Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art or Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) Comparison

Exterior view at Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art

Barcelona ain’t no shrinking violet when it comes to great art. This, after all, is a city that nurtured the work of Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso, all of whom are of course well represented in the city’s galleries and museums. But you need only wander the atmospheric streets to catch a glimpse of the good stuff, from edgy Poblenou street art to the eye-popping Gaudí architecture that characterizes Eixample and its most celebrated building, the mighty Sagrada Família. Aficionados of fine art will likely also have the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art and Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya on their lists. But what does each have to offer? We take a close-up look in our MACBA vs MNAC comparison. Read on for the gen…

Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art: The Lowdown

Basquiat piece on display at MACBA
Image: MACBA

Vital Statistics: Opened in 1995, MACBA is Barcelona’s premier museum of contemporary art, a great white sugar cube of a building located in El Raval neighborhood, a few blocks from the fabulous Gothic Quarter. The permanent collection of 5,000 works is exhibited across 45,000 square feet of gallery space, attracting over 300,000 visitors every year.

MACBA in Brief: Aficionados of post-war art, particularly of the Spanish and Catalan variety, will find much to admire at the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art. Here’s where you can ogle iconic pieces by the likes of Picasso, Joan Miró and Juan Muñoz across several themed zones, as well as taking in rotating exhibitions celebrating experimental works by established and emerging international artists like Alexander Calder, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and the Guerrilla Girls. The MACBA building is something of a contemporary art icon itself; a modern, minimal Richard Meir-designed space with white walls, clean lines and plenty of natural light, that allows the artworks to speak for themselves. Don’t miss the striking central courtyard and the skateboarders out front, who are as much a part of the furniture here as the eye-popping art inside.

Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya: The Lowdown

The Palau Nacional, home to the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya

Vital Statistics: An extraordinary collection spanning some 1,000 years of Catalan art, MNAC has been operating since 1934 here at the Palau Nacional, an Italianate confection high on Montjuïc hill that's almost as spectacular as the 300,000-strong collection it houses. At 113,000 square feet, it’s well over twice the size of MACBA, and pulls in close to a million annual visitors.

MNAC in Brief: The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (aka the National Art Museum of Catalonia; aka MNAC) is perhaps the planet’s best museum if you’re in the market for an overview of Catalan art across the centuries. We’re talking everything from thousand-year-old Romanesque church murals to medieval Gothic art, Baroque and Renaissance masterpieces, and works from the likes of Titian, Canaletto, Velázquez, Gaudí and more. Again, the building housing the collection only adds to the appeal, with a central dome inspired by St Peter's Basilica and a quartet of towers that nod to the architecture of Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.

MACBA: Highlights & What to Expect

Visitors admiring the art at MACBA
Image: MACBA

The gallery spaces at MACBA really allow the art to shine, and it’s rarely so busy that you’re trying to glimpse that elusive Miró masterpiece over a sea of heads. The collection is also helpfully arranged into zones covering three distinct periods of modern art: the forties to the sixties, the sixties and seventies, and the contemporary period. The focus here is primarily on post-1945 Catalan and Spanish art, although some international artists are also represented, especially at rotating exhibitions which are well advertised on the official museum website. Highlights of the permanent collection include:

  • Joan Miró’s ‘Oiseau’ sculptures are something of a centerpiece of MACBA: a mind-boggling collection of stylized heads, birds and other characters in bronze and terracotta.

  • ‘Sterno’ is a celebrated 1985 piece by Neo-expressionist artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. His homage to Afro-American cultural heroes features the intense brushstrokes and voodoo images that characterize his work.

  • Spanish artist Ignasi Aballí pushes the boundaries of contemporary art with an approach that uses multiple layers of varnish and correction fluid to ‘suggest the presence of a painting rather than show the painting directly’. ‘Gran Error’ (‘Big Mistake’) is a thought-provoking case in point.

Pro-tip: entry to MACBA is free after 4PM on Saturdays. You can also save money on entry with a Barcelona pass from Go City, which includes access to MACBA and many more attractions, activities and tours around the city, including Gaudí’s Casa Batlló, a guided tour of the Sagrada Família, and more. Find out more about the pass and buy yours here.

Skateboarder outside the minimalist MACBA building

MNAC: Highlights & What to Expect 

There’s plenty more to see inside once you’re done gazing in awe at the soaring domes and Romanesque towers of the Palau Nacional’s stunning exterior – as well as the sweeping city views from atop Montjuïc hill. Weekday mornings are generally the best time to visit, especially outside of the summer season, when you’re far more likely to get to view the collection’s highlights unimpeded by fellow tourists. And oh, what highlights await within, such as…

  • The Romanesque collection is perhaps the best and most important on the planet, an absolute treasure trove of Catalonian religious art from the 11th and 12th centuries, taking in frescoes, murals, stone carvings, intricately detailed wood panels and more. If you only see one piece, make it the ‘Apse of Sant Climent de Taull’, a colorful wall mural by the Master of Taull, one of 12th-century Europe’s absolute legends of Romanesque art. A key influence on Picasso, it’s quite the sight, and has been lovingly transferred onto a replica of its original apse at MNAC, for maximum authenticity.
  • It may not look very comfortable, but Gaudí’s double sofa is a fine example of his lesser-spotted interior design work. Made for his Casa Batlló, it eschews right angles and straight lines in favor of ascending to the status of design icon. It’s displayed with the Modern Art Collection, alongside classical sculpture by Damià Campeny, landscape paintings by Joaquim Vayreda and much more.
  • The Mural paintings of the Conquest of Majorca is effectively the Catalan Bayeux Tapestry, and its series of frescoes representing the titular 13th-century conquest dominates the museum’s Gothic art section. Not to be missed.

Pro-tip: admission to MNAC is free after 3PM on Saturdays and on the first Sunday of each month. You can book tickets for these as well as paid entry slots here.

Save on Attractions, Tours and Activities in Barcelona

Save money on Barcelona attractions, tours and activities with a pass from Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.

Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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Neighborhoods in Barcelona

Visiting Barcelona and want a deeper dive in to the city's many neighborhoods? You've come to the right place. Here, we're running down the best neighborhoods in Barcelona; what makes them tick, what to look out for, and the reasons you should visit! Including: Gràcia El Born Raval Poble-Sec Eixample and more!   Gràcia If you're looking for Barcelona's equivalent to your cool, hip, boho-chic neighborhoods around the world, then Gràcia's your spot. The good news is that it's also a friendly, family-orientated district, if you're bringing the little ones along! Throughout its many winding pedestrian streets, you'll find bars and restaurants galore, where you can pick up a refreshing beverage or some tapas nibbles if you're between attractions. Gràcia is also one of the city's most multicultural areas, so you'll come across all sorts of cuisine, from Italian to American. If you want to pick up any keepsakes or souvenirs, there are a wealth of chic stalls selling pretty much anything you can imagine. And, when the sun goes down, you'll find a brilliant bar scene backed by live performances and good vibes. And culture seekers must absolutely go out and see La Pedrera. If all that sounds like your ideal vacation destination, then Gràcia's one of the best neighborhoods in Barcelona!   El Born This classy area used to be the haunt of the rich upper class in Barcelona back in the day. Now, it's transformed into a trendy neighborhood that hides some of Barcelona's coolest places. It's no wonder, then, that you'll find the appropriately hip Moco Museum in the area. This modern art marvel houses excellent installations and fantastic street art from the likes of Banksy, so it's well worth a visit if you like your art modern and your mind blown! As for amenities, you'll find plenty of hip coffee shops, boutiques, and independent art galleries, if you're in the market for anything specific. And the night life is pretty lively too, so it's a great place to stay until the early hours!   Poblenou Poblenou has one of the most fascinating contrasts in the entire city, thanks to the traditional lower part of the district juxtaposed with the popular, gentrified areas higher up. The latter is about as close as Barcelona gets to their own Silicon Valley, so expect plenty of craft beer pubs, tech startups, and probably some hats and beards. It can be remarkable to walk through both and see the shift as old makes way for new. Plus, the influx of new blood does have its perks. Brunch is a big deal in Poblenou now, and you'll find plenty of places to express your inner brunchy self as you wander the streets.   Raval Raval has a rather colorful history as a den of miscreants and never-do-wells. Think of it as an old-timey pirate district of old. Raval has done much to brush up its image in the decades and centuries since, but if you want to know more about its gritty past, take a walking tour and learn all about it! Nowadays, Raval's cleaner image makes it no less of an exciting neighborhood to visit in Barcelona! The barrio is the hangout of street artists and skaters, so expect to see plenty of graffiti and hear heaps of hippidy hop. It's also somewhat of a cultural hub, thanks to the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (or MACBA) and the Center of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona. On top of all that, you'll find plenty of delightful cafes, bars, and trendy bars to enjoy when the sun goes down. Or while it's still up, because hey, you're on vacation after all.   Sant Antoni This charming neighborhood is named after the famed Sant Antoni Market, which takes center stage in the district. Locals travel from all over the city to sample its food and book offerings, so if you're in the area, why not go and see what all the fuss is about? The market might be the neighborhood's biggest draw, but there's plenty more going on too. Keen eyes and keener explorers will discover quirky cafes, beer-soaked bars, and some hidden gem restaurants with national and international cuisine on offer.   Poble-Sec Poble-Sec is one of Barcelona's most picturesque neighborhoods, thanks to the massive gardens that sit beneath Montjuic Hill. The surrounding residential areas offer the perfect mix of entertainment and entertainment too, thanks to the juxtaposition between the calm Montjuic Park and the bustling theater scene just a stone's throw away. Exploring the streets, you'll find plenty of bars and restaurants to park your buns and refuel, including some expat-owned joints that may cater to your sensibilities if you miss a little slice of home. Many will come for the joys of Montjuic Park, though, and choose to ride the cable car up to the castle. However, a lesser-known site is right nearby. Poble Espanyol is a recreation of Barcelona's streets, town squares, and residences throughout the centuries, all built beside one another. One minute you'll be crossing a medieval town square; the next, you'll wander down a 19th-century lane. It's truly a site to behold, and well worth a visit in you're in the area!   Gothic Quarter The Gothic Quarter, or Barri Gòtic, is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. Remnants of the ancient Roman occupiers remain, alongside medieval buildings and other timeless sights. The whole district oozes an authentic atmosphere you won't find anywhere else in the city. Local pubs and cafes are tucked into nooks and crannies within its maze of untamed cobbled streets. But you won't get stares or odd looks here; it's one of the most welcoming places you'll find. Sightseers will find plenty to snap, party-goers will find plenty to enjoy, and savvy shoppers will find many a deal to be done.   Eixample And finally, we'll end things with Eixample. Full of elegance, opulence, and extravagance, if you're looking for premium designer brands on the pricier side of the shopping aisle, you'll feel right at home in Eixample. Arguably the hub of the LGBTQ community in the city, you'll find a diverse population from all walks of life. You'll find plenty of LGBTQ bars, hostels, and clubs where you can dance the night away, as well as fancy eateries if you need some sustenance before busting a move on the dancefloor. Culturally, you'll find one of the great Gaudí's works here - Casa Batlló. It's an absolute must-visit for any fans of architecture, photo opportunities, or a passing curiosity about the weird and wonderful. And that concludes our guide on neighborhoods in Barcelona!
Dom Bewley
quirky barcelona
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Quirky Things to do in Barcelona

Are you a bit different from others? Do you lean on the eccentric side? You're welcome here, friend. Gather round, and we'll tell you exactly you can unleash the quirky beast inside you. Barcelona, of course! If you're looking for fun things to do in the Catalan capital that err on the strange side, then you've come to the right place. Here, we'll let you know which are our favorite quirky things to do in Barcelona! Including: Moco Museum Barcelona Segway tour Gaudí Experiència 4D Museum of Illusions and Big Fun Museum Escape Hunt Barcelona and more!   Moco Mayhem Let's kick off our quirky escapades with some leftfield artworks! At the Moco Museum Barcelona, you can find weird and wonderful works from artists past and present. You'll find this modern art marvel at a rather historic place, as it's located in Palacio Cervelló - the former residence of the noble Cervelló family. But step inside its history-soaked walls, and you'll be transported to a world of experimental art, mind-boggling displays, and works that challenge your beliefs and ideology. Soak up pieces from the likes of Banksy, Dali, Warhol, and LaChapelle, which take center stage beside other brilliant works from lesser-known artists.   Segway Sliding Say what you want about Segways, but they're nothing if not quirky. So, why not take one for a spin and let your quirky side shine at Parc de la Ciutadella with a guided tour on two wheels? And don't worry if you're not a Segway pro; every attendee gets a brief introduction to the art of zooming before you set off around the park, soaking up the beautiful green space and seeing the sights. Highlights of the tour include Barcelona zoo, the park's Cascada fountain, and the city's own Arc de Triomf. But really, the star of the show is you, aboard your own personal electronic chariot, embracing your quirky ancestors in all your glory. Easily one of the most quirky things to do in Barcelona, so put your silliest sunglasses on and get to it!   4D Fun If you're visiting Barcelona, you probably have some idea who Gaudí is. For those who don't, let's do a quick recap: one of the world's most famous architects, worked almost exclusively in Barcelona (his hometown), and you'll see his weird and wonderful creations everywhere. There, lesson over. Gaudí's been gone for nearly 100 years at this point, so for the past century, all you could really do was visit his exquisite buildings to get a better idea of the man himself. But not anymore, because now, you can revisit the man, the legend, and his many works in four dimensions! At the Gaudí Experience 4D, you'll get hands-on with digital interpretations of his work, and then plant your bum in a cinema seat as you're transported into his mind. Learn how the world shaped his creations as your seat moves and you feel the wind in your face. It's a truly breathtaking experience, and one we'd highly recommend even if you know nothing about him.   Illusions and confusion What's better than entering one weird and wonderful museum? Well, that would be entering two for the same price! And that deal can be yours if you head to the Museum of Illusions and the adjoining Big Fun Museum! These perspective-defying museums are easily one of the most quirky things to do in Barcelona. At the Big Fun Museum, you'll be shrunk to the size of an ant as you explore the Giant's House. As the name would suggest, everything is comically large, including a shoe, and giant-sized donuts. Very cool. At the Museum of Illusions, you'll walk through 3D paintings by some of Barcelona's most prominent painters. You may feel you can reach out and touch elements of the display, but it's an illusion. You can touch nothing. Look out for dinosaurs, spaceships, and other weird and wonderful things as you fumble your way through this fantastic museum. Great for kids (and bigger kids).   Escape for your life What could be quirkier than being stuck in a room, time ticking away, as you attempt to solve riddles, find clues, and escape? Nothing, really, which is why we owe it to ourselves to include Escape Hunt Barcelona on our list of quirky things to do in Barcelona! This massive escape complex can fit up to 34 people inside (across the facility's 6 rooms), so if you're somehow traveling with nearly three-dozen people, it's the perfect place to get quirky. If you're feeling daring, you can even challenge another team in another room to see who will escape first. And, with stories including Gaudi, Vampiresses, and thieves schools, you're more than likely to have a wail of a time.   Crypt compadres And finally, let's end this list on something a little different. This one's on the macabre side, but we'd still color it quirky. Venture just outside of the city to Colonia Güell, and you'll find a strange village with a secret. Not only is this weird and wonderful throwback founded by the very same Eusebio Güell, responsible for the eponymous Park Güell, but it's also the final resting place of the late, great Gaudi himself, whose works are all over the park! Created back in the late 1800s, Colonia Güell is something of an oddity itself. It's an entirely manufactured town, built by Güell and a hoard of architects with modernism in mind. Then, once you've explored this megalithic art piece slash town, head down to Gaudi's tomb, which is a work of art in itself. Made up of anti-geometric shapes and vibrant colors, Gaudi professed it would have been a monument dedicated to Sagrada Familia, if he'd lived long enough to see it complete. And that's our list of the most quirky things to do in Barcelona! Looking for more fun things to fill your vacation days in the city? Stretch your legs and your mind with Barcelona's best walking tours. Want to soak up some sun, lounge in some sand by the sea, and take a load off? Browse the city's best beaches. Need a bite to eat, or some fresh food in a pinch? Head to one of Barcelona's excellent markets.
Dom Bewley

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