Top 10 Museums In Barcelona

The Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB) is located in the heart of El Raval, and though it is often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbor, the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona or MACBA, it is well worth the visit. Not only does the CCCB offer unique and thought-provoking exhibitions, but it does so in a way that makes contemporary art relevant and engaging to even the most hesitant museum-goers.

For sea and land lovers alike, Barcelona’s maritime museum has been renovated and reopened to the public with not only a large permanent collection, but temporary exhibits as well. As a Mediterranean port city, much of Barcelona’s history is connected to the sea, and although the building that houses this museum is at the end of Las Ramblas, it was once much closer to the sea and used to build galley ships for wartime.

Whether you’re interested in fashion, furniture, graphic design, decorative arts, or architecture, the Design Museum of Barcelona has it all. Situated in Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes, the new museum is a combination of four of the city’s previous collections which focus on the art of the object and design, all in one grand location. The futuristic building – designed with a stapler in mind – sits between two equally impressive architectural neighbors: Torre Agbar (one of the most recent additions to the Barcelona skyline) and Els Encants, a flea market located beneath a mirrored pavilion.

If you’re in the mood to see a lot of Joan Miró’s work in the same place, then a hike up Montjuïc hill and a visit to this modern museum building with its equally modern collection are just what the doctor ordered. Even though the majority of the sculptures outside and paintings and drawings inside are by Miró, this expansive space hosts a number of works by other artists, as well as a variety of temporary exhibits.

The museum of Catalan history, next to the port in Barceloneta, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Barcelona, tells the unique story of the region and is a must-see for any who want to learn more about the heritage and culture of northeastern Spain. Through both temporary and permanent exhibits, this museum encompasses the proud heritage of the region, from Paleolithic findings to life in modern Catalunya.

One of Barcelona’s most popular museums, the Museu Picasso in the neighborhood of El Born plays host to some of the artists lesser known works and a well-chronicled history of the time he spent in the city. Born in Málaga, Spain, Picasso moved to Barcelona with his family when he was just thirteen years old, and the city played an important role in his artistic development. Though he would relocate throughout his life, he maintained close ties to the Barcelona community; this museum was opened at his express wish after his death.