Every year, it is possible to visit museums for free in Barcelona. Indeed, during the Night of the museums, the public can visit several without charge.
The night of the museums for free in Barcelona
This year the Night of the museums is on May 14th.
For six hours, starting from 7 pm, you can enjoy free culture and entertainment in the Barcelona area: Barcelona, Badalona, Cornellà, Esplugues, L’Hospitalet, Sant Adrià, Sant Joan Despí and Santa Coloma.
75 centres will be open for free to share emotions and knowledge around art, science, and much more.
Permanent and temporary exhibitions will be available alongside activities for all ages like guided tours, workshops or games.
There will also be concerts, recitals, poetry, dance and theatre shows. A majority of them are specially designed for a memorable Night of the museums.
How to participate in the Night of the museums
To enjoy this event, you must first book your entry in advance on the website of the participating museum or centre you have chosen.
A lot of places offer the possibility to bring guests or to book multiple tickets. It is nice if you end up not going to cancel the tickets. It will allow other interested people to join in case the visit is fully booked. This happens a lot for popular places.
The full list of museums taking part in this initiative as well as the night’s program are available at the bottom of this page.
Suggestions
The Roman Walls
Last year, I discovered the Roman walls in the city, on a guided tour. A friend of mine invited me to join her. It was fascinating because the guide was pointing out some buildings that you would never guess had such a rich history but which you would pass by on your way about town.
The tour was in Catalan though. If you don’t understand it, bring a friend. Mine officiated as a translator for me. I was grateful for her help.
Last year, I also put the Palau Guell and the Monestir de Pedralbes on my wish list. If you have the opportunity, I strongly recommend you to visit those two locations.
Palau Guell
Palau Guell is a mansion designed by the architect Antoni Gaudí for the industrial tycoon Eusebi Güell in the nineteenth century. It is situated in the city center of Barcelona. You would never imagine from the outside that the interior is so magnificent. It is well worth the trip.
Monestir de Pedralbes
Although not in the city center, the Monestir de Pedralbes is nonetheless within Barcelona. This monastery is one of the best examples of Catalan Gothic Architecture. It was built in the fourteenth century but remains well preserved. I particularly like the sense of peace and serenity that the place exudes.
Those two buildings are incredibly beautiful in their way but, I believe, overshadowed by more famous structures like the Sagrada Familia, Casa Battló, and La Pedrera. This is your chance to experience them for free.
This year’s recommendations
This year, on my want list, I have the MNAC (Museo Nacional de Arte de Catalunya). This museum is famous for housing the world’s largest collection of Romanesque frescoes. After all these years living in Barcelona, I still have not been. I think it is about time I finally go.
The Museo del chocolate is cool. But isn’t everything involving chocolate?
The FC Barcelona museum is on the list for football fans or if you are curious about the place.
You can also visit the Modern Art Museum, one of my favourite museums in Barcelona.
Honestly, this night is an opportunity to see museums you might not visit habitually. So look over the list and get your pick!