Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya Discover
Catalonia’s rich Romanesque and Gothic heritage at this impressive
museum, housed in the 1929 Palau Nacional. Striking medieval frescoes –
many culled from ancient Pyrenean churches – are the highlight.
Fundació Joan Miró The
airy, high-ceilinged galleries of this splendid museum are a fitting
resting place for the bold, abstract works of Joan Miró, one of
Catalonia’s most acclaimed 20th-century artists.
Museu Picasso Witness
the budding – and meteoric rise – of Picasso’s artistic genius at this
unique museum. One of the world’s largest collections of the painter’s
early works. Museu d’Art Contemporani & Centre de Cultura Contemporània Inaugurated
in 1995, MACBA is Barcelona’s centre for modern art. Combined with the
neighbouring CCCB, the two buildings form an artistic and cultural hub
in the heart of El Raval. Both regularly host temporary exhibitions: the
MACBA showcases contemporary artists; the CCCB is more theme-based.
Fundació Tàpies Works by Catalan artist Antoni Tàpies are showcased in this graceful Modernista
building. Venture inside to discover Tàpies’ rich repertoire, from
early collage works to large, abstract paintings, many alluding to
political and social themes.
Terrace, Fundació Tàpies
Conjunt Monumental de la Plaça del Rei Explore
the medieval Palau Reial and wander among the splendid remains of
Barcelona’s Roman walls and waterways at the city’s history museum. The
museum is partly housed in the 15th-century Casa Padellàs on the
impressive medieval Plaça del Rei. Museu del FC Barcelona This
shrine to the city’s football club draws a mind-boggling number of fans
paying homage to their team. Trophies, posters and other memorabilia
celebrate the club’s 100-year history.
Badge, FC Barcelona
Camp Nou Stadium
Museu Marítim Barcelona’s
formidable sea-faring history is showcased in the cavernous,
13th-century Drassanes Reials (Royal Shipyards). The collection, which
spans from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, includes a full-scale
replica of the Real,
the flagship galley of Don Juan of Austria, who led the Christians to
victory against the Turks during the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. Also on
display are model ships, maps and navigational instruments. Museu Frederic Marès Catalan
sculptor Frederic Marès (1893–1991) was a passionate and eclectic
collector. Housed here, under one roof, are many remarkable finds
amassed during his travels. Among the vast array of historical objects
on display are Romanesque and Gothic religious art and sculptures, plus
everything from dolls and fans to pipes and walking sticks.
Virgin, Museu Frederic Marès
CosmoCaixa Museu de la Ciencia Exhibits
covering the whole history of science, from the Big Bang to the
computer age, are housed in this modern museum. Highlights include an
interactive tour of the geological history of our planet, an area of
real Amazonian rain forest, and a planetarium.
Top 10 Quirky Museums/Monuments
Museu de Carrosses Fúnebres Late 19th-century hearses reveal how Barcelonins of the past met their maker. Centre d’Interpretació del Call Artefacts from Barcelona’s medieval Jewish community. Museu de la Màgia A museum devoted to magic, with a collection dating from the 18th century. Museu dels Autòmates A colourful museum of human and animal automatons. Museu de la Xocolata A celebration of chocolate, with interactive exhibits, edible city models and tastings. Museu de Cera Over 350 wax figures, from Marilyn Monroe to Franco and Gaudí. Museu del Calçat Footwear from all ages, including shoes worn by famous folks. Museu del Perfum Hundreds of perfume bottles from Roman times to the present.
Cap de Barcelona
Pop artist, Roy Lichtenstein’s “Barcelona Head” (1992).
Peix
Frank Gehry’s huge shimmering fish sculpture (1992).
Frank Gehry’s Peix
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