Barcelona Art Museums: Museu Nacional d’Art Catalunya (MNAC)

MNAC - Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya

The Museum of Catalan Art, Museu Nacional d’Art Catalunya, is often simply known as MNAC and is one of Barcelona’s favourite museums, housed as it is in the wonderful Palau Nacional, which was built for the 1928 World Exhibition on Montjuïc.

MNAC has a wealth of intriguing and absorbing material on permanent display in its sympathetically refurbished galleries, such as the Romanesque and Gothic which were totally redesigned in 1995 and 1997 respectively. The entire history of Catalan art can be found here in not only paintings and drawings but also in a considerable number of high quality sculptures, engravings and photographs. There is also a fine collection of murals and carved altar frontals dating back to the eleventh and twelfth centuries.

Most visitors will inevitably centre their attention on the Renaissance works, including such internationally known painters as Velázquez, El Greco, Rubens, Zurbarán and Cranach. However, in the rush to see the works of the ‘Old Masters’, try not to miss out on some of the lesser known gems of the Romanesque, Gothic and baroque collections.

In fact, some authorities have declared the collection of Romanesque paintings on display in the Palau Nacional as the greatest single collection in Europe. In addition, there is also a thriving and invigorating 20th century collection which illustrates perfectly how strong the Catalan influence was on, for example, the avant-garde and modernist movements. There are works by Picasso, Gaudí, Rusiñol, Fortuny, Casas and many, many others.

Those visitors interested in researching general art history or learning about restoration techniques will find a considerable amount here, including the possibility of attending related workshops.

The truly magnificent Museum of Catalan Art is one of this incredible city’s finest buildings; a baroque-style masterpiece offering wonderful views across the city. Now that the internal modernisation has been completed, it is surely one of the world’s greatest galleries.

Location and Opening Times

The nearest Metro station to the MNAC is at Espanya (Lines 1,3) and it is possible to walk from there along Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina towards Montjuïc. This is a wonderful walk, taking in the Palau de Congresos, the fabulous Font Montjuïc and up to the Plaça de la Cascades.

MNAC

In the evenings especially, when the lights on the fountains are on display and there is wonderful music, this is a magical part of the city. Be advised, though, it is a good climb up to the Palau; but you do have plenty of opportunities to stop and look around you. There is also an escalator that can take you straight to the Museum. Also, bus numbers 50 and 55 stop close to the building.

The Museum of Catalan Art is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm and on Sundays and Public Holidays from 10 until 2.30pm. General admission, which allows visitors to attend on two days, costs €8.50, although there is a 30% discount for students, the unemployed and groups of people. Additionally, those visitors under 15 and over 65 are allowed in free of charge. Admission is free to all on the first Sunday of every month.