The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) is housed in the Palau Nacional on Montjuïc, an iconic building from the 1929 International Exhibition. It's one of the top museums in Barcelona, featuring works from various artistic disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, and posters.
The museum first opened its doors in 1934 with a collection of medieval art, and in 1995, it expanded to include Romanesque art galleries. Over time, the collection grew to cover modern art as well. Today, it's an essential place to explore the richness of Catalan art from the Romanesque period up to the mid-20th century. Along with its permanent collection, MNAC also hosts a wide range of temporary exhibitions.
What can you see at MNAC?
One of the highlights of the museum is its exceptional collection of Romanesque mural paintings, especially the famous Apse of Sant Climent de Taüll.
You'll also find Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque art, with impressive works from the medieval period by artists such as Titian, Velázquez, and Rubens. The collection continues into the 20th century with pieces by Picasso.
The museum also showcases some of the most important names in Catalan modernism, like Gaudí and Ramon Casas. There are sculptures by artists such as Rodin and Miquel Blay, as well as collections of photography, modernist furniture, and propaganda posters.
Opening Hours and Tickets – Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC)
The MNAC is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 am to 6 pm in winter and 10 am to 8 pm in summer. On Sundays and public holidays, it's open from 10 am to 3 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays, except on public holidays.
A general admission ticket costs €12, and it includes access to the permanent collection, temporary exhibitions, and the rooftop terraces with panoramic views. Temporary exhibition tickets can be checked on the museum's website—they usually cost between €4 and €6. If you're just interested in visiting the building and the rooftop viewpoints, you can get a basic entry ticket for €2.
Free Entry and Discounts
Children under 16 and seniors over 65 are admitted to the museum free of charge. There are also discounts for students, Barcelona library card holders, Carnet Jove holders, and for groups and families.
Free entry is also available every Saturday after 3 pm, on the first Sunday of every month, and on open-door days. However, it's recommended to book your ticket online in advance for these times.
This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025.