Gothic Quarter, Barcelona
The Egyptian Museum is a jewel of a cultural and educational institution that opens up the fascinating world of ancient Egypt to locals and visitors alike. Run by the Clos Archaeological Foundation, it is not only one of the most important private collections in Europe, but also a centre dedicated to the study, research and dissemination of a civilisation that has fascinated mankind for thousands of years.
Inaugurated in 1993 by the Fundació Jordi Clos, the museum covers an area of 2,000 square metres and houses items that tell the story of the pharaohs, gods and daily life in ancient Egypt. Two outstanding examples are the colossal image of Ramses II, which holds the secrets of pharaonic majesty, and a meticulous relief of Cleopatra VII.
Located in Barcelona’s medieval Royal Shipyards, the Maritime Museum is a window into the exciting world of shipbuilding from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1976, the museum immerses you in Catalonia’s rich maritime culture and helps you explore the country’s deep-rooted maritime history.
Its collections range from detailed ship models and ancient nautical instruments to impressive examples of maritime painting and cartography, and a particular treasure is the pailebote (pilot boat) Santa Eulalia, a majestic three-masted sailing ship from 1918 moored in the port of Barcelona.
If you’re interested in maritime heritage, don’t miss the collections of masks and votive offerings.
It was declared a Museum of National Interest in 2006.
Inaugurated in 1963, the Picasso Museum is housed in 5 impressive 13th and 14th century Catalan Gothic palaces. More than just a building, it is a journey through the life and work of Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
The museum’s permanent collection is a window into Picasso’s formative years and traces his development from childhood. More than 5,000 works include paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculptures, prints, illustrated books and sketchbooks, many of which reveal the Malaga-born artist’s close relationship with the city of Barcelona.
The Joan Miró Foundation is housed in a building designed by the architect Josep Lluis Sert in a distinctly Mediterranean style. Here you’ll find the most important public collection of the artist’s work, with more than 14,000 pieces, ranging from paintings and sculptures to engravings, textiles and drawings.
You’ll also be able to admire other works of contemporary art, thanks to donations and loans from renowned artists. In addition, the Foundation offers a unique exhibition space that encourages artistic research and experimentation and supports young artists.
The MNAC, the National Art Museum of Catalonia, is housed in the historic Palau Nacional de Montjuic and offers a comprehensive display of Catalan art from Roman times to the 20th century.
Built in 1929 for the International Exhibition, the almost 50,000 square metre classicist building has a façade crowned by a large dome inspired by St Peter’s in the Vatican, two smaller domes on either side and four towers inspired by the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Inside, it houses a range of important collections, from Gothic and Renaissance works to the valuable Thyssen-Bornemisza collection, the Cambó legacy from the Baroque period, modern art, drawings, engravings and a fascinating photography section. Temporary exhibitions guarantee a new experience every time you visit.
The Fundació Antoni Tàpies is housed in an emblematic building designed by Domènech i Montaner in 1885. More than a museum, the foundation offers a journey through the evolution of art.
The main exhibition is presented in chronological order, from 1940 to the present day. Walking through it, visitors can appreciate the formal evolution of the artist Antoni Tàpies, leading to a deeper understanding of his vision and technique.
In 1990, the sculpture ‘Núvol i cadira’ (Cloud and Chair) by the founder himself was incorporated into the building. Made of aluminium tubes and steel wire mesh, it adds height to the building without detracting from the artistic significance of the façade.
Located in the former Casa de la Caritat, the CCCB, or Barcelona Centre for Contemporary Culture, has become a truly multidisciplinary space. The renovation of the original building was awarded the FAD Prize for Architecture.
Under the direct control of the Diputació de Barcelona and the City Council, the CCCB is a cultural epicentre where residents and visitors alike can immerse themselves in exhibitions, take part in symposiums, attend exhibitions and conferences, all focused on the theme of the city and the urban environment, inviting them to discover and explore Barcelona from a variety of cultural disciplines.
The MACBA, Barcelona’s museum of contemporary art, is housed in a building designed by North American architect Richard Meier. It combines straight lines with curves, with the intention of blending the interior spaces with natural light.
The MACBA was founded in 1959 on the initiative of the art critic Alexandre Cirici i Pellicer. It was inaugurated in 1995 and later, in 2006, it incorporated the former church of the Convent of the Angels, known as the Macba Chapel, thus increasing its exhibition space. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also hosts a large number of temporary exhibitions, allowing visitors to experience different facets of contemporary art.
The Joan Antoni Samaranch Olympic and Sports Museum is a living testimony to the history of world sport. Since its inauguration in 2007, it has become a point of reference for lovers of sport and culture. In 2010, the museum was renamed in honour of Joan Antoni Samaranch, President of the International Olympic Committee from 1980 to 2001.
The museum houses more than 5,000 priceless exhibits, ranging from high-performance sports to competitive and recreational activities, offering not only a journey through history, but also a celebration of how sport instils and promotes values in society.
For those who like to interact, the museum offers surprising interactive spaces that combine advanced technology and multimedia installations to provide an educational and entertaining experience.
Built in 1912 by the architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch on the site of an innovative textile factory, this cultural centre is a fascinating blend of history and modernity. The Casaramona factory was the first to use electricity for production, ensuring optimal hygienic conditions for workers and maximising the use of natural light.
The CaixaForum Barcelona, with the support of the “la Caixa” Foundation, has hosted temporary exhibitions of works by legendary artists such as Dalí, Velázquez, Picasso and Andy Warhol, among others.
If you want to get to know the cultural and social side of Barcelona, this centre is a must, as it never fails to surprise with a varied programme that ranges from cinema and music to conferences and educational programmes.
At the heart of Montjuïc is the Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunya (Catalan Archaeological Museum), an emblematic site that housed the Graphic Arts Pavilion at the 1929 Universal Exhibition. Founded in 1932 and renovated between 2010 and 2013, this networked museum invites archaeology lovers to embark on a journey from prehistory, with an audiovisual highlight on Bronze Age burial rituals, to the Greek and Phoenician colonisations that left their mark on the Iberian Peninsula.
The most famous pieces are the crown of the Torredonjimeno treasure and the Iberian treasure of Tivissa. The Neanderthal jawbone found in Sitges is one of the oldest remains in Catalonia. The museum is not just a physical space in Barcelona, but a network of sites and institutions throughout Catalonia.
For those looking for an educational experience, the Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunya will not disappoint, offering workshops and educational resources as well as temporary exhibitions that bring Mediterranean cultures to life. Be sure to check out the activities and get the most out of your visit.
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