MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
1. Fundació Joan Miró
The airy, high-ceilinged galleries of this splendid museum are a fitting home for the bold, abstract works of Joan Miró, one of Catalonia’s most acclaimed 20th-century artists.
The modern buildings of the Fundació Joan Miró
2. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
Discover Catalonia’s Romanesque and Gothic heritage at this impressive museum (see Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya), housed in the 1929 Palau Nacional. Highlights include striking medieval frescoes and a collection of Modernista furnishings and artworks.
3. Museu Picasso
Witness the budding – and meteoric rise – of Picasso’s artistic genius at this unique museum (see Museu Picasso), one of the world’s largest collections of the painter’s early works.
4. Museu d’Art Contemporani & Centre de Cultura Contemporània
Inaugurated in 1995, MACBA is Barcelona’s centre for modern art. Combined with the neighbouring CCCB, the two buildings form an artistic and cultural hub in the heart of El Raval (see Museu d’Art Contemporani and Centre de Cultura Contemporània). Both regularly host temporary exhibitions: the MACBA showcases contemporary artists; the CCCB is more theme-based.
5. Fundació Tàpies
Works by Catalan artist Antoni Tàpies are showcased in this graceful Modernista building. Venture inside to discover Tàpies’ rich repertoire, from early collage works to large abstract paintings, many alluding to political and social themes.
6. Museu d’Història de Barcelona (MUHBA)
Explore the medieval Palau Reial and wander among the splendid remains of Barcelona’s Roman walls and waterways at the city’s history museum. The museum is partly housed in the 15th-century Casa Padellàs on the impressive medieval Plaça del Rei.
7. Museu del FC Barcelona
This shrine to the city’s football club draws a mind-boggling number of fans. Trophies, posters and other memorabilia celebrate the club’s 100-year history. Also visit the adjacent Camp Nou Stadium.
FC Barcelona badge
8. Museu Frederic Marès
Catalan sculptor Frederic Marès (1893–1991) was a passionate and eclectic collector. Housed here, under one roof, are many remarkable finds amassed during his travels (see Museu Frederic Marès). Among the vast array of historical objects on display are Romanesque and Gothic religious art and sculptures, plus everything from dolls and fans to pipes and walking sticks.
9. Museu Marítim
The formidable seafaring history of Barcelona is showcased in the cavernous, 13th-century Drassanes Reials (Royal Shipyards). The collection (see Museu Marítim), which ranges from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, includes a full-scale replica of the Real, the flagship galley of Don Juan of Austria, who led the Christians to victory against the Turks at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. Also on display are model ships, maps and navigational instruments.
Medieval warship, Museu Marítim
10. CosmoCaixa Museu de la Ciència
Exhibits covering the whole history of science, from the Big Bang to the computer age, are housed in this modern museum. Highlights include an interactive tour of the geological history of our planet, an area of real Amazonian rainforest, and a planetarium. There are also temporary displays on environmental issues (see CosmoCaixa Museu de la Ciència) and family activities.
TOP 10 QUIRKY MUSEUMS AND MONUMENTS
1. Museu de Cera
Ptge de la Banca 7
Home to over 350 wax figures, from Marilyn Monroe to Franco and Gaudí.
Wax models at the Museu de Cera
2. Hash, Marihuana and Hemp Museum
C/Ample 35
This cannabis museum is set in a magnificent Modernista building.
3. Centre d’Interpretació del Call
Pl de Manuel Ribé
Artifacts from Barcelona’s medieval Jewish community can be found here.
4. Museu de Cultures del Món
Carrer Montcada 12
See objects of artistic and cultural heritage from the people of Africa, Asia, America and Oceania in this museum.
5. Museu dels Autòmates
Parc d’Atraccions del Tibidabo
A colourful museum of human and animal automatons.
6. Museu de la Xocolata
C/Comerç 36
A celebration of chocolate; enjoy interactive exhibits, edible city models and tastings.
7. Museu del Disseny
Pl de les Glòries Catalanes
A design museum covering clothes, architecture, objects and graphic design.
8. Museu del Perfum
Pg de Gràcia 39
The museum displays perfume bottles from Roman times to the present.
9. Cap de Barcelona
Pg de Colom
Pop artist Roy Lichtenstein’s “Barcelona Head”, created for the 1992 Olympics.
10. Peix
Port Olímpic
Frank Gehry’s huge shimmering goldfish sculpture (1992).
