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Guide: visiting Joan Miró Foundation

Located in the Montjuïc park, the Joan Miró Foundation is a must-visit for art lovers. Founded by the artist himself, the centre displays an extensive collection of contemporary art in a highly innovative manner. Below, we will explore its origins, what you can see and do at the foundation, and the surrounding areas.

History of the Joan Miró Foundation

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The Joan Miró Foundation was inaugurated in 1975 by the artist himself, who wanted to create a space where his art could inspire future generations and foster a dialogue about contemporary art. Miró was born in Barcelona in 1893 and became one of the city’s most influential artists, not only as a painter but also as a creator of sculptures, ceramics, and textiles. His characteristic use of primary colours and abstract shapes was inspired by nature and Catalan culture.

In the 1960s, Miró began a project to establish a space where his works and those of other contemporary artists could be exhibited. He envisioned a place that would bring contemporary art to the forefront, encouraging cultural exchange and inspiring new generations to create their own works. Another goal of the foundation was to serve as a centre for research into contemporary art.

To kickstart this initiative, the artist donated his collection of paintings, and, over the years, his wife and his friend Joan Prats also contributed part of their private collections. With time, donations from other friends and family have helped complete the collection of Miró’s works. Today, the museum holds over 14,000 pieces from various artists, covering the 20th and 21st centuries.

Spaces of the Joan Miró Foundation

The architecture of the Joan Miró Foundation is another key element of the experience, as architect Josep Lluís Sert and Miró himself collaborated to create a space that would enhance the art on display. One of Sert’s main influences was the Bauhaus movement, which has made the building one of the most iconic examples of this architectural style in Barcelona and a symbol of innovation in design. The building highlights several elements, such as its open spaces, the emphasis on natural light, and its harmony with the surrounding nature.

Just like in Miró’s artworks, nature played a crucial role in the design of the museum. This is why they chose to build it on Montjuïc, surrounded by the area’s greenery, providing visitors with a space to reflect on art amidst nature.

The open layout of the museum was designed to encourage the flow of movement between its different areas, allowing visitors to enjoy the artwork without feeling restricted. The windows and skylights found throughout the museum, along with the white walls, allow natural light to flow into the galleries, giving the art different qualities at different times of the day. Additionally, these minimalist window designs and white walls make the colours of Miró’s works stand out and contrast more vividly.

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Permanent exhibitions

The permanent collection of the painter is the most significant aspect of the foundation, featuring over 200 paintings and 150 sculptures, as well as drawings, ceramics, and textile art, spread across more than 1,500 m². This space is divided into eight areas, each exploring themes such as personal identity, historical context, and the painter’s interest in Zen spirituality, among others. Some of the most famous works on display include The Ladder of Escape and Woman, Bird, and Star.

Temporary exhibitions

In addition to Miró’s own works, the foundation also hosts temporary exhibitions featuring contemporary artists from all over the world. These exhibitions reflect the foundation’s mission to promote new works and ideas, providing emerging artists with the opportunity to gain exposure.

In fact, the first public collection of contemporary art in Spain was created by the Joan Miró Foundation. After the artist’s passing, the museum’s director decided, as a tribute to Miró, to create a project that would showcase works by various contemporary artists. Figures such as Henry Moore, Antoni Tàpies, Max Ernst, Alexander Calder, Henri Matisse, and others chose to donate their works to the foundation.

Activities in the Joan Miró Foundation

One of the foundation’s key goals is to make Miró’s art and the work of similar artists accessible to everyone, which is why the centre offers a wide range of activities. They collaborate with educational institutions at various levels to organise guided tours, excursions, and workshops. Additionally, they host family-friendly activities and provide a platform for the development of emerging artists, giving voice to new talents.

Although not an official activity organised by the museum, the foundation’s mission encourages visitors to explore the area around the building. The Sculpture Garden, for instance, is an architectural project that includes works by various sculptors, completed in 2002. It is a great spot not only to appreciate the sculptures but also to enjoy the stunning views of Barcelona and Montjuïc.

The Miró Foundation and Montjuïc

The Joan Miró Foundation is located in Montjuïc Park, a hill in Barcelona that offers a mix of artistic, historical, and sports attractions. Spending a day exploring this area is a great idea, although it might not be enough to fully appreciate all its history. You can take a walk around the park and visit landmarks such as Montjuïc Castle, the Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village), or the stadiums built for the 1992 Olympic Games, like the Palau Sant Jordi and Lluís Companys Stadium.

In addition, surrounded by the park and just a short distance from the Miró Museum, you’ll find green spaces like the Laribal Gardens and the Botanical Garden.

This wide range of cultural offerings is one of the reasons why the Sants-Montjuïc area is one of the most popular in Barcelona. Its central location, excellent transport connections, and other gastronomic and tourist attractions make it a highly desirable place to live.

Just 15 minutes on foot from the museum is the Poble Sec neighbourhood, a charming and authentic area of Barcelona known for its cultural spaces, including theatres and art galleries. This neighbourhood has a calm, relaxed atmosphere but is very close to key points in the city, making it an ideal place to enjoy life in Barcelona without sacrificing peace and tranquillity.

Plan your visit

The museum is located in Montjuïc Park, on Avinguda Miramar.

You can reach it by taking the Montjuïc Funicular and walking just 5 minutes from the Parc de Montjuïc stop.

Generally, the museum is open from 10:00 to 20:00. For specific dates, please consult the official website.

The general entry fee ranges from €9 to €15, depending on your age and any available discounts offered by the centre.

Entry is free for children under 14 years old when accompanied by an adult, as well as for ICON and CIMAM members, and for friends and benefactors of the foundation.

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