Highlights of the National Art Museum of Catalonia
Palau Nacional and Catalan Art
The National Art Museum of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya) is a museum on Montjuïc hill. The building was constructed for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition.
Palau Nacional, home to the museum, is a building with a large central dome, two smaller domes, and four towers. In 1934, it opened as the Museum of Catalan Art, displaying a collection of medieval art.
The museum features Romanesque murals, Gothic art, Renaissance and Baroque art, Catalan Modernisme, and photography. Works from different periods and with varied forms of expression can be explored in a single building, allowing you to trace the development of Catalan art.
Magic Fountain
In front of the museum is the Magic Fountain (Font Màgica de Montjuïc), where spectacular fountain shows combine light, water, and music.
The official City of Barcelona website provides information about the Magic Fountain.
Montjuïc
The National Art Museum of Catalonia is located on Montjuïc, overlooking Barcelona. The hill is dotted with buildings and cultural facilities associated with the exposition, and the plaza in front of the museum offers an open view towards the city centre.
The official Barcelona tourism website provides information on the facilities and scenery at Montjuïc.
Basic Information on the National Art Museum of Catalonia
The information below was checked against official sources on November 12, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
- 🔗 Official website
- Visit the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya’s official website for exhibition and visitor information.
Home CAWeb oficial del Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. Coneix la col·lecció d'art i posa't al dia amb les exposicions i...www.museunacional.cat
- 📍 Location
- Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona
- 🕒 Opening hours
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- Tuesday–Saturday, May–September 10:00–20:00
- Tuesday–Saturday, October–April 10:00–18:00
- Sundays and public holidays 10:00–15:00
⚠️ Entry times and access conditions for exhibition rooms may change.
- 🚫 Closing days
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- Regular closure Mondays (open on public holidays)
- Closed January 1, May 1, December 25
- 💶 Admission
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- General admission ticket 12 euros. Includes the building, permanent and temporary exhibitions, and the viewing terrace; valid for two days within one month of purchase.
- Basic admission ticket 2 euros. Includes the building, viewing terrace, and a self-guided visit of the interior.
- 🎫 Tickets
- Choose your admission ticket according to the areas you wish to visit.
- ⏱️ Recommended visit duration
- Allow around 2–3 hours to explore the building, main exhibitions, and viewing terrace. ⚠️ Visit duration varies according to the exhibitions you see and how long you spend on the terrace.
Getting to the National Art Museum of Catalonia
From Plaça d'Espanya Station on metro lines L1 or L3, follow Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina towards the Palau Nacional. Cross the square with its fountains and stairways, then head up to the front of the building, where you will find the museum entrance. If travelling on the FGC, you can also get off at Espanya Station.
To avoid the uphill walk, take buses that stop near the museum: routes 55, 150, and 13; after getting off, walk to the entrance of Palau Nacional. If driving, use the paid public parking lot beside the museum.
For attractions, transport and suggested itineraries, see “Barcelona: A Guide to Attractions, Food, Transport, and Suggested Itineraries”.
