Catalonia National Art Museum

The National Art Museum of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya – MNAC) is located on Montjuïc Hill in Barcelona, in the magnificent Palau Nacional building constructed in 1929. The museum was established in 1934 and officially opened in 2004. It stands out with its extensive collections covering a thousand years of Catalan art history. From Romanesque frescoes to Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque works, and movements such as Modernism and Noucentisme, the pieces showcase the rich artistic heritage of Catalonia. In particular, the collection of Romanesque church wall paintings from the 11th to 13th centuries is unique worldwide.

MNAC offers visitors not only artworks but also panoramic views of Barcelona. Sections within the museum, such as the library, drawing and print collection, and the coin and medal collection, provide art lovers with an in-depth exploration opportunity. Additionally, the museum regularly organizes temporary exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events, contributing to Catalonia’s artistic and cultural life. MNAC is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Barcelona.

What are the museum’s opening days and hours?

The National Art Museum of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya – MNAC) is open to visitors on specific days and hours throughout the year. The museum’s opening hours vary depending on the season:

Summer Season (May – September):

• Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Sundays and public holidays: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Winter Season (October – April):

• Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Sundays and public holidays: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Closed Days:

• Mondays (except public holidays)

• Annually closed on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th

The museum offers free admission on the first Sunday of each month and every Saturday after 3:00 PM. However, online reservation is recommended in advance for these days.

How much is the admission fee?

Current admission fees for the National Art Museum of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya – MNAC) are as follows:

🎟️ Admission Fees

• General Admission Ticket: €12
  Grants access to permanent collections, temporary exhibitions, and the rooftop terrace. Valid for two days within one month from purchase.

• Basic Access Ticket: €2
  Grants access only to the building and rooftop terrace. No discounts or free access rights apply.

• Temporary Exhibition Ticket (e.g., Zurbarán (Super)Natural): €10
  Specific ticket for selected temporary exhibitions.

🆓 Free Admission Days

• First Sunday of every month

• Every Saturday after 3:00 PM

• September 11 and 24 (Catalonia National Days)

• May 18 (International Museum Day)

Online reservation is recommended for free admission days due to visitor flow management.

👶 Discounted and Free Admission Eligibility

• Children under 16

• Visitors aged 65 and over

• Discounted tickets available for students, the unemployed, groups, and large families (with proper documentation)

It is advisable to check the museum’s official website for updated hours and special event information before your visit.

What collections does the museum hold?

The National Art Museum of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya – MNAC) offers visitors an artistic journey spanning nearly a thousand years. The museum’s collections cover a wide range from the Romanesque period to the early 20th century. Notably, the Romanesque fresco collection stands out as one of the largest and oldest in Europe.

🎨 Main Collections of the Museum

• Romanesque Art: One of the most comprehensive collections of Romanesque art in Europe, including wall paintings, wooden and stone sculptures, metalwork, and altarpieces from the 11th to 13th centuries.
• Gothic Art: Features paintings, sculptures, and religious objects from Catalan and Aragonese Gothic art.
• Renaissance and Baroque Art: Includes works by El Greco, Velázquez, Zurbarán, and Ribera. This section also features private collections such as the Cambó Bequest and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection.
• Modern Art: Focuses on 19th- and early 20th-century Catalan art, with works by Gaudí, Ramon Casas, Santiago Rusiñol, Joan Miró, and Salvador Dalí.
• Drawings, Prints, and Posters: A vast paper-based art collection ranging from Albrecht Dürer to Toulouse-Lautrec, including over 200 portraits by Ramon Casas.
• Photography Collection: Covers the development of Catalan photography with more than 6,000 photographs from the 19th century to the present.
• Coins and Medals: A large numismatic collection spanning from ancient times to the modern era.

These rich collections make MNAC one of the most comprehensive art museums in Europe. For more information and current exhibitions, visit the museum’s official website.

How can I get to the museum?

There are several public transportation options to reach the National Art Museum of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya – MNAC), located on Montjuïc Hill near Plaça d’Espanya in Barcelona.

🚇 Metro

The closest metro station is Espanya, served by lines L1 (red) and L3 (green). From there, you can walk along Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina or use the outdoor escalators to reach the museum.

🚌 Bus

Bus number 55 stops at the nearest station (Museu Nacional – Museu Etnològic). Other lines such as 150, H12, H16, and L70 also serve the area around the museum.

🚡 Cable Car and Funicular

As an alternative, you can take the Telefèric de Montjuïc cable car or the Montjuïc funicular, both providing access near the museum.

🚶 On Foot

Walking from the city center takes about 30–35 minutes. Starting from Plaça d’Espanya, follow Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina up Montjuïc Hill to reach the museum.

🚖 Taxi

A taxi ride from the city center to the museum takes around 6 minutes and costs approximately €10–13.

The museum entrance is equipped with escalators and elevators, making it easily accessible. It’s recommended to check the museum’s official website for current hours and special events before planning your visit.

Is photography allowed?

Yes, photography for personal use is permitted at the National Art Museum of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya – MNAC), but visitors must follow certain rules:

• Flash photography is not allowed.
• Tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited.
• Photography is generally not permitted in temporary exhibitions.
• Professional or commercial photo and video shoots require special permission from the museum administration.

By respecting these rules, visitors can photograph the museum’s rich collections and impressive architecture.

Is there a café or restaurant inside the museum?

Yes, the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) features various cafés and restaurants for visitors, offering different culinary experiences to complement your museum visit.

🍽️ 1. Absis Restaurant

Located in the museum’s former Throne Room and managed by renowned chef Albert Raurich, this restaurant serves seasonal Mediterranean cuisine made with high-quality ingredients. It features large windows with panoramic views of Barcelona and is also suitable for private events and business meals.

☕ 2. Oval Café

Opening onto the museum’s Oval Hall, this café offers breakfast items, snacks, and afternoon teas. It also serves desserts by famous Barcelona pastry chef Christian Escribà on a rotating basis.

🌇 3. La Terrassa del MNAC

Situated at the museum entrance, this outdoor bar is an ideal spot to enjoy coffee while taking in the views of Barcelona and the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc.

These venues are great options for relaxing and enjoying delicious food during your museum visit. Be sure to check their operating hours and reservation policies on the museum’s official website.

Are there museum passes or discounted entry options?

Yes, the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) offers various discounted entry options and free admission days. These offers apply to different age groups, professions, and specific days.

🎟️ Admission Fees and Discounts

• General Admission: €12
• Students: 30% discount
• Families (2 adults + 1 child), single-parent families, and large family card holders: 30% discount
• Adult groups and student groups with a teacher: 30% discount
• Tourist bus and Barcelona City Tour users: 20% discount
• Carnet Jove (Youth Card) holders: 50% discount

🆓 Free Admission Eligibility

• Children under 16
• EU citizens aged 65 and over
• Accredited teachers and student groups with a teacher
• Art history students and researchers
• ICOM members, museum professionals, and art critics
• Art gallery owners and fine arts graduates
• Tourist guides
• Individuals with documented unemployment
• Disability card holders
• Club Súper 3 members and Visual Artists Association members
• Carnet Jove holders

📅 Free Admission Days

• First Sunday of each month
• Every Saturday after 3:00 PM
• September 11 and 24
• May 18 (International Museum Day)

Online reservation is recommended in advance for free admission days due to high visitor volume.

🎫 Combo Tickets and Passes

• Barcelona Museum Pass (Articket): Grants fast-track access to six major museums in Barcelona, including MNAC.
• Barcelona Card: Offers unlimited public transport use, free entry to MNAC and many other attractions, and various discounts.

These cards can save time and money for visitors exploring the city. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit the museum’s official website.

What are the rules to keep in mind during a museum visit?

During your visit to the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC), it is important to follow certain rules designed to protect the artworks and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors. These guidelines are set by the museum administration and must be respected by everyone.

🖼️ General Behavior Rules

• Orderly and respectful behavior: Visitors must behave in an orderly and respectful manner, avoiding any actions that may cause danger or disturb others.
• No touching artworks: Physical contact with exhibited works is prohibited to preserve the art.
• Restricted areas: Do not enter marked restricted zones within the museum.
• Security checks: Bags and personal belongings may be subject to inspection at the entrance.
• Follow staff instructions: Compliance with museum staff directions is mandatory.

📸 Photography and Videography

• Personal use: Flash-free photography for personal use is generally allowed.
• Professional shoots: Professional photography or the use of special equipment requires prior permission from the museum administration.

🎒 Bag and Belongings Policy

• Large items: Bags larger than 35 x 35 x 25 cm and sharp objects are not allowed inside and must be left in the cloakroom.
• Cloakroom service: Available at the museum entrance for storing such items.

🔇 Silence and Electronic Devices

• Maintain silence: Visitors should speak quietly and avoid loud conversations.
• Phone use: Mobile phones should be set to silent mode, and phone calls should be taken outside the exhibition areas.

🚭 Food, Drink, and Smoking

• Consumption: Eating and drinking are prohibited inside the galleries.
• Smoking: Smoking is not allowed inside the museum or in its surrounding areas.

By following these rules, you help protect the museum’s heritage and enhance the experience for all guests. For more details, please visit the museum’s official website.

Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, the National Art Museum of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya – MNAC) has extensive accessibility features to accommodate visitors with disabilities.

♿ Physical Accessibility

• Elevators and Platform Lifts: Most areas of the museum are adapted for wheelchair users. High-capacity elevators and platform lifts are available at staircases and can be used with staff assistance. Elevator buttons include Braille markings.
• Ramps and Alternative Routes: Ramps and alternate routes between different levels are provided to facilitate easy movement.

🪑 Support Services

• Equipment Rental: Wheelchairs, baby strollers, and folding chairs are available for loan at the cloakroom.
• Rest Areas: Benches are available in the foyer, Oval Room, Dome, and some exhibition halls.

🚻 Accessible Restrooms

Accessible toilets are located in key areas such as the foyer, Oval Room, and the museum library.

🐕 Guide Dogs

Guide dogs and accredited assistance dogs are allowed inside the museum.

🎟️ Admission Fees

Admission is free for visitors with a disability card issued by the Catalan government, as well as for their accompanying persons.

Are guided tours available at the museum?

Yes, the National Art Museum of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya – MNAC) offers various guided tour options for visitors. These tours are ideal for those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the artworks and explore the museum’s extensive collections.

🧭 Guided Tour Options

• General Collection Tours: These tours cover the museum’s permanent collections and provide detailed information about Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque artworks.
• Special Exhibition Tours: Guided tours are available for temporary exhibitions held during specific periods, offering in-depth insights into the themes and artists featured.
• Group Tours: Customized tours for groups of more than 10 people are available. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance.

📱 Alternative Information Methods

• Audio Guide Apps: The museum offers audio guide apps that can be used on visitors’ own devices, providing detailed descriptions and commentary on artworks.
• Self-Guided Tour Materials: MNAC also provides informative materials and suggested routes for self-guided visits, allowing guests to explore the museum at their own pace.