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Everything you need to know for your visit to the MNAC

History of the MNAC

MNAC

The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) is housed in the Palau Nacional, a building inaugurated in 1929 as part of the Barcelona International Exposition, showcasing the technological advances of the time. During the event, over 5,000 works of art from across Spain were displayed.

 

After the exposition, the space continued to host various art exhibitions. However, due to poor construction quality, the building underwent numerous adaptations and renovations over the decades. One of the most significant restorations took place in the 1990s, spurred by the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Although plans included extensive refurbishments, they were not fully completed, and the palace was ultimately not used to welcome the athletes.

 

In the early 2000s, the final phases of renovation began, and in 2004, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya officially opened. The museum spans a total of 45,000 m², merging collections from the former Museum of Modern Art and Museum of Romanesque Art in Barcelona, along with additions like numismatics and historical documents for its library.

 

Over the following decade, new galleries were added, featuring collections spanning from the Renaissance to the 20th century.

Architecture of the MNAC

The building’s design is a blend of Renaissance and Baroque elements, while maintaining a distinctly Neoclassical structure.

 

In the 1980s, due to the original building’s poor construction, Italian architect Gae Aulenti was tasked with redesigning some interior spaces to accommodate new exhibitions, as the museum’s collection continued to expand.

 

The museum’s interior features Novecentista-style decor, a dramatic contrast to the building’s classical exterior, thanks to the contributions of various Catalan artists who added detailed touches to its spaces.

 

In addition to its spectacular architecture, the museum boasts a waterfall and a grand staircase, recalling its origins as a palace. Near the waterfall, visitors can enjoy a terrace viewpoint with breathtaking panoramic views of Barcelona.

Collections at the MNAC

The museum is internationally renowned for its extensive Romanesque art collection, one of the most comprehensive in the world. Its Romanesque murals, sourced from churches in Catalonia and Aragon, are particularly unique due to the challenges involved in transporting them.

The MNAC also boasts significant collections of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque art, featuring works by artists like Velázquez. In its more recent expansions, the museum has acquired pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries, including highlights of Catalan Modernism, with works by Gaudí and Ramon Casas, as well as pieces reflecting the Spanish Civil War.

The collection also includes masterpieces by renowned 20th-century artists like Dalí and Picasso, further enhancing the museum’s rich and diverse artistic heritage.

Additional services

The MNAC is not just a museum but a hub for cultural engagement and education. For years, it has been committed to fostering a deeper connection with art by organising activities that make art accessible to all audiences. Its mission is to create an inclusive and welcoming space where art and culture inspire reflection and learning, encouraging growth and sharing its remarkable collection.

 

The museum promotes dialogue and debate among visitors, offering a range of services, including:

 

Library

The MNAC library is an invaluable resource for art historians, researchers, conservators, students, and more. With over a century of history, the library has moved across several locations before finding its permanent home in the MNAC in 2004.

 

It plays a vital role in artistic research, holding over 105,000 documents on Western art history, spanning from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, covering topics such as art, museology, conservation, and restoration.

 

Network of Art Museums

The MNAC has established a network of art museums across Catalonia to share the region’s artistic heritage and encourage collaboration between institutions through exhibitions, activities, and joint projects. This initiative enhances the cultural and educational impact of each museum while promoting art appreciation and education, making art more accessible to everyone.

Restoration and Preventive Conservation Centre

One of the museum’s standout services is its restoration and conservation programme, which ensures the physical integrity of both displayed and stored artworks.

 

The expert team conducts thorough analyses of all pieces, providing valuable insights for art historians to understand the techniques used by the artists. Beyond repairing damages, the team focuses on slowing the natural ageing process of materials. By improving conditions for exhibition, storage, handling, transport, and packaging, they work to prevent premature deterioration or damage.

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How to get there

It is in the Palau Nacional, in Parc de Montjuïc.

By metro: Stop at Espanya (L1 and L3).

By bus: Lines 55, 150, and 13.

Yes, there is a paid municipal car park for cars and coaches next to the museum.

Winter hours (October to April): Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 to 18:00; Sundays and public holidays: 10:00 to 15:00.

Summer hours (May to September): Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 to 20:00; Sundays and public holidays: 10:00 to 15:00

Closed on Mondays.

The general ticket costs €12, while the basic ticket is €2.

Yes, free entry is available for:

 

  • Visitors under 16 and over 65.
  • Everyone on Saturdays after 15:00, the first Sunday of every month, and during open-door events.

 

Advance online booking is mandatory, as capacity is limited.

Make the most of your visit

 

 

 

 

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