MNAC (National Art Museum of Catalunya)

The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) in the Palau Nacional, symbol of the 1929 International Exhibition in Barcelona, is situated on the mountain of Montjuïc near to the trade fair area and the Plaza Espanya. Before entering the museum going uphill you will enjoy the spectacular view of the city of Barcelona.

Tickets for MNAC

The MNAC art collection explains the general history of Catalan art from the X until the mid-twentieth century and includes sculpture, paintings drwaings posters from great international painters such as and photography. But in the Renaissance and Baroque collections there are also works from great international painters such as El Greco, Zurbarán, Velázquez, Cranach and Rubens. The art from the 19th to early 20th century offers works of Catalan artists (new-classicism, modernism and realism). The National Art Museum of Catalonia is one of the best museums to become acquainted with the catalan art.

The MNAC according to Robert Hughes

"I think that Spanish painting cannot be understood without those wonderful Romanesque and Gothic murals that are exhibited in Montjuïc, in the Art Museum of Catalonia. It is the shock of the oldest: they are breathtaking murals. I do not believe that, without having seen these murals, I could have understood Joan Miró and many others. Actually, that Romanesque is something that explains a lot of things with their colors and their latent, hidden history. I don't get tired of looking at them. Because Spanish painting, after the experience of the Romanesque, it does not have much interest until the 17th century, and basically with Velázquez". Robert Hughes.

MNAC opening hours 2024

• From October to April, from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. / Sundays and holidays, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• From May to September, Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. / Sundays and holidays, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Closed non-holiday Mondays.
• Closing days: January 1, May 1 and December 25.
• Free admission days: Saturdays, from 3 pm / first Sunday of each month / May 18, International Museum Day / September 11, Catalonia Day.

The MNAC in the Articket and in the Barcelona Card

Where to park

The MNAC has free parking for cars and coaches next to the building, and has places for people with reduced mobility. If the parking lot is full you can use a paid one (click on the button below of the nearest Parking).