Tips & Information:
During high-season (and in general) buy your tickets in advance online Plan around 3 hours to visit the whole museums (It is one of the largest museums in Spain) Has a significant collection of romanesque church paintings
The museum's collection is mainly made by the acquisition of local pieces and later complemented by donations and acquisitions from private galleries.
Within this museum there is:
Lots of romanesque murals and Gothic retables received from Antonio Gallardo Ballart A Gothic collection with pieces from the "Crown of Aragon" A Collection of modern art dedicated to art produced during the period of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) Masterpieces from the masters of the Spanish Golden Age (José de Ribera, Diego Velázquez, Francisco de Zurbarán, ...) Paintings and sculptures spanning European art from the Gothic to the rococo period (Fra Angelico, Pietro da Rimini, Taddeo Gaddi, Petrus Paulus Rubens, ...) A modern art collection with pieces from Marià Fortuny, Claudi Lorenzale, Lluís Rigalt
Some keys pieces are:
The "Apse of Sant Climent de Taüll" by "Master of Tahull" The Arlanza gryphon, from the "Benedictine monastery of San Pedro de Arlanza" The romanesque altar "Altar frontal from La Seu d'Urgell or of The Apostles" The "Batlló Majesty", a large 12th-century Romanesque wooden crucifix The "Head of Christ", a scluptur from Jaume Cascalls the "The Consecration of Saint Augustine" painting by Jaume Huguet The "Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew" by José de Ribera, known as Lo Spagnoletto. The "The Martyrdom of Saint Cucuphas" by Ayne Bru "Saint Peter and Saint Paul" painting from Dominikos Theotokopoulos known as "El Greco". "Ramon Casas and Pere Romeu on a Tandem" by Ramon...
Read moreThe Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) in Barcelona is renowned for its extensive collection that reflects the rich history and cultural heritage of Catalonia. Here is an overview of its historical significance and main cultural events:
History: Establishment: The museum was established in 1934 and is located in the Palau Nacional, a grand building on Montjuïc hill constructed for the 1929 International Exhibition. Collections: MNAC holds a wide array of artworks, including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and modern art, showcasing Catalonia's artistic evolution over centuries. Romanesque Collection: It is particularly famous for its Romanesque frescoes, brought from various churches in Catalonia to preserve these remarkable pieces of medieval art.
Main Cultural Events: Temporary Exhibitions: The museum hosts numerous temporary exhibitions featuring national and international artists, providing insights into different artistic movements and themes. Educational Programs: MNAC offers workshops, lectures, and guided tours designed to educate visitors, making art accessible and engaging for all ages. Special Events: Throughout the year, the museum organizes cultural events such as concerts, performances, and film screenings in collaboration with local artists and institutions.
Visiting the MNAC offers a comprehensive view of Catalonia's diverse art history while engaging with ongoing cultural initiatives. Feel free to ask if you need more information about specific...
Read moreIf you're looking for something to do or a place to visit, you need to go to the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. Not only is the architecture on the outside absolutely breaktaking, but you'll be astonished by the view of the city from the outside entrance. If you're there in time, I'd highly encourage watching the sunset on the steps of the museum. Everything from the outside to the inside is visually intriguing at every turn. If you arrive at the bottom, there are escalators that can take you up if you don't want to take the stairs. You can also get dropped off at the top closer to the entrance if you're unable to do either option.
The inside does not have air conditioning, but all of the exhibits have it. The tickets are valid for 2 days after purchase, so don't feel like you have to explore the entire museum in one day. There may not seem like a lot on the inside to explore, but once you enter the exhibits, you'll find there's plenty of art to stroll through. Once you enter an exhibit, you either have to leave through where you entered or walk through the entire exhibit to exit. There are not multiple entry points, but they do have bathrooms in the exhibits. There's a gift shop and cafe inside of the museum. If you need a meal or a drink in the middle of exploring, you can rest and take a break.
The art displayed was absolutely stunning. From paintings, currency, furniture, to sculptures, there's plenty of variety to look through and enjoy. You can buy tickets at the entrance fairly easy, but I'd recommend buying...
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