Discover Barcelona’s Free Museum Days For Budget Friendly Art Exploration

Barcelona is a city rich in culture, art, and history, and the best part is that you can experience a lot of it for free if you time your visit right. Many of the city’s top museums offer free entry on Sundays, making it a perfect day for budget-conscious tourists, digital nomads, and temporary residents to explore. Here’s a handy guide to the best museums in Barcelona that you can visit for free on specific days.

1. National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC)

Location: Montjuïc Hill

Perched on Montjuïc Hill, the MNAC is renowned for its impressive collection of Catalan art, ranging from Romanesque church paintings to modernist works. The museum offers free entry on Saturdays after 3 PM and the first Sunday of each month all day. Be sure to arrive early, as it gets busy. You can also enjoy the stunning views of the city from the museum steps.

2. Museum of Music

Location: L’Auditori, Carrer de Lepant, 150

The Museum of Music offers a fascinating journey through the history of musical instruments and traditions from around the world. Free entry is available on the first Sunday of each month all day and every Sunday after 3 PM. It’s a lesser-known gem that’s perfect for music lovers and those looking to explore a unique aspect of cultural heritage.

3. Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA)

Location: Plaça del Rei

MUHBA provides a deep dive into the city’s rich history, with archaeological sites and exhibits spread across several locations. The MUHBA forms part of a group of essential museums that put Barcelona in historical context, including Bunker 307, Park Güell, and the Temple of August. The main site at Plaça del Rei is free on Sundays after 3 PM and all day on the first Sunday of each month. Explore ancient Roman ruins and learn about Barcelona’s evolution through the centuries.

4. Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Culture (CCCB)

Location: El Raval, Carrer de Montalegre, 5

The CCCB has something for everyone: from art installations, round table discussions, activities and workshops especially for kids, cinema, interactive exhibitions, and more.

Admission is free every Sunday after 3 pm but tickets must be reserved in advance. Free tickets become available every Wednesday for the upcoming Sunday and go fast, so be sure to book yours.

5. Picasso Museum

Location: Ciutat Vella, Carrer de Montcada, 15-23

Located in the Gothic Quarter, the Picasso Museum is home to one of the most extensive collections of Picasso’s works, this museum is free every Sunday after 5 PM and all day on the first Sunday of each month. It’s a popular spot, so arrive early to avoid long queues and make the most of your visit to see Picasso’s early works and his evolution as an artist.

6. Museu Frederic Marès

Location: Gothic Quarter, Plaça Sant Iu, 5

The sculptor, artist and collector Frederic Marès donated his entire collection to the city, resulting in this beautiful museum tucked away in a section of the city’s Royal Palace. Entrance is free on the first Sunday of the month from 11 am to 8 pm and every Sunday from 3 pm onwards. 

It’s a hidden gem filled with a wide variety of artifacts, from medieval sculptures to everyday objects of the 19th century.

7. Design Museum of Barcelona

Location: Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes, 37-38

The Design Museum celebrates creativity with exhibits on fashion, graphic design, decorative arts, and more. This modern museum in Barcelona’s tech district explores different areas of the world of design and offers a journey into the aesthetics of every day life, from fashion, furniture, advertising and graphic art, textiles, and more.

Free entry is offered on Sundays after 3 PM and on the first Sunday of each month all day. The museum’s modern architecture is also worth a visit.

8. Maritime Museum (MMB)

Location: Av. de les Drassanes

Learn about the important role the sea has played in making Barcelona the city it is today. Housed in the historic Drassanes Reials, the Maritime Museum offers a fascinating look at Barcelona’s seafaring history. Free entry is available every Sunday after 3 PM. The museum’s impressive collection of ship models, maps, and maritime artifacts provides a unique insight into the city’s connection to the sea.

9. Museum of Natural Sciences

Location: Parc del Fòrum, Plaza Leonardo da Vinci, 4-5

Located in the Parc del Fòrum, the Museum of Natural Sciences features exhibits on the natural world, from geology to biodiversity. Free entry is available on Sundays after 3 PM and all day on the first Sunday of each month. It’s a great spot for families and nature enthusiasts.

10. Montjuïc Castle

Location: Montjuïc Hill

Dating back to 1640, this historic fortress offers panoramic views of Barcelona and a peek into the city’s military past. Montjuïc Castle is free to visit on Sundays after 3 PM and all day on the first Sunday of each month. Take a leisurely walk around the castle grounds and enjoy the scenic views.

Other Museums Free on Sundays:

• Ethnological Museum and Museum of Cultures of the World
• Botanical Garden of Barcelona
• El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria
• Museu Blau (Blue Museum)

Exploring Barcelona’s museums on Sundays is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural landscape without spending a dime. So mark your calendar, plan your route, and enjoy a culturally enriching Sunday in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities!

And if you’re looking to explore more of Barcelona without breaking the bank, check out our article with 7 free things to do in Barcelona.