If you’re in Barcelona, don’t miss the National Art Museum of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya – MNAC), one of the biggest art museums in Barcelona, located in the Palau Nacional up on Montjuïc Hill. This iconic museum showcases over a thousand years of art history.
MNAC Barcelona Ticket: Skip the Line + Rooftop Access
What’s included:
- Skip the line entry
- Access to both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions
- Enjoy panoramic views of Barcelona from the museum’s rooftop terrace
Special Offer:
If you’re planning to visit multiple museums in Barcelona, the Barcelona Museum Pass offers skip the line access to six of the city’s top museums, including MNAC. Special discounts are available.
Tickets & Prices
There are a couple of ticket options that might work, depending on what else you want to do.
- Skip The Line Ticket: You can get a regular ticket that lets you skip the line. Good if you just want to go there and take your time.
- Barcelona Museum Pass: It includes MNAC plus a few others like the Picasso Museum. Could save time and effort if you’re doing a museum day or two.
- Barcelona Card: Combines unlimited public transportation with free entry to MNAC and other major attractions, plus additional discounts.
It’s recommended to book your tickets online in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Opening Hours
| Period | Days | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Oct – Apr) | Tuesday to Saturday | 10.00 am – 6.00 pm |
| Sundays & Public Holidays | 10.00 am – 3.00 pm | |
| Summer (May – Sep) | Tuesday to Saturday | 10.00 am – 8.00 pm |
| Sundays & Public Holidays | 10.00 am – 3.00 pm | |
| Closed | Mondays (except public holidays) | |
| Annual closing | January 1, May 1, December 25 |
Important Notes: Last entry is 30 minutes before closing time.
Pro tip: Morning visits tend to be quieter, offering a more intimate experience with the artworks. For the best views from the rooftop terrace, plan your visit for the golden hour before sunset, especially during summer evening hours.
What to See and Do
The MNAC is a must-visit for anyone interested in art, history, or architecture. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Romanesque Collection
The MNAC boasts the world’s finest collection of Romanesque mural paintings, with vibrant frescoes that transport you to medieval Catalonia. These works are among the museum’s most renowned, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s early artistic traditions.
Gothic and Renaissance Art
Explore the evolution of Catalan art through its Gothic and Renaissance collections. The museum showcases works by masters such as Gaudí and Velázquez, alongside sculptures and metalwork from the period.
Modern Art Galleries
The museum’s modern art section is divided into five key areas: the Rise of the Modern Artist, Modernisme, Noucentisme, Art and Civil War, and the Avant-garde Revival of the Post-War Years. This collection highlights Catalonia’s significant contribution to modern art.
Rooftop Viewpoint
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the MNAC’s rooftop, which offers one of the best panoramic views of Barcelona. It’s a perfect spot for photography and to relax after exploring the museum.
Pictures
bloodua/Depositphotos
Nanisimova_sell/DepositphotosHistory
From medieval masterpieces to modern works, this museum tells the story of Catalan art.
1926
Work began on the Palau Nacional, built for a big world fair.
1929
The building opened for the International Exposition and showed off Spanish art.
1934
It became the official home of the Museu d’Art de Catalunya, focusing on medieval art.
1990
The museum got a new name: Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC).
1995
The Romanesque Art section reopened after major renovations.
2004
MNAC officially reopened with all its collections together under one roof.
Present day
MNAC is one of Barcelona’s top museums, full of beautiful art from over 1,000 years of history.
Map & Address (Location)
Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, Sants-Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona, Spain · Google Maps
How to get there
🚇 Metro: Take L1 and L3 and make a stop at Plaça Espanya.
🚌 Bus:
- Bus 55 – Stops closest to the museum (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya / Museu Etnològic).
- Bus 150 – From Plaça Espanya to the museum via Av. de l’Estadi / Piscines Picornell
- Bus 13 – Stops at Poble Espanyol.
- Other buses to Plaça Espanya: 65, 79, 109, 165, D20, D40, H12, V7.
🚌 Tourist Bus: Hop-on hop-off buses stop directly at the museum.
🚆 Train (FGC): Take lines R5, R6, R50, R60, S3, S4, S8, S9, or L8 to Espanya station.
🚡 Funicular: Take the metro to Paral·lel station, then transfer to the Montjuïc Funicular (fare included with metro ticket).
🚗 Car: Paid parking is available next to the museum, including spaces for coaches and people with disabilities.