If you are looking to spend a few hours indoors in Barcelona and don’t fancy Zara, then there are well over 50 museums for you to choose from. With its rich and long history, cultural significance and modern appeal, you will have no problem finding one that piques your interest. Well, here is our Barcelona Museum selection.
The Museu Blau is Barcelona’s Natural Science Museum. It’s origins go back more than 100 years. Francesc Martorell a local naturalist, left his collections to the city and Barcelona’s first public museum was born. It moved to these cool headquarters in 2011. If you like all things nature, then this is the spot to visit.
Plaça Leonardo da Vinci 4-5, Parc del Forum, 08019, Barcelona – Barcelona Museums
This History of Catalunya Museum does exactly what it says on the tin. Opened in 1996, it’s initial purpose was to promote and educate people about Catalan history, heritage and culture. Based in the impressive General Trade Warehouses, the museum has received many donations over the years and showcases the vibrant story of this fascinating area of Spain.
Plaça de Pau Vila, 3, 08039 Barcelona – Barcelona Museums
Cosmo Caixa is Barcelona’s Science Museum. The best news is it is free to all children under 16! Yes it is a bit of a trek to get to, but there is a tropical rain forest, some super cool fossils and an Antarctic Base Laboratory to see. It is one of the pioneering science museums in Europe and preserves a large part of the original modernist building, now integrated into the surroundings.
C. de Isaac Newton , 26, 08022 Barcelona – Barcelona Museums
Based in one of the most historic buildings in Barcelona, possibly the world, the Maritime Museum is inside the medieval Royal Shipyards. Once a formidable seafaring power, the Catalan fleet was feared across the Mediterranean Sea. This fabulous museum captures all that history and more, including a full size replica of a 16th century galleon.
Av. de les Drassanes s/n, 08001 Barcelona – Barcelona Museums
Frederic Marès liked to collect stuff. In 1945 he held the first public viewing of part of his collection including a vast array of items from medieval and Baroque sculpture to clocks and bicycles. He then offered it all to the city. A building was converted and now houses his collection. It is incredible, there is no Barcelona museum like it. Top tip, the cafe in the courtyard is great.
Plaça de Sant Iu, 5, 08002 Barcelona – Barcelona Museums
There are many, many options when it comes to museums in Barcelona. Most are free on the first Sunday of every month and closed on Mondays. There is also the yearly ‘Museum Nights’ event, when you can buy tickets and visit your favourite museum in the dark!!
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