MNAC The National Art Museum of Catalonia

It is one of the main museums in Barcelona.

A little bit of history

The Art Museum of Catalonia, established in 1934 and noted for its collection of Romanesque, Gothic, revival, and Baroque art, and the Museum of Modern Art, established in 1945 and housing works from the 19th and 20th centuries, now make up the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) (National Palace) in Barcelona.

The National Art Museum of Catalonia also includes the Numismatic Cabinet of Catalonia and the General Library of Art History (Art History Library).

The Catalan Museums Law created the museum in 1990. One of the most significant collections of medieval artwork from around the globe, as well as a lovely and comprehensive collection of Spanish ceramics, were both housed in the former Art Museum of Catalonia. The Romanesque Galleries contain a number of replicas of church interiors decorated with murals from the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries that were obtained from Pyrenean towns. Romanesque architectural pieces are particularly lovely, including capitals, stone carvings, and fragments of the cloister at Sant Pere de les Puelles in Barcelona, the latter dating to the 12th century.

The collection also includes tombs from Santa Maria de Matallana, Valladolid, and paintings from the Chapter House of the Monastery of Sigena. Wall paintings from the Palau d’Aguilar in Barcelona from the thirteenth century show the battle of Porto-Pi and James I of Aragon’s assault on Palma, Mallorca (1229). Important Gothic artwork also includes metalwork, enamels, and paintings and sculptures. Baroque and Renaissance styles Diego Velazquez, El Greco, Francisco de Zurbaran, and numerous more well-known artists have pieces in the collection.

The works of Antoni Gaudi, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Antoni Tàpies, and many more may be found in the museum’s collection of modern art. Along with contemporary artwork, the collection includes more than 134,000 coins and medals as well as engravings, posters, and drawings from the 16th century. A photography department was established in 1996.

MNAC museum

Visit the MNAC, the National Art Museum of Catalonia, while you are in Barcelona. With a collection of more than 250,000 works of art, this museum is among the most significant in the city. This page is for you if you are a tourist who wants to learn more about what this museum has to offer.

Where it is, How to arrive

The MNAC is housed in the spectacular Palau Nacional, which was constructed for the 1929 International Exhibition, atop the Montjuc mountain. The museum is located at Parc de Montjuc, s/n, 08038 Barcelona.

The MNAC is situated on Montjuc mountain, one of Barcelona’s highest peaks, and is reachable in a number of ways. Taking the cable car up to Montjuc mountain, where the MNAC is located, is one of the more pleasant options. It departs from Barcelona’s harbor. Using the bus or subway will also bring you there. The closest metro lines, lines 1 and 3, are at the Plaça Espanya stop and the Espanya stop, respectively.

Prices and discounts

The cost of admission to the MNAC varies depending on the visitor’s age and circumstance. It costs €12 if you are an adult. The cost is €8 if you are a student, retired person, or disabled. Children under 16 are admitted free of charge. Additionally, on the first Sunday of every month, free admission to the museum is available to Barcelona residents.

Timetable

The MNAC is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00 and on Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 15:00. The museum is closed on Mondays.

What collections are there?

From the Middle Ages to the 20th century, Catalonia’s artistic history is represented in the MNAC’s permanent collection. With pieces of outstanding historical and artistic importance, the museum houses one of the most significant collections of Romanesque art anywhere in the world. Along with the collections of modern and contemporary art, the Gothic and Renaissance art collections are particularly noteworthy.

What can we find?

Artworks of every kind, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, jewelry, and ceramic items, can be found in the MNAC. The museum is a great destination for anyone who enjoy art and history because it includes a wide variety of artwork, from the most ancient to the most contemporary.

What art is there

The wall paintings of the church of Sant Climent de Taüll, which date from the 12th century and are an extraordinary example of Catalan Romanesque art, are among the most significant pieces in the MNAC. The Gothic art collections, which include masterpieces by renowned artists like Jaume Huguet and Bernat Martorell, and the modern and contemporary art collections, which include pieces by artists like Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and Antoni Tàpies, among others, are also significant.

Which pieces are essential to see

There are some works in the MNAC that you simply must see. The first is the mural depicting Sant Joan’s Apocalypse, which is located in the Sant Climent de Taüll chapel. One of the most significant pieces in the museum is this creation, which is regarded as one of the best examples of Catalan Romanesque art. The Gothic art collection, which includes pieces like Jaume Huguet’s Our Lady of Mercy, and the modern and contemporary art collections, which include Pablo Picasso’s The Song of the Birds and El Gran Masturbador by Salvador Dali, are also well worth visiting.

In summary, the MNAC is one of Barcelona’s most significant museums and presents a vast range of artistic creations spanning Catalonia’s entire history. You must visit this museum if you’re in the city to see some of the most significant pieces of Catalan and international art. Keep in mind that the museum is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00 and on Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 15:00. The entrance fee varies depending on the visitor’s age and financial position.

Do you want more about Museums Barcelona…