Barcelona’s museums are packed with history and artistic masterpieces, but the entrance fees can pile up fast, especially for state museums. Most of the time, the trip is expensive by itself. No one wants to feel like they're missing out, but the good news is Barcelona's museums often have a free day when you can visit. Better still, some museums in Barcelona are free all year round.
Of course, it might be harder to get in because of the lines, but if you really want to see them, go early or visit during off-seasons!
See our top picks of free museums in Barcelona and enjoy your visit without breaking the bank!
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1. Museu Picasso
Museu Picasso is located in the El Born neighborhood of Barcelona and you can see over 4,000 works by Pablo Picasso. You can admire some of the artist's most important works, including "Science and Charity" and "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon".
The museum has free admission on the:
first Sunday of every month,
11th February,
18th May,
24th September
From 1st November to 30th April on Thursdays, from 4:00PM to 7:00 PM,
From 2nd May to 31st October, on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, from 7:00 PM to 9:00PM
Prior reservation is required for free admission. Picasso Museum also offers free online admissions on Mondays from 10:00 AM. However, there are many people wanting to attend, so you have to check for the tickets regularly.
Photo: Picasso Museum Barcelona
2. Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya is located on Montjuïc Hill and has a beautiful view everyone should see. The museum's collection spans over a thousand years of art.
Museum is free to visit:
Every Saturday from 3:00PM,
Every first Sunday of the month.
People under 16 and or over 65 also have free admission.
Keep in mind that, basic admission ticket without a guide, costs €2. This might be feasible if you only need access to the rooftop and the building.
Visitors can see some of the most iconic works of Catalan art here, including the frescoes from the Romanesque church of Sant Climent de Taüll and the Gothic altarpiece by Jaume Huguet. The museum also has an impressive collection of modern art, including works by Joan Miró and Antoni Tàpies.
Photo: Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya
3. Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona
Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona is located in the El Raval neighborhood. Here you can see a range of contemporary art exhibitions, concerts, films, and lectures.
CCCB is free:
On Sundays from 15:00 to 20:00,
On International Museums Day,
Night of Museums,
festivals of Santa Eulàlia,
La Mercè.
Reserve your spot online before visiting.
People who are under 12, have certified disabilities, are unemployed, or are accredited journalists can also visit for free.
The center has a focus on urban culture and society and explores issues such as the environment, urbanism, and technology. If you're interested in those topics, this museum is for you.
Photo: Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona
4. Museu Frederic Marès
Museu Frederic Marès is located in the Gothic Quarter and this museum's collection includes over 70,000 objects, including sculptures, furniture, and religious art.
The museum has a free admission:
On the first Saturday of every month,
Every Sunday from 3:00 PM.
People who own a BCN card or are under 16 can also enter for free.
Visitors in Frederic Marès Museum can see some of the most important works of the sculptor and collector Frederic Marès, including "Equestrian Monument to General Prim" and "The Passion of Christ". The museum also has a sculpture garden with works by Marès and other artists. One of the must-sees of Barcelona!
Photo: Museu Frederic Marès
5. La Virreina
La Virreina is located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter and is a cultural center that hosts a range of exhibitions, events, and cultural activities, including visual arts, music, theatre, and dance.
The center is a great place to visit for those interested in contemporary art and culture.
La Virreina has free admission to all of its exhibitions and events.
Visitors can see a range of paintings, sculptures, and installation art, as well as multimedia works and performances.
Photo: La Virreina
6. The Santa Monica Arts Centre
The Santa Monica Arts Centre is located in the Raval neighbourhood and is housed in a former convent that has been transformed into a cultural centre. The centre displays a range of exhibitions and events, including visual arts, music, theatre, and dance.
The museum has free admission every day. You can also book a virtual visit and explore the centre without leaving your home.
Photo: The Santa Monica Arts Centre
7. Museu de la Música
Museu de la Música is located within the Auditori de Barcelona in the Eixample district. The museum houses a collection of over 500 musical instruments and is a must-visit for music lovers!
The museum is free to visit:
First Sunday of every month,
Every Sunday from 3:00PM,
Every Thursday from 6:00PM to 9:00PM.
Children under 16, tourist guides, teachers and journalists can visit the museum for free.
In the Museum of Music, you can also explore temporary exhibitions, workshops, and live concerts hosted at the museum. You can admire ancient pianos, violins, and lutes and see how they changed over the years.
Photo: Museu de la Música
8. Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona
The Museum of Natural Sciences is located in Parc del Fòrum. It gives visitors an in-depth look at natural history, biodiversity, and the evolution of life. The museum’s permanent collection includes fossils, minerals, and an incredible range of flora and fauna.
Museum is free to visit:
Every Sunday from 3:00 PM onwards.
The first Sunday of every month, all day.
Visitors under 16 and those who have a BCN card can also visit for free.
Notable sections of Museum of Natural Sciences include a fascinating geological collection, a room dedicated to marine ecosystems, and detailed exhibits on the natural landscapes of Catalonia. A special highlight is the museum’s Dinosaur Room, with life-size reconstructions and fossils.
Photo: Museum of Natural Sciences of Barcelona
9. Museu del Disseny de Barcelona
The Design Museum of Barcelona is located in the modern DHUB building in the Plaça de les Glòries area. This museum showcases a vast collection of design objects, focusing on graphic design, fashion, decorative arts, and industrial design.
Museum is free to visit:
Every Sunday afternoon, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM,
The first Sunday of every month,
February 11 (Saint Eulàlia’s Day),
September 24 (La Mercè).
The museum's collection spans from historical decorative pieces to contemporary design, and features iconic works by Catalan designers. Highlights include exhibits on graphic design, fashion evolution, and furniture design. Temporary exhibitions often explore cutting-edge themes in sustainability and innovation in design.
Photo: Museu del Disseny de Barcelona
10. Museu d'Història de Barcelona
The Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA) is located in the Gothic Quarter. The museum's underground archaeological site allows visitors to walk through ancient Roman streets and explore the city’s history in an immersive way.
Museum is free to visit:
First Sunday of the month from 10:00AM to 2:00PM,
Third Sunday of the month from 10:00AM to 2:00PM.
Visitors can explore the Roman Forum, ancient baths, and city walls, as well as enjoy exhibitions that showcase the evolution of Barcelona's architecture, culture, and society through the centuries.
Photo: Museu d'Història de Barcelona
Barcelona is home to an array of free museums, providing locals and visitors with the opportunity to explore the city's rich cultural heritage without having to spend a penny. Whether you're interested in art, history, or contemporary culture, these eight museums are a must-visit.
