Fundació Miró – the Joan Miró Museum

Joan Miró was undoubtedly one of the leading figures in mid-twentieth century art and, throughout his life, was an integral part of the cultural landscape of Barcelona, his home city. The museum dedicated to his life’s work, the Fundació Miró – Miró Foundation – is situated in one of the city’s finest modern buildings in the wonderful setting of Montjuïc.

Miró himself established the Fundació in 1971, just 400 metres north of the Olympic Stadium. The building, specifically constructed to contain the works, and display them as perfectly as possible, was designed by the artist’s lifelong friend, Josep Lluís Sert.

Set in a beautifully harmonious environment and with natural light flooding the building, Miró’s work stands out vividly in the gallery rooms. His trademark use of birds, the stars, women and nets – often in startling primary colours – is a testament to his artistic genius.

The Miró collection in the Foundation comprises of well over 14,000 pieces, about 10,000 of which are on display at any one time. There are some 217 paintings, 178 sculptures, 9 textiles, 4 ceramics and thousands of graphic works and drawings permanently housed here. The Sala Joan Prats, on the ground floor, displays much work of Miró when he was younger, with the Sala Pilar Juncosa housing much work from the 1930s and 40s and many sketches of work in progress. The rightly celebrated so-called Barcelona Series of fifty black and white lithographs of the Civil War is stunningly displayed on gleaming white walls.

In addition to the works of Miró contained in the Foundation, there is a contemporary collection of work assembled one year after his death in 1984. Moore, Matisse, Duchamp, Leger and others are featured.

One of the most spectacular and thought-provoking pieces of all, though, is the Fuente de Mercurio, Mercury´s Fountain, by Alexander Calder, that was originally created for a World Fair in Paris in 1937. Dedicated to the victims of the famous mercury mining town, this is a fountain sculpture that makes use of mercury instead of water, dripping over levels of black steel.

The Garden of Sculptures provides a peaceful place to wander, with many fine pieces of work to admire and contemplate. Additionally, inside, Espai 13 is a part of the gallery reserved for exhibitions of the work of contemporary young artists.

Because of Miró’s abundant use of colour and startling images – and the ability to wander outside – the Miró Foundation is a true family-friendly place to visit. Children are enthralled by much of the work displayed here. During the summer season, there are often classical music concerts held in the grounds.

Location and Opening Times

The Metro does not have stations on Montjuïc, but it is possible to take Lines 2 and 3 to Paral.lel and then go up the mountain on the Funicular railway. Alternatively, Bus Lines 50, 55 and 193 all pass directly by the Fundació.

Fundació Miró

Opening times are quite complicated! Closed every Monday, on Thursdays throughout the year the Foundation is open from 10am to 9.30pm and on Sundays from 10 until 2.30. For the rest of the week the doors open at 10am but close at 8 pm during July, August and September and 7 pm for the remaining months of the year.

Adults pay €8 admission (€4 to temporary exhibitions), students aged 15 to 30, the over 65s and the unemployed pay €6(€3) whilst children are admitted free of charge. There is an audio guide available for €4.

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