Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Unrestrained energy is nourished here by the hot sun and warm sea, it draws you into a crazy cycle of beauty, history, gastronomy and art. Gaudi and Picasso, Miro and Dali created their masterpieces here. Therefore, once in Barcelona, it is completely unthinkable not to visit the National Museum of Art of Catalonia.
This is one of the main attractions of the city, a historical and cultural object. It is worth visiting it not only for the sake of familiarizing with the beautiful, but also in order to enjoy the beautiful view of Barcelona from the mountain.
History of occurrence
In 1990, two collections belonging to the Museum of Art of Catalonia and the Museum of Modern Art were merged. As a result, the so-called consortium arose - an organizational form of a special kind. Two independent enterprises, and in this case a museum, came together to centrally coordinate their business activities. At the moment, the National Museum of Art of Catalonia is located in the National Palace at the foot of Montjuic. It was built for other purposes - the holding of the World Exhibition in 1929, work was carried out from 1926 to 1929. The total area of the impressive complex is 30 thousand square meters. m. Style of construction - Spanish Renaissance.
Romanesque collection
The collection of objects of the Romanesque style, or, in other words, romance, is one of the most complete and best in the world, representing a real national pride. Of particular interest are the ancient frescoes that were once brought from the churches and monasteries lost in the Pyrenees. After a long restoration, they again delight the visitors. The same exposition presents painting on wood and sculptures, whose age is estimated at centuries.
Gothic collection
Surely the National Museum of Art of Catalonia will impress you with an impressive collection of the Gothic period. There is an opportunity to look at the unique religious panels made of wood dating from the 13-15th century. However, the core and pearl of the collection is easel Catalan painting, as well as sculpture. It is represented by several works by famous artists: Bernat Martorell (“Altar of St. John”), Luis Dalmau (“Madonna on the Throne”), Jaime Uge (“Adoration of the Magi”).
Baroque and Renaissance collection
Of the three designated collections, this one is represented most modestly. This is due to the fact that during this time period the importance of the region was not so high. Nevertheless, the National Museum of Art of Catalonia will give you the opportunity to enjoy works of art of the 16-18 centuries, not only Catalan, but also Italian and French, early Dutch painting. The collection includes works by Diego Velazquez, El Greco, Titian, Francisco de Zurbaran, Rubens. Most of the paintings were here as a result of donations from private collectors. Separate halls are allotted to demonstrate world masterpieces.
Modern art collection
The unique and unique Catalan modernism, contemporary art - this is what the National Museum of Art of Catalonia can be proud of. The works of Pablo Picasso, Ramon Casas, Joan Brul, Antonio Gaudi, Joan Miró and many others. The exhibition includes paintings, furnishings, sculptures, photographs, etc. for the time period from the beginning of the twentieth century and up to 50-60 years.
In addition, the museum has its own collection of prints, drawings, posters, including Art Nouveau. An impressive exposition of medals and coins can be seen in the numismatic hall. It reflects the history of the development of the Catalan currency, starting from the Greek era and ending today.
National Museum of Art of Catalonia: how to get there?
So, once in Barcelona, be sure to include the National Museum in your “historical and cultural” route, especially since getting to it is not at all difficult from anywhere in the city. Good transport links are one of its advantages. Barcelona, like threads, is stitched with underground metro lines, which greatly simplifies the situation. Upon reaching Pl. Espanya along the lines L1, L3, L8 or S4, S8, S33, it remains only to climb a little uphill to the towering majestic building.
Opening hours and ticket prices
When choosing what to see in Barcelona, always plan your trip budget carefully. It will not be superfluous to know in advance not only the price of tickets, but also the opening hours of a museum or exhibition. So you can more rationally plan your route and time. The National Museum in Barcelona, like many others, operates according to two schedules: winter (October-April) and summer (May-September). In the first case, it is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to six in the evening. In the summer, the working day is extended by two hours, that is, until 20:00. The National Museum in Barcelona is closed on Monday. Hours are reduced by three hours on holidays and Sunday.
The ticket office closes half an hour before closing. Cost varies. A ticket for adults costs 12 euros, for an audio guide and the opportunity to climb onto the panoramic terrace, you need to pay 3.5 and 3 euros, respectively.
The museum regularly holds something like an action and makes it possible for everyone to get to their exhibitions absolutely free. Entrance does not need to be paid on Saturdays (from three in the afternoon), on the first Sunday of the month and on holidays (September 11 and 24, February 12, May 18).
National Museum of Art of Catalonia: reviews of tourists
Barcelona is a favorite tourist destination, and this is not surprising. The city combines everything that is needed for an eventful rest and pleasant pastime: restaurants and clubs, the sea and a hot climate, monuments of ancient architecture and modern art, historical places, museums, exhibitions, galleries, etc.
It is safe to say that the National Museum is one of the most visited places. Guests of the city speak about him exclusively from a positive point of view.
Connoisseurs and connoisseurs of art are delighted with magnificent exhibits that will be interesting even to those who are not familiar with romance or modernism. The numismatic exhibition attracts attention and for a long time remains in memory.
Most reviews admire the amazing view that opens from the site, the museum itself and its territory with fountains and waterfalls, slender rows of cypress trees.
Of course, there is something to see in the old and modern metropolis at the same time. In Barcelona, there are a lot of various museums: from a private Egyptian collection to the national Spanish village, the houses of A. Gaudi and P. Picasso. But this place is worth a visit.