National Museum of Catalan Art (MNAC): eclectic and grandiose
The National museum of Catalan Art (MNAC) is unmissable: housed in a magnificent palace, it reigns over the city from the Montjuïc hill and exhibits paintings, frescoes, and sculptures dating from the 11th and 12th Centuries, providing a pleasant stroll through Centuries of Catalan art.
The palatial MNAC building
Classical architecture
MNAC is located in the Montjuïc National Palace, built for the world expo in 1929 according to classical rules of the time.
Over 50,000 m2, with detailed facades, coloured cupolas and ornate ceilings it is absolutely magnificent. Its large dome was inspired by St Peter’s in the Vatican and the four towers by the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Terraces and views
The icing on the cake is the unobstructed view that it offers of the city. You will certainly appreciate the panorama that opens up at your feet from the museum’s main plaza, but don’t forget to also take a trip to the roof terrace on the 5th floor, it gives you a breathtaking 360º view over Montjuïc and Barcelona!
MNAC’s permanent collections
MNAC has a lot of artworks that that have filled its permanent collection over the years. When its doors opened in 1934 it was dedicated exclusively to medieval art. In 1995 roman art was introduced.
Finally in 2004, a large part of the museum was devoted to renowned works in Catalan modern art. Masterpieces by Salvador Dalí, Mariano Fortuny, Isidre Nonell, Ramon Casas, and Antoni Tàpies.
- Our top tip? Don’t miss the wing devoted to Catalan modern art. You will find master pieces that are less known there.
Today MNAC has one of the largest collections of Roman murals in the world and exhibits the most well-known artists of Catalan modernism. Gothic art and the biggest European names of the Renaissance or the Baroque school are also on the menu.
MNAC’s
temporary exhibitions
As well as its permanent collection, MNAC organises temporary exhibitions all year long. The themes vary: from classical art to modern or contemporary; photography; architecture; design…
Gala, Salvador Dalí
The exhibition shows the life of an enigmatic woman who related to great artists and intellectuals. She is known worldwide for being the wife of Salvador Dalí. Gala was his muse and the protagonist of some of his paintings.
- From July 6 to October 14, 2018
MNAC Prices
Normal price
- Permanent collection: €12 (valid for 2 days in the month following purchase)
- If you book via the link below, you will get a 5% discount!
Reduced price
- Students: 30% reduction
- Family (2 adults + 1 minor) and large family card holder: 30% reduction
- Tour bus ticket holders: 20% reduction
- Audio guide: €1 for students and over 65s
Free entry
- Under 16s
- Over 65s
- Free entry for all: Saturday from 3pm, first Sunday of every month, 18th of May, 11th of September and 24th of September.
Combination tickets
- MNAC + Poble Espanyol: €18
- Articket BCN: €30 (entry into the city’s 6 main museums)
- Barcelona Card: from €33.30 (free entry into many museums and transport, and other discounts)
MNAC opening hours
- October to April: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sundays and holidays 10am to 3pm
- May to September: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 8pm, Sundays and holidays, 10am to 3pm
- Closed Monday (except holidays)
- Closed 1st of January, 1st of May, 25th of December
- Ticket booth closes 30 minutes before museum closes, exhibition rooms close 15 minutes before museum.
Accessibility
Getting to MNAC
- By metro: Espanya (L1 and L3)
- By bus: 13, 37, 55, 150
- Parking free beside museum
