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Journey through a thousand years of art at the National Art Museum of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya) — one of the most important art museums in Europe, housed in the magnificent Palau Nacional on Montjuïc Hill and offering an unrivalled survey of Catalan and European art from the Romanesque period to the 20th-century avant-garde. Explore over 1,000 years of Catalan art, from Romanesque frescoes to modern paintings, across both permanent and temporary collections — and finish your visit on the museum's spectacular 360-degree rooftop terrace with one of the best panoramic views in all of Barcelona. 

Key Highlights

  • Discover the world's finest collection of Catalan Romanesque art
  • Explore the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection
  • Trace Catalan Modernisme, Noucentisme, and the 20th-century avant-garde
  • Ascend to the spectacular 360-degree rooftop terrace of the Palau Nacional
  • Your ticket is valid for 2 consecutive days within a 30-day period from purchase

About National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) Ticket

The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya is located in the majestic Palau Nacional, built for the 1929 International Exhibition. Since its inauguration in 1934, the museum has constantly evolved to become an international benchmark, especially for its exceptional collection of Romanesque art, considered one of the most important in the world.

The permanent collection is one of the most comprehensive and most coherently arranged in any museum in Europe, spanning six distinct periods across the full sweep of Catalan and European art history. The Romanesque collection is the museum's crown jewel — an extraordinary assembly of 12th and 13th-century frescoes, altar frontals, and carved wooden crucifixes rescued from remote Pyrenean churches in a remarkable early 20th-century conservation effort. Highlights include the apse of Santa Maria de Taüll, the great Romanesque altar frontal paintings, and the extraordinary collection of carved wooden crucifixes including the famous Majestat Batlló — works of such quality and historical importance that they are among the most studied medieval artworks in the world. Plan a minimum of 45 minutes for the Romanesque rooms alone.

The Gothic collection covers 13th to 15th-century Catalan painting and sculpture — altarpiece paintings in the distinctive Catalan Gothic style influenced by the Sienese school, stone and wood sculptures, and works in precious metals. The Renaissance and Baroque galleries draw on the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection's 400+ works to present European masters including Titian, Tintoretto, El Greco, Rubens, Velázquez, and Zurbarán alongside Catalan contemporaries. The museum's modern art section is divided into five key areas: the Rise of the Modern Artist, Modernisme, Noucentisme, Art and Civil War, and the Avant-garde Revival of the Post-War Years — creating the most complete narrative of Catalan artistic identity available anywhere.

A visit to the MNAC lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on how much time you want to spend in each section and enjoying the views from the viewpoint. The rooftop terrace is accessible by elevator and provides 360-degree views across the Montjuïc gardens, the Font Màgica fountains directly below, the Plaça d'Espanya, and the full Barcelona skyline to the sea. MNAC combines naturally with the Fundació Joan Miró (15-minute walk uphill), Poble Espanyol (10-minute walk), and the Font Màgica fountain shows at the base of the staircase — a full Montjuïc day can cover all four without needing transport. Book your National Art Museum of Catalonia ticket now on Thrillark and save up to 15%

Inclusions

  • General admission to MNAC — full permanent collection across all six periods
  • Romanesque art galleries — world-class frescoes, altar frontals, and carved crucifixes
  • Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection galleries
  • Modern art section — Modernisme, Noucentisme, and avant-garde collections
  • All current temporary exhibitions

Exclusions

  • Food and beverages
  • Personal expenses and tips

Insiders' Tips

MNAC combines naturally with the Fundació Joan Miró (15-minute walk uphill), Poble Espanyol (10-minute walk), and the Font Màgica fountain shows at the base of the MNAC staircase — a full Montjuïc day can cover all four without needing transport. The Romanesque rooms in the east wing are the most exceptional and most unique content in any museum in Barcelona — allow at least 45 minutes here before moving through the Gothic and modern collections. Visit on a weekday morning for the most peaceful rooftop terrace experience.

Additional Information

Operating Hours
  • Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Sundays and public holidays: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  • Closed Mondays, 1 January, 1 May, and 25 December
  • Rooftop terrace included with general admission — confirm elevator access before visiting
Child Policy
  • Children under 16 and adults over 65 enter free of charge Thisisbarcelona
  • Proof of age may be required at the admissions desk
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the museum
Accessibility & Facilities
  • Fully wheelchair accessible throughout — elevators serving all floors including the rooftop terrace
  • Cafeteria in the Salle Ovale and Òleum restaurant on the upper floor offering a refined culinary experience with panoramic views Barcelona.com
  • Photography permitted without flash — tripods and selfie sticks prohibited
  • Audio guide available to rent on site
Restrictions
  • Closed Mondays, 1 January, 1 May, and 25 December
  • No flash photography, tripods, or selfie sticks
  • Ticket valid for 2 consecutive days within a 30-day period — confirm usage dates at booking
Additional Info
  • Address: Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona — on Montjuïc Hill
  • Getting there: Metro Line 1 or Line 3 to Espanya Station — escalators and steps up Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina to the museum. Bus Turístic Blue Route stops at the museum. Bus lines 55 and 150 also serve Montjuïc
  • Rooftop access may be temporarily unavailable due to weather or security concerns. Check the official website for the daily opening hours and facility closures prior to your visit.

Cancellation Policy

Once a booking has been confirmed, it cannot be cancelled or refunded

National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) Ticket Frequently Asked Questions

What is the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC)?
The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya is located in the majestic Palau Nacional, built for the 1929 International Exhibition — since its inauguration in 1934 it has constantly evolved to become an international benchmark, especially for its exceptional collection of Romanesque art, considered one of the most important in the world. The permanent collection spans over 1,000 years of Catalan and European art across six distinct periods.
What is the Romanesque art collection at MNAC?
The Romanesque collection is MNAC's crown jewel — an extraordinary assembly of 12th and 13th-century frescoes, altar frontals, and carved wooden crucifixes rescued from remote Pyrenean churches. Highlights include the apse of Santa Maria de Taüll, the great Romanesque altar frontal paintings, and the extraordinary collection of carved wooden crucifixes including the famous Majestat Batlló. Plan a minimum of 45 minutes for the Romanesque rooms alone — they are in the east wing of the museum.
What is the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection at MNAC?
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection is a permanent loan of 400+ works originally housed in the Baron Thyssen's private collection, covering European painting from the 13th to the early 20th century. Works by Titian, Tintoretto, El Greco, Rubens, Velázquez, and Zurbarán are among the highlights — providing the principal international focus of the museum's Renaissance and Baroque galleries.
What are the modern art highlights at MNAC?
The museum's modern art section is divided into five key areas: the Rise of the Modern Artist, Modernisme, Noucentisme, Art and Civil War, and the Avant-garde Revival of the Post-War Years. Key artists include Ramon Casas and Santiago Rusiñol for Catalan Modernisme — the most complete and most historically contextualised collection of Catalan modern art available anywhere in the world.
What are the rooftop views like at MNAC?
The 360° viewpoint over Montjuïc and Barcelona makes every visit an unforgettable moment — the rooftop terrace of the Palau Nacional overlooks the Montjuïc gardens and the Font Màgica fountains directly below, the full length of Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina to Plaça d'Espanya, and the complete Barcelona skyline stretching to the sea. It is consistently described as one of the finest panoramic views available from any public building in the city.
How long does a visit to MNAC take?
A visit to the MNAC lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on how much time you want to spend in each section and enjoying the views from the viewpoint. Art enthusiasts who want to explore the full Romanesque collection and the Thyssen-Bornemisza galleries in depth may find 3 hours or more passes naturally — the ticket is valid for 2 consecutive days within 30 days, so splitting the visit across two sessions is a practical option.
Is the MNAC ticket valid for more than one day?
General admission is valid for 2 consecutive days within a 30-day period from purchase — an excellent-value ticket for anyone spending time in Barcelona. This allows visitors to explore the museum across two separate sessions — ideal for art enthusiasts who want to cover the full collection without rushing through any section.
Is MNAC free for children?
Children under 16 and adults over 65 enter free of charge. Proof of age may be required at the admissions desk. MNAC is one of Barcelona's most family-friendly major museums and welcomes children of all ages throughout the galleries.
How do I get to MNAC on Montjuïc?
The most convenient access from central Barcelona is Metro Line 1 or Line 3 to Espanya Station, from where escalators and steps lead up Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina to the Palau Nacional. The Bus Turístic Blue Route also stops at the museum. MNAC combines naturally with the Fundació Joan Miró (15-minute walk uphill), Poble Espanyol (10-minute walk), and the Font Màgica fountain shows at the base of the MNAC staircase — a full Montjuïc day can cover all four without needing transport.
Do I need to book MNAC tickets in advance?
Advance booking is recommended, particularly during peak Barcelona tourism season from April to October and on weekends when the museum attracts its highest visitor numbers. Booking through Thrillark saves up to 15% on the standard rate with instant confirmation and your ticket valid for 2 consecutive days within 30 days from purchase. Note that tickets are only valid at the specified time or up to 15 minutes after the scheduled entry time — always arrive promptly at your booked slot.

Ratings & Reviews

National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) Ticket

USD 13.62

Insiders’ Tips

MNAC combines naturally with the Fundació Joan Miró (15-minute walk uphill), Poble Espanyol (10-minute walk), and the Font Màgica fountain shows at the base of the MNAC staircase — a full Montjuïc day can cover all four without needing transport. The Romanesque rooms in the east wing are the most exceptional and most unique content in any museum in Barcelona — allow at least 45 minutes here before moving through the Gothic and modern collections. Visit on a weekday morning for the most peaceful rooftop terrace experience.

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