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Pro Tip: Check the Museu Nacional website for free-entry times, which occur at least once each week. Free-entry tickets will always require a reservation.
Explore a Majestic Palace Filled with Catalonia’s Finest Art, from Romanesque Frescoes to Modern Masters
Updated November 2025
Located in the iconic Palau Nacional atop Montjuïc hill, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya showcases an immense span of Catalan and European art—from Romanesque murals to modern photography—set in a palace that itself is a showpiece. To make the most of your visit, a little planning helps ensure you absorb the art and the view without feeling rushed.
At a Glance
How Early to Book:
Book about 1-2 days ahead to skip queues. Visitors can also purchase same-day tickets at the on-site ticket office; tickets during normal hours almost never sell out.
About 2 months in advance.
Best Times to Visit:
Early mornings right at opening, and late afternoons, are the least busy, especially on weekdays.
Ticket price:
€12 for adults for general admission. A €2 basic ticket allows access to some building spaces.
Where to Book:
Tickets are best purchased online in advance, though the museum allows walk-in ticketing under good circumstances. A general admission ticket (€12 for adults) gives you access to the permanent collection, any included temporary exhibitions, and the rooftop viewpoint—valid for two days within a month of purchase. Smaller-scale entry (“basic ticket” for around €2) allows access to building spaces and the terrace alone. Children under 16 and EU residents over 65 often enter free when eligible for a general ticket.
The open hours shift with the seasons: from May to September, the museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sundays and holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; from October to April, the hours are Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Sundays/holidays 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; Mondays are closed except on holidays.
For the best experience—especially if you want photos and calm galleries—arrive right when it opens or later in the afternoon on a weekday when fewer tour groups crowd the Romanesque halls. The rooftop terrace offers sweeping views across Barcelona and Montjuïc: visit it at the beginning or the end of your time to make the most of the light.
As you head in, keep in mind the museum’s size and scope. If you try to rush everything, you’ll come away seeing a lot but absorbing less. Pick a couple of wings you’re most drawn to—perhaps the Romanesque mural gallery and the modern photographic collection—and allow for 2 to 3 hours minimum. If you have the time and interest, stay 3 to 4 hours.
Accessibility is well supported: the entrances feature ramps, lifts serve main gallery levels, and there’s good information for visitors with mobility needs. Bags and umbrellas may be subject to checks, and large or cumbersome items may be restricted—travelling light makes entry smoother.
One nuance to watch: the museum offers free entry under certain conditions—specifically, every Saturday after 3 p.m., the first Sunday of each month, and some special “open door” days—though even these often require a reserved time-slot and can be crowded. You can check the exact hours for free entry on the Museum's website.
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