal. For anyone looking to truly appreciate Picasso’s genius and the city’s rich artistic heritage, a visit to this museum is indispensable.

How much time do you need at the Picasso Museum in Barcelona?

On average, you’ll need to spend around 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the Picasso Museum in Barcelona. This duration allows you to immerse yourself in Picasso’s artworks and grasp the narratives the museum seeks to convey. However, the time needed can vary based on individual interests and preferences.

For instance, if you’re an art enthusiast or someone deeply interested in Picasso’s life and works, you might find yourself spending longer, absorbing details and reflecting upon each piece.

The museum houses over 4,000 artworks, and while the main collection can be seen within the average duration, dedicated art lovers might take longer. Additionally, consider accounting for any special exhibitions or events that might be taking place during your visit. 

It’s always a good idea to keep some flexibility in your schedule to ensure you’re not rushed and can genuinely appreciate the wealth of artistry the museum offers.

2. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC)

When it comes to a museum that offers a blend of history and art, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC), located in the Palau Nacional of Montjuïc, is where you should be. 

The MNAC is home to an impressive collection of Catalan art and design from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including modernisme and noucentisme.

One of the major highlights of the MNAC is its outstanding collection of romanesque church paintings, which is considered one of the best in the world. You’ll also find a variety of Spanish art from the Renaissance to the 20th century, as well as a collection of Gothic art and decorative arts.

If you’re planning a visit to the MNAC, keep in mind that it’s open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 8pm during the summer months (May to September), and from 10am to 6pm during the rest of the year, with reduced hours on Sundays year round

You can easily reach the museum by public transportation, and there’s also a library and restaurant on site.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive and enriching experience of Catalan art and history, then the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya is definitely a must-visit (and don’t forget that the MNAC is included in the Articket BCN that gives you skip-the-line entry to six major art museums in Barcelona). 

And if you’re planning on visiting multiple museums in Barcelona, consider getting the Articket BCN, which gives you access to six of the city’s best art museums, including the MNAC.

3. Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA)

The Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA) is easily one of the best collections of contemporary art in Europe. This museum, located in the El Raval neighborhood, is dedicated to showcasing some of the most exciting and innovative contemporary art from around the world.

At MACBA, you’ll find a wide range of art on display, from paintings and sculptures to installations and multimedia works. The museum has a particular focus on contemporary art from Catalonia and Spain, but you’ll also find works from international artists.

That includes pieces by the likes of Antoni Tàpies, Richard Serra, and Bruce Nauman, among others.

In addition to its permanent collection, MACBA also hosts a rotating series of temporary exhibitions, so there’s always something new and exciting to see. Plus, if you’re interested in learning more about contemporary art and design, the museum offers a range of educational programs and workshops for visitors of all ages.

4. Fundació Joan Miró

The Fundació Joan Miró is a must-see museum. The museum is located on Montjuïc hill, and it’s the largest collection of works by Joan Miró, the famous Catalan artist.

The museum has a large collection of paintings, sculptures, and drawings by Joan Miró, as well as works by other contemporary artists. You’ll definitely have plenty of opportunities here to admire the artist’s unique style and his use of bright colors and shapes.

It’s also worth mentioning that one of the main highlights of the museum is the building itself, which was designed by the architect Josep Lluís Sert, a friend of Joan Miró. The building is a great example of modernist architecture and is surrounded by beautiful gardens that offer stunning views of the city.

Overall, the Fundació Joan Miró is a great place to spend a few hours exploring contemporary art and learning more about Joan Miró’s life and work. With its impressive collection, unique architecture, and beautiful surroundings, it’s a museum that any art lover visiting Barcelona won’t want to miss.

5. Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB)

The Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB) is a hub for contemporary art, making it a must-visit museum in the El Raval district. In fact, the CCCB is a multidisciplinary cultural center that focuses on urban culture and the city, with its art exhibitions only being one example of many different cultural showcases that it has on offer.

That is, the CCCB offers a wide range of exhibitions, debates, festivals, concerts, film cycles, courses, and lectures. The museum is particularly known for its photography exhibitions but, as mentioned, it also features contemporary art and other cultural events.

Don’t forget: The Articket BCN gives you skip-the-line entry to six major Barcelona art museums, including the CCCB. If you plan to visit the CCCB along with a couple of others on this list, it’s well worth the cost.

It’s particularly interesting looking at how CCCB presents information on the intersection of art and society. Along these lines, the museum frequently hosts exhibitions and events that challenge visitors to think critically about the role of art in contemporary life.

6. CaixaForum Barcelona

CaixaForum Barcelona is a cultural center located in the Montjuïc area. Housed in a beautifully restored Modernist textile factory designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, the museum boasts an impressive collection of over 800 exhibits from renowned artists such as Beuys, Anish Kapoor, Tony Cragg, and Juan Uslé. 

The changing exhibitions on the subject of art and culture are a major highlight of the museum. But apart from the art exhibitions, CaixaForum Barcelona also features a library and cultural center.

(Just don’t confuse it with Barcelona’s science museum, CosmoCaixa, which is still incredibly interesting – who knew that Barcelona had a flooded rainforest to visit! – but doesn’t have the art you may be looking for.

With its rich history and stunning design, CaixaForum Barcelona is definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in Barcelona’s best art museums.

7. Museu Tàpies

Modern and contemporary art takes center stage at the Museu Tàpies. Located in the Eixample district, this museum is dedicated to the works of Antoni Tàpies, one of the most important Catalan artists of the 20th century.

The Fundació Antoni Tàpies was created in 1984 by the artist himself, with the aim of promoting the study and knowledge of modern and contemporary art. Based on this, the museum houses a permanent collection of Tàpies’ works, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints. 

The building of this museum was designed by the architects Roser Amadó and Lluís Domènech Girbau and so it’s a beautiful example of Modernist architecture. 

The façade is covered with a lattice of steel bars, which creates a play of light and shadow inside the building. The rooftop terrace also offers a stunning view of Barcelona’s skyline.

In terms of the art on display, Tàpies’ works are characterized by their use of unconventional materials, such as sand, marble dust, and string. His art is often abstract, with a focus on texture and color. 

You can see some of his most famous works at the Museu Tàpies, including “Gran Pintura Gris” and “Tapís de Barcelona”.

With its impressive collection of Tàpies’ works, beautiful architecture, and temporary exhibitions of other artists, the Museu Tàpies is a great addition to Barcelona’s art scene.

8. Museu del Modernisme Català

The Catalan Art Nouveau movement is, for art aficionados, one of the things that Barcelona is most famous for. If that means something to you, then the Museu del Modernisme Català is definitely worth a visit. 

This museum is the only one in Barcelona that’s solely dedicated to Catalan Art Nouveau. It’s housed in a beautiful Modernist residential and factory building designed by Eric Sanier between 1902 and 1904. 

Inside, you’ll find a collection of furniture, sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts from the Modernisme period.

One of the main pieces in the museum is the collection of stained glass windows by Antoni Rigalt i Blanch. You’ll also find works by other prominent Modernisme artists such as Joan Busquets, Gaspar Homar, and Eusebi Arnau.

9. Museu Can Framis

Located in the old Can Framis factory complex in Barcelona, the Museu Can Framis displays over 250 paintings from the 1960s to the present, made by artists born or currently living in Catalonia.

With a focus on contemporary Catalan art, this art museum has around 300 works on show, dating from the 1960s onwards, by a wide range of artists born or living in Catalonia. That includes that you can also find temporary exhibitions at the Can Framis Espai A0. 

There genuinely is a wide range of artists and styles represented in the collection. From abstract to figurative, and from expressionist to minimalist, there’s something for everyone. 

Some of the most famous artists on display include Antoni Tàpies, Modest Cuixart, and Joan Hernández Pijuan, but I have to say that even the lesser known pieces can really open your eyes to the sheer scale of Catalan art work that’s been produced over the last few decades.

Another great aspect of Museu Can Framis is that it is located in the Poble Espanyol neighborhood, which is known for its charming streets and traditional architecture. After visiting the museum, try to give yourself time to explore the area and discover some of the best bars and restaurants in Barcelona.

10. Museu Europeu d’Art Modern (MEAM)

When it comes to contemporary figurative art of the 21st century, the Museu Europeu d’Art Modern (MEAM) is where it’s at. Located in the Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera neighborhood of Barcelona, this living museum features a permanent collection of works by some of the world’s most renowned artists, as well as rotating exhibitions that showcase emerging talent.

At the MEAM, you’ll find a wide range of artistic styles, from classical to modern, all with a focus on figurative art. The museum’s permanent collection includes works by contemporary masters such as Antonio López García, Odd Nerdrum, and Jacob Collins, among others. 

In addition to the permanent collection, the museum regularly hosts exhibitions that showcase emerging talent from around the world.

MEAM is particularly committed to showcasing figurative art in all its forms and you can certainly see this shine through in its collections. Whether you’re interested in paintings, sculptures, or other forms of visual art, you’ll find plenty to admire and enjoy here. 

The museum also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, theater performances, and workshops for kids.

11. Galeria Mayoral

Founded in 1989, Galeria Mayoral has two locations in Barcelona and Paris and specializes in the works of artists like Miró and Tàpies.

Here, you’ll find a diverse collection of art that showcases the evolution of Spanish art over time. This includes works from the 1950s and 1960s, as well as contemporary pieces from some of the most exciting new artists on the scene.

The exhibits are constantly changing, so there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or a newcomer to the world of fine art, you’re sure to find something that captures your imagination at this world-class gallery.

And fortunately, given that this Barcelona art museum is located in the heart of the Eixample neighborhood, Galeria Mayoral is easy to reach from anywhere in Barcelona. 

12. Galeria Joan Prats

Since its opening in 1976, Galeria Joan Prats has been one of the leading galleries in the international contemporary scene, exhibiting and promoting works by renowned artists such as Antoni Muntadas, Lawrence Weiner, and Ignasi Aballí.

Located in the Gràcia neighborhood, Galeria Joan Prats features a wide range of contemporary works, including paintings, sculptures, videos, and installations. The gallery’s exhibitions are always thought-provoking and engaging, with a focus on exploring the complex relationships between art, society, and politics.

In addition to some of the more famous works on display, one of the highlights of Galeria Joan Prats is its commitment to showcasing emerging artists alongside established ones. This means that you’ll always discover something new and exciting when you visit the gallery. 

Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of contemporary art, Galeria Joan Prats is definitely worth a visit.

In addition to its exhibitions, Galeria Joan Prats also hosts a variety of events, including artist talks, film screenings, and workshops. These events provide a unique opportunity to engage with the artists and learn more about their creative process.

13. Galeria Trama

Galeria Trama is dedicated to promoting contemporary art with a stable program of exhibitions focused mainly on contemporary painting, although it often also presents other types of contemporary art.

The gallery is known for the quality of its selection of contemporary artists. With a trajectory of 25 years, this guarantees it as one of the central promoters of contemporary art in Barcelona

And as an added benefit: Galeria Trama is open Monday to Saturday, and admission is free!

14. Galeria Senda

Galeria Senda is a contemporary art gallery located in the El Raval neighborhood that aims to feature both emerging and established international artists.

The gallery has close ties with LOOP Barcelona, which is a platform dedicated to the study and promotion of the moving image. But in addition to this, you’ll find a wide range of art forms on display, including photography, sculpture, and painting.

The work of Sandra Vásquez de la Horra, who won the Premio de Adquisición de la Colección SOLO in ARCOmadrid in 2023, is heavily featured here. The gallery also features works by renowned artists like Joan Miró and Antoni Tàpies.

With its diverse range of artists and art forms, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye here.

15. Galeria Miguel Marcos

Galeria Miguel Marcos was originally founded in 1981 in Zaragoza and has since expanded to Madrid and Barcelona. It features a diverse range of contemporary artists, including Joan Brossa, whose work “Quatre emplaçaments” was inaugurated in the Barcelona space in 1998.

The gallery also showcases the work of well known names like Antoni Tàpies, Miquel Barceló, and Eduardo Chillida, among many others.

In addition to exhibiting contemporary art, Galeria Miguel Marcos also has a strong focus on promoting emerging artists. The gallery’s commitment to showcasing new talent has made it a must-visit destination for art lovers in Barcelona.

What is the name of the most famous art museum in Barcelona?

The most famous art museum in Barcelona is the Picasso Museum. Located in the historic district of El Born, this museum showcases the formative years of the 20th-century art titan, Pablo Picasso. Visitors can dive deep into the evolution of his artistic prowess, starting from his younger days.

The Picasso Museum is housed within five adjoining medieval palaces, which, in themselves, are a testament to Barcelona’s architectural heritage.

While the museum primarily focuses on Picasso’s early works, you’ll be taken through various phases of his life, from his beginnings as a student to the full realization of his genius. 

It’s not just about the art pieces; it’s about understanding the man behind them. If you’re keen on seeing a comprehensive collection of his works and gaining insights into his relationship with Barcelona, this is a must-visit.

What art is Barcelona known for?

Barcelona is renowned for its unique blend of Gothic, Modernisme (Catalan Art Nouveau), and contemporary art. The city itself feels like an open-air museum, showcasing Gaudí’s iconic architectural masterpieces like the Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, and Park Güell.

You can’t talk about Barcelona’s art scene without mentioning Antoni Gaudí, who played an instrumental role in shaping the city’s artistic and architectural landscape. The Modernisme movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was marked by its distinct Catalan identity, often characterized by ornate detailing, organic motifs, and a play of light and shadow. 

Beyond Gaudí and Modernisme, Barcelona has also been a pivotal hub for avant-garde art movements, having influenced artists like Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí. As you wander through the streets, you’ll find everything from historic frescoes in old cathedrals to innovative contemporary installations in public spaces.

What is the famous mural in Barcelona?

The famous mural in Barcelona is “El Món Neix en Cada Besada” (The World Begins with Every Kiss). Located in the El Born district, this captivating piece was created by the artist Joan Fontcuberta using thousands of small photos sent in by residents. 

At a distance, it appears as a mosaic forming two people in a kiss, but up close, you’ll realize it’s composed of myriad personal moments captured by the city’s inhabitants.

The idea behind this mural is profound. Each individual photograph submitted by the residents captures a moment of freedom, hence collectively presenting a larger narrative of love, unity, and resilience. 

Commissioned for the commemoration of the 300th anniversary of the Siege of Barcelona in 1714, the artwork is a testament to the city’s undying spirit and vibrant culture. 

It’s more than just a mural – it’s a piece of Barcelona’s heart and soul, making it a must-visit for both art lovers and those intrigued by the city’s history.