Updated Oct 25 2025
There are more museums and art foundations in Barcelona than in most cities of the world, and many of them are very well-known tourist destinations. From museums of art, some as well-known as the Picasso Museum and the Museum of the Fundació Joan Miró, to historical museums such as the Museu d’Història de Barcelona (MUHBA) and other, much less famous museums such as the Museu del Perfum (the Perfume Museum).
Exhibitions and immersive experiences in museums and spaces in Barcelona
The most interesting museums and art foundations to visit in Barcelona
As we’ve already mentioned, Barcelona has a huge number of museums, and the amount is increasing every year, with new additions such as the Museum – Gallery of Illusions.
We have given you more detailed information about some of the most outstanding, either due to their international reputation or because, in our modest opinion, we think they are well worth a visit and might give you a slightly different perspective on the city.
Tourist (and non-tourist) cards to visit the museums of Barcelona
ArticketBCN
Validity period.: One year from its first use
What’s included?: Picasso Museum + Joan Miró Foundation + CCCB + MACBA + Tàpies Museum + MNAC
Barcelona Card
Validity period.: 3, 4, and 5 days (consecutive)
What’s included?: Free access to a large number of museums and places of interest in Barcelona
If you are interested in visiting several museums in Barcelona, there are various cards or passes that allow you to visit a good number of museums and art foundations in the city while enjoying significant savings.
The tourist cards differ from the non-tourist ones mainly in that their use is usually limited to a relatively short number of days, as is the case with the Barcelona Card. On the other hand, there are other options, such as the ArticketBCN, which allows you to visit the remaining included museums and foundations for an entire year after its first use.
Visits to Barcelona’s House Museums
If you want to delve deeper into Barcelona’s history, we recommend visiting one of the city’s house museums. Some are very important and true icons of the city.
However, there are many others that, although less well known, offer a wonderful experience. Through the history of a noble or bourgeois family, a guild house, or an old public institution, you can discover part of the city’s rich and fascinating past.
In many cases, these visits are guided, which makes them even more interesting. Are you tempted to visit one of Barcelona’s house museums?
Can you visit the museums of Barcelona for free?
Unlike in many other cities, you have to pay to get into most of Barcelona’s museums, but it isn’t very expensive, but the cost is usually reduced for children, senior citizens and groups.
You can also receive substantial discounts with the Barcelona Card, which also includes free travel on Barcelona’s public transport network and with the ArticketBCN Passport, that offers access to 6 museums and art foundations.
You can gain free access to many of Barcelona’s museums, and in particular those run by the city or regional council, on the last Sunday of the month, or every Sunday after 3pm. In each page where we give you more information about what we think are the best museums and art foundations, you’ll also find their opening hours plus the ticket prices.
Tickets Online
Travel cards
