The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) is housed in the impressive Palau Nacional on Montjuïc Hill, built in 1929. It is a leading museum for Catalan art globally, while also showcasing other art movements. With its extensive collection, the museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts, and the location offers stunning views over the city.
| Museo Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) | Tickets, opening hours & public transport |
|---|---|
| Tickets | Tickets €11,40 Book here |
| Adress | Parc de Montjuïc |
| Public transport / metro | Metro: Espanya (L1 en L3) |
| Opening hours | May - September (tuesday till saturday): 10.00 am - 8.00 pm October - April (tuesday till saturday): 10.00 am en 6.00 pm Sundays and holidays: 10.00 am - 3.00 pm |
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- What is the MNAC and why should you visit this art museum?
- Plan your visit to MNAC
- Tickets MNAC Barcelona
- Praktical information
- How to get to to MNAC Barcelona?
- Wat can you see and do during your visit to MNAC?
- The Palau Nacional
- History of the MNAC
- Personal tips
What is the MNAC and why should you visit this art museum?
For art lovers, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) is an absolute must-visit. It boasts the largest collection of Catalan art in the world, spanning everything from Romanesque frescoes to modern masterpieces. Housed in the stunning Palau Nacional on Montjuïc Hill, the museum is an impressive destination in its own right. You could easily spend hours wandering through its grand halls—and it’s no wonder many visitors return more than once to take it all in.
Even if you don’t plan to explore the museum’s interior, it’s still worth stopping by. From the terrace in front of the entrance, you’ll be treated to one of the most beautiful panoramic views over Barcelona—an ideal spot to relax and enjoy a coffee.
Buying Tickets for MNAC
You can purchase discounted tickets for the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya through
Plan your visit to MNAC
If you’re planning to visit the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC), I highly recommend taking your time. Just getting there takes a bit of effort, and once you arrive, there’s so much to see that an hour simply isn’t enough. Of course, you can skip certain sections if you prefer, but a few hours will pass by quickly without you even noticing.
Here’s a handy tip: MNAC is often free to visit at specific times. You’ll find all the details about free entry, opening hours, and prices later in the practical information section.
On hot days, the walk from Plaça d’Espanya and the climb up to the museum can feel a bit tough—but don’t worry! There are escalators that make the ascent much easier. And once inside the Palau Nacional, the museum is pleasantly cool, offering a welcome break from the heat.
Despite its size and popularity, MNAC is rarely crowded inside. No matter when you go, it’s usually a calm and enjoyable experience.
If you plan your visit later in the day, you can stick around for the Magic Fountain show, which takes place in the evening. A trip to MNAC also pairs perfectly with exploring the Poble-sec neighborhood or continuing on to Montjuïc Hill, where there’s even more to discover.
Tickets MNAC Barcelona
If you buy your tickets for MNAC online in advance, you won’t have to stand in line at the ticket counter. If you plan to visit MNAC during a time when entry is free, there’s no need to buy tickets. See the practical information below to find out when you can visit MNAC for free.
1. Basic ticket
Buy your ticket here.
The current price is €11.40 instead of €12. Admission to MNAC is always free for children under 16 and pensioners.
2. ArTicket
Anyone who purchases an ArTicket can visit MNAC for free (along with 4 other museums) on any day and at any time of their choice.
3. Barcelona Card
With the Barcelona Card, you get free access to certain museums and can use public transportation.
Practical information
Opening hours
- From May to September, Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and on Sundays and holidays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
- From October to April, Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and on Sundays and holidays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
- Closed on Mondays (except when it’s a public holiday), New Year’s Day, May 1st, and Christmas Day.
Prices
Adults: €12 (5% discount if you buy tickets online through this link)
Children under 16: Free entry
Pensioners: Free entry
Temporary exhibitions: €6–€8
Audio guide: €4 (to be paid separately)
Access to the rooftop terrace only: €2
Do you have an ArTicket or Barcelona Card? entry is free
Visit the MNAC for free
MNAC is free to visit every Saturday from 3:00 PM onwards. Entry is also free on the first Sunday of each month. Additionally, the museum is free on the following dates: February 12, May 18, September 11, and September 24.
How to get to the MNAC Barcelona?
MNAC is not within walking distance of the city center in Barcelona, so it will take you a bit longer to get there.
Scroll down for the exact address and location on the map.
Metro: To get to MNAC, take the metro to Plaça d’Espanya station (green or red line, L1 or L3). From there, it’s about a 20-minute walk along the beautiful Avinguda de la Reina Cristina with views of the palace. The walk to the palace is scenic, passing the trade fair building and fountains, but be prepared for a steep climb. If you’re not up for the walk, look for the escalators—they’re there for your convenience! The first set of escalators is hard to miss, but if you don’t spot them higher up, head left (with your back to the museum), and you’ll find them.
Bus: There’s a bus stop near the two towers at Plaça Espanya (the Venetian Towers). From here, you can take bus 55 or bus 150, which will take you directly to the parking lot behind MNAC, so you don’t have to walk.
Taxi: Of course, you can also take a taxi, the quickest and easiest option. A taxi from the city center costs about €10, and from Plaça Espanya, just a few euros.
Hop-on hop-off bus: The tourist bus also stops at MNAC. Take the red route.
Funicular: You can also take the Montjuïc funicular from the Paral·lel metro station (green line) to the museum. You can use your regular metro ticket, and you’ll be right near Poble Espanyol and the Miró Museum, in case you’d like to visit those as well!
Parking: If you’re driving, parking at the museum is free for visitors.
Bikes: You can easily reach the museum by electric bike. If you’re using a regular bike, make sure to lock it properly at one of the bike racks at Plaça d’Espanya and continue on foot or take advantage of the escalators. If you plan to enter the museum, note that not all areas allow you to leave your bike, so you might need to search for a bike parking area.
What can you see and do during your visit to MNAC
Whether you’re here for the art, the palace itself, or the views, there’s plenty to experience at MNAC.
The MNAC museum collection
The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) is one of Barcelona’s top art museums and a must-see for art lovers. Its vast collection includes nearly 250,000 works of art, though only a portion is on display at any given time. The museum’s focus is primarily on Catalan art, spanning centuries and encompassing a wide range of forms—from medieval religious art to modernism, photography, and beyond.
One of MNAC’s most prized collections is its Romanesque wall paintings, dating from the 11th to 13th centuries. These extraordinary frescoes were originally housed in remote Romanesque churches in the Pyrenees mountains. In a fortunate twist of history, they were carefully transferred to the museum before the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, saving them from destruction during the attacks on churches between 1936 and 1939. Today, MNAC’s Romanesque collection is considered one of the most important in the world, drawing visitors from across the globe.
But MNAC’s treasures don’t stop there. The museum also showcases major artistic movements, including Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassicism, Romanticism, and Realism, as well as Modern Art, with special attention to Catalonia’s own Modernisme and Noucentisme movements. You’ll find works by iconic Catalan artists such as Antoni Gaudí and Ramon Casas, alongside internationally renowned names like Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, and Joan Miró.
Since 2004, MNAC has also housed part of the collection from Madrid’s Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, which includes exquisite religious paintings and sculptures by European masters from the Gothic period through the Rococo. In the Renaissance and Baroque galleries, you can admire works by El Greco, Francisco de Zurbarán, Diego Velázquez, and Peter Paul Rubens, among others.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate MNAC’s extensive collection of 19th- and 20th-century photographs, etchings, posters, and prints. Among them, you’ll find vintage editions of Harper’s Bazaar, one of the world’s most iconic magazines. For those fascinated by ancient history, the museum also houses coins dating back to the 6th century BC.
Additionally, MNAC frequently hosts rotating exhibitions, often requiring a separate ticket, which offer fresh perspectives and new works to explore with each visit.
The Palau Nacional
The Palau Nacional (National Palace) was built as the centerpiece of the 1929 International Exposition held in Barcelona. Perched on Montjuïc Hill, the grand palace served as the main venue for the World’s Fair and was officially inaugurated with an elaborate fountain show at its base—a spectacle that, as of 2016, continues to be one of the city’s most popular attractions.
Construction of the Palau Nacional began in 1926, and the building was completed just in time for the exposition’s opening three years later. Originally, renowned Catalan architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch was in charge of the project. However, under the military dictatorship of Miguel Primo de Rivera, the leadership was reassigned to Enric Català i Català and Pedro Cendoya Oscoz. These architects were seen as better suited to deliver a design that embodied a more distinctly “Spanish” identity, aligning with the regime’s nationalist agenda.
Designed in a neoclassical style, heavily influenced by the Spanish Renaissance, the Palau Nacional exudes regal grandeur. To the untrained eye, it could easily be mistaken for a royal residence—its sweeping staircases, majestic domes, and imposing façade bear a striking resemblance to palaces still occupied by European royalty. This impression is further enhanced by the Magic Fountain show at the foot of the palace, which debuted during the World’s Fair and remains an iconic attraction today.
Today, the Palau Nacional houses the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC), making it not only an architectural marvel but also a cultural treasure trove.
The stunningly beautiful dome inside the palace.
Inside the Palau Nacional
When you step inside the Palau Nacional, be sure to visit the impressive Sala Oval (Oval Room). This grand space is where the 1929 International Exposition was officially opened by King Alfonso XIII and Queen Eugenia. Even if you don’t purchase a museum ticket, you’re welcome to explore this room. It’s also the exit point for visitors coming down from the rooftop viewing platform (which is highly recommended for its panoramic views!). Feel free to relax for a moment on one of the benches in the hall and take in the space’s scale and elegance.
Equally stunning is the Sala de la Cúpula (Dome Room), which leads directly to the Óleum Restaurant. This elegant eatery is located in what was once the palace’s Throne Room, the most elaborately decorated space in the building—now transformed into a sophisticated dining area with fantastic views.
Another highlight is the Sala Sert, the palace’s most exclusive room. It’s named after renowned painter Josep Maria Sert, whose large-scale murals decorate the space. Interestingly, these paintings were originally commissioned for the ballroom of Sir Philip Sassoon, a prominent British politician. They found their way to Barcelona in the 1980s, giving this room a fascinating backstory.
A Prime Location
The Palau Nacional enjoys one of the best vantage points in Barcelona. From the terrace in front of the entrance, you’ll get a sweeping view of the city skyline. It’s a magical spot, especially in the evening when the city lights up. During the summer months, the terrace stays open until midnight—making it the perfect place for a peaceful end to your visit.
Lovely terrace with a beautiful view.
Don’t Miss the Rooftop Terrace
In addition to the main terrace in front of the entrance, the Palau Nacional also offers access to a rooftop terrace, located two floors higher. For just €2, you can take the elevator up and then climb a few steps to reach the top. Once there, you’re rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views over Barcelona and Montjuïc Hill. You can even walk around the entire roof of the palace, getting a closer look at its architecture from above.
If you’ve purchased a regular museum ticket, access to the rooftop terrace is included—no need to pay extra. After your visit, you’ll descend at the back of the building, giving you a chance to see even more of the Palau Nacional’s impressive structure. It’s a highlight that’s definitely worth it, especially on a clear day!
An even better view is available from the rooftop terrace.
History of the MNAC
- Five years after the 1929 World’s Fair, in 1934, the Palau Nacional became the home of an art museum. Initially, the museum displayed medieval artworks.
- In 1990, MNAC officially opened as the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. The museum’s collection was merged with that of the Museum of Modern Art.
- In 1996, MNAC established a department for photography.
- In 2004, part of the collection from the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid was housed at MNAC
Personal tips
- If you plan to visit more than three art museums in Barcelona, the ArTicket can save you a lot of money. You can order it with a 5% discount through this link.
- You can also visit MNAC for free every Saturday from 3:00 PM and on the first Sunday of each month (open until 3:00 PM on Sundays). This handy overview shows all the museums that are free to visit on certain days.
- Sunset if beautiful from the MNAC. I recommend you to go around the golden hour, just before the sunsets, to enjoy some of the most amazing views.
