Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

Located in the National Palace of Montjuic, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya is one of the most important museums in Barcelona and one of the most renowned in Spain. Set in a unique location, the National Art Museum of Catalonia also stands out for its impressive collection of Romanesque art, the most extensive in the world. Discover the magic of its spaces, collections and exhibitions so you can soak up the beauty of its surroundings.

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The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

Located on Montjuic Mountain, the impressive National Palace of Montjuic was created for the 1929 International Exposition. The striking Renaissance-inspired, classicist-style palace covers an area of 32,000 square metres and is beautifully decorated with mural paintings as well as architectural features.

Among the most interesting areas of the building are the Oval Hall, the Throne Room as well as the impressive main dome. The museum includes all types of art and spans a wide historical period, from the Romanesque to the mid-20th century.

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What to see at Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

Romanesque Art

With an exceptional series of wall paintings that is globally unique, the collection of Romanesque art includes valuable works from the 11th and 12th centuries. Don’t miss the goldsmith work and the stone and wooden sculpture.

Gothic Art

Spanning the period from the 12th to 14th centuries, it has a rich collection of mural paintings, stone and wooden sculptures and many pieces of gold and silver work. Catalan artists such as Lluís Dalmau, Jaume Huguet, Bernat Martorell and Lluís Borrassà, and sculptors such as Jaume Cascalls and Pere Sanglada are the most noteworthy. You can mostly find altarpieces, sculptures, parchments and decorative pieces.

Renaissance and Baroque Art

Featuring the works of great artists such as Titian, Tintoretto, El Greco and Rubens, the Renaissance and Baroque art collection reflects the artistic tastes of Europe during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, providing an overview of its evolution.

Modern Art

From Neoclassicism to the avant-garde, it brings together the most important collection of Catalan art from the 19th century to the mid-20th century, including Modernism and Noucentisme.

Photography and Numismatics

These two sections attract a large number of enthusiasts who come to admire the more than 40,000 images taken in the 19th and 20th centuries. There are also 155,000 coins in the museum, with coins minted from the 6th century BC to the present day.

Drawings and Prints Department

With more than 100,000 pieces, including drawings, prints and posters, it offers a journey through some of the most iconic artistic movements.

What to see in the area around the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

1. Magic Fountain of Montjuic

The Magic Fountain is the main feature of the set of waterfalls and ponds on the Maria Cristina axis, which runs from the Palau Nacional to Plaça Espanya on Montjuïc. There is an amazing light and water show which, after more than 80 years in operation, still amazes visitors.

Montjuic Castle

At the top of the mountain is an old military fortress with a long history linked to the city. However it is now a lookout point with great views of the city. It can be reached on foot or by cable car.

Pueblo Español

Built for the 1929 International Exposition, the Pueblo Español is an attractive space in which the most beautiful corners of Spain’s villages are represented. Developed as an authentic 49,000 square metre village in the heart of Barcelona, the Pueblo Español recreates 117 buildings, streets and squares from all over Spain.

Plaça d’Espanya

Also built for the 1929 International Exposition, Barcelona’s Plaza de España is one of the largest and most significant squares in the Catalan capital. Plaça d’Espanya is located at the foot of Montjuic Mountain and covers 34,000 square metres, making it one of the largest squares in Spain.

Where to eat near the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya?

The Montjuic area has a wide range of food outlets, so it is one of the best areas of the cityt ot grab a bite to eat. In Montjuic you’ll find beautiful places to eat which also have excellent quality food. Here is a selection of some of the best restaurants in the area.

• Palo Cortao
• Xiloka
• Xemei
• Abirradero
• El Xalet de Montjuïc

How to organise your trip to Barcelona?

• Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
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If you have any doubts about how to plan your itinerary, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.

Frequently asked questions about your visit to the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya