Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya: Tickets and Tours

Barcelona is one of the cultural hubs of Europe and exploring art is one of the best things you can do in the city.

Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya tickets are a premier interest for contemplating historic and contemporary art, taking you on a journey through time and tradition.

The museum showcases one of the best collections of romanesque church art and Catalan art in the world. The palatial building is a work of art in its own right and offers panoramic views over Barcelona from its hilltop perch.

Check out our helpful guide on the Catalunya Nacional Museum of Art, one of the most exquisite museums in Barcelona.

How much are National Art Museum of Catalonia tickets?

There are several Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya ticket prices. You can skip the line upon arrival if you book tickets online.

• General admission: €12 (building entrance, permanent exhibition, temporary exhibitions, rooftop viewpoint)
• Basic ticket: €2 (building entrance, rooftop viewpoint)
• Temporary exhibits: The prices change but are usually between €4 and €6 per exhibition.

General admission allows you to visit the museum twice as the collection is vast and time-consuming.

Who is eligible for discounts?

The museum offers a 30% to the following groups:

• Students
• Adult groups
• Groups of school children or students accompanied by teachers
• Single-parent families, two adults and one child or large family cardholders
• Members of the Club 3C, of the Cercle Artístic de Sant Lluc, of Òmnium Cultural, Modernist Route, of the RACC Master, 30% discount

Is it possible to visit for free?

The MNAC is free to everyone on Saturdays after 3 PM. There are also free open-door days and every first Sunday of the month is free.

Should you book in advance?

We recommend that you book MNAC tickets in advance. People with reserved entry will enjoy preferential access as entry numbers are strictly controlled. Groups larger than 10 people have to book in advance online.

What will you see inside the museum?

The Romanesque collection is the museum’s pride and joy. You will admire several pieces from the 11th and 12th centuries which were all rescued from churches, including frescoes, wood paneling and stone carvings. “Apse of Sant Climent de Taull” by the Master of Taull is the most notable piece and dates back to 1123 A.D.

The gothic collection spans from the 13th to the 15th centuries and takes you on a journey through Spanish conquests of Europe as seen by artists.

The modern art collection is a fascinating juxtaposition to all of this with exhibits including The Rise of the Modern Artist, Modernisme, Noucentisme, Art and Civil War, and the Avant-garde Revival of the Post-War Years.

The Palau Nacional building is an imposing piece of architecture with dozens of intriguing spaces and angles. To top it all off you get access to the rooftop viewpoints, offering 360-degree vistas of Barcelona.

How to get there?

You can get to the museum by bus, funicular and the underground train. It is also centrally located and you can walk from most major attractions.

Bus 55 takes you to the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya bus stop. Routes 150, 13 and 37 also stop close by. If you opt by taking the metro, the L1 and L3 train both stop at Plaça d'Espanya.

If you wish to travel there by car, there is paid municipal parking next to the museum.

What are the opening times?

May to September

Tuesday – Saturday: 10 AM - 8 PM
Sundays and public holidays: 10 AM - 3 PM

October to April

Tuesday – Saturday: 10 AM - 6 PM
Sundays and public holidays: 10 AM- 3 PM

The museum is closed on Mondays, except on public holidays.

When is the best time of day and week to visit the National Art Museum of Catalonia?

The museum is much busier over the weekends and early mornings are generally the quietest time.

Which other museums can you visit in Barcelona?

• Dali museum
• Picasso museum
• Gaudí's Casa Vicens
• Poble Espanyol
• Fundació Joan Miró
• Erotic museum
• Wax museum
• Museum of Contemporary Art (MACMA)
• Olympic & Sports Museum

Travel tips

• Bring your student card if you are eligible for a discount.
• Download the Second Canvas Museu Nacional app to enhance your museum visit.
• Book your visit online to ensure you get entry at the time you prefer.
• Refer to the museum’s website to see when the rooftop viewpoints are closed.