The Museu National d'Art de Cataluna is the main art museum in Barcelona, located near the bottom of the Montjuic hill on the Placa Espana side. You can walk easily enough from the Espana metro but it is uphill (you're basically starting your way up Montjuic hill) and there are a lot of stairs and (fortunately) escalators. The area around the gallery is very attractive and has good views of parts of the city. The museum's collection focuses on Spanish and Catalan Art, with the greatest strength arguably being in the mainly fresco-style art brought to the museum from churches of the Catalan Romanesque in the countryside north of Barcelona. They have built wooden mock-ups of the structures that were the frescos' original home so you can see, to the extent possible, how the art would have looked in its original space. (I have no idea how they got this art off the walls off their original homes and into the museum, which is a pretty impressive feat even from the technical point of view.) There is a lot of this stuff, and after a while everything starts to blend into everything else, but there is nevertheless a certain intensity which is impressive in its own right. There is also some non-fresco art, including a memorable (if gruesome) painting depicting the deaths of the saints, which is featured as an influence in Hiroshi Teshigahara's excellent film about Antonio Gaudi.The gothic medieval art doesn't quite make the same impression, but there are some good later pieces and then a very fast transition into the museum's collections of renaissance art, which is made up mainly of non-Catalan art, donations from thee Cambo bequest and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection (the latter's main collection is based in Madrid). These are a mixed bag but include a few characteristic Titians and Tintorettos as well as an equally characteristic El Greco.The museum's second floor is devoted entirely to Catalan art from about 1850 to 1950. I can't say I was blown away by anything in here but there are some pieces that are at least interesting. The annotations on these materials are quite bizarre, written throughout from some kind of Marxist-influenced perspective that tells you somewhat more about the author's politics than the art. This is unfortunate as this isn't really art that speaks for itself, yet it has interest and a good commentary would have been a significant addition to museum experience.The labelling and annotations are bilingual Catalan and Castillian throughout with English translations for some but not all of the annotations. Food options at the museum (including the outdoor terrace near the front entrance) are mediocre though sitting on the terrace with a coffee or a beer or a glass of wine is certainly a pleasant way to while away half an hour or so.
Worth visiting for location and stunning views. Modern art section was very well presented although few artists of world class merit. However, enjoyed the whole building. Ran out of steam so did not have the stamina to go around the medieval art which did look wonderful. The ticket allows 2 days entry so could go back.
The impressive water cascades and steps lead you up to a wonderful view of the city. Inside artworks range from beautifully presented church interiors to contemporary artworks including furniture.
I didn't go inside but the view from the terrace is a must see as is the fountain show at night. The only reason I didn't go inside was because the people I was with didn't want to.
Would recommend. Be sure to bring a girl or a friend, you will be very pleased to spend time in dvoem.
The walking/arriving at this museum is not for the faint of walking...it is quite a trip just getting to the museum itself (even using the many escalators they provide). However, if you just take your time and enjoy the views along the way, that is all part of the enjoyment. The building and grounds are exquisite. While the exhibits inside were tastefully done and interesting, the real enjoyment for us was the exterior of the building, the waterfalls, and the extraordinary views of Barcelona once you're up there.There were a few "scammers" that approached us for "donations" when we were sitting outside, but if you just tell them to go away, they do. We didn't feel they were dangerous, just annoying. This is common in any big city, just something to be aware of.
Outside this museum is a lively parc with escalators and stairs. Lovely fountains, great view to the city. Perfect place to be to enjoy the view.
Lovely museum full of works of art, sculptures & paintings. Proudly set atop the Montjuic hill. Providing spectacular views of Barcelona (Placa d'Espanya). In the same vicinity as the Fundacio Joan Miro, the Olympic Museum, etc...definitely a classic must see when you visit Barcelona.
We didnt have much time to Visit the Museum, but we did go there and took pictures. and trust me, every photo we clicked is WOW...!! You can see partial city from the top. Must Visit.