The National Palace is one of Barcelona’s most striking and largest landmarks and stands on the northern slopes of Montjuïc hill, overlooking the prominent Placa Espanya square.

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Today, the palace houses the Catalan National Art Museum.

The monumental exhibition palace

The Palau Nacional was built in 1929 to mark the International Expo. It served as the main building alongside an extensive exhibition complex, which still serves its purpose today, with the individual buildings lining a wide boulevard leading towards Plaça d’Espanya.

The architects Eugenio Cendoya and Enric Cata drew inspiration from the Spanish Renaissance style for the building, which only added to its grandeur.

From the main entrance to the palace, there is a magnificent view of Barcelona.

Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya

Since 1934, the palace has been home to the most extensive art collection in Catalonia.

The museum is commonly referred to as the MNAC.

The collections focus primarily on Catalan and Spanish works and artists, and the museum is divided into several categories:

• Romanesque art
• Gothic art
• Renaissance and Baroque collections
• Modern art

Information on the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions can be found on the official website:museunacional.cat.

Admission and opening hours

Opening hours vary depending on the season. The museum is closed on Mondays throughout the year.

• October to April
  • Tuesday to Saturday: 10.00–18.00
  • Sundays and public holidays: 10.00–15.00
• May to September
  • Tuesday to Saturday: 10.00–20.00
  • Sundays and public holidays: 10.00–15.00

The ticket price is 12 eur.

Official website with online ticket sales:museunacional.cat/opening-hours-and-prices

How to get there

The nearest metro station on lines L1, L3 and L8, Placa d’Espanya, is about 450 metres from the museum, but it is an easy walk despite the difference in elevation.

This is because there are always escalators alongside the standard stairs.

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