FREE ENTRY to the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC)

Going to Spain? Here's a handy tip — the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya in Barcelona offers FREE admission at certain times, so it's worth planning a visit if you're staying on the Costa Brava or Costa Dorada and making a day trip to Barcelona.

Getting there: take the metro to Plaça d'Espanya. You’ll immediately spot the Venetian towers, the round mirador and the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. The museum itself sits in the grand Palau Nacional at the foot of Montjuïc hill.

Timing tip: allow an extra 20-30 minutes for photos on the way to the entrance.

Free entry: Saturdays from 15:00 are free for everyone, and the first Sunday of each month (plus other open-door days) also offers free admission.

How to secure a free ticket: book online in advance on the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya website, select date and time and show the QR code on arrival — no need to print.

What to see: the collection includes major works by Rubens, Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Cranach, El Greco, Carracci, Tiepolo, Tintoretto and more. If you’ve limited time, head straight to the Renaissance and Baroque rooms — highlights include Rubens’ Madonnas (c.1615), Velázquez’s Saint Paul (1619) and other key works. There’s also a modern art section with some Picasso pieces. Don’t miss the striking Oval Hall — there’s a café there, perfect for a coffee and a pastry after your visit. The museum provides free Wi-Fi and public toilets.

Summer opening hours (May-September):

• Tue–Sat: 10:00-20:00
• Sun & public holidays: 10:00-15:00
• Closed on Mondays (except public holidays), and also on 1 Jan, 1 May and 25 Dec.

Tickets & pricing (approximate):

• Standard ticket: €12 (valid for two days, within one month of purchase).
• Roof access (Palau Nacional): €2.
• Audio guide: €3.50.
• Free entry for under-16s; concessions and special rates (check the site for up-to-date rules).

Practical tip: if you plan to visit on a Sunday, go early. If you have no strong preferences, start in the Renaissance & Baroque rooms — they contain some of the museum’s most memorable pieces.

Official site: museunacional.cat