The Archaeology Museum of Catalonia (Catalan: Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunya) boasts a collection of more than 50,000 objects that illustrate the region’s development from prehistoric times to the beginning of the Middle Ages.
Established in 1902, the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia is one of the oldest museums in Barcelona. Initially located in the Parc de la Ciutadella, since 1935, the museum has been housed in the Palau de les Arts Gràfics, a Neoclassical building on Montjuïc constructed for the Barcelona International Exposition of 1929.
Despite its age and focus on antiquity, the museum has kept up with modern technology. In addition to traditional displays of sculptures, glassware, ceramics, and fragments of masonry, the museum has invested in 3D headsets, which allow visitors to explore virtual reconstructions of ancient sites from around the region.
For example, if you’re planning to visit Tarragona, one of the most popular day trips from Barcelona, the 3D virtual tour of Tarraco would be an ideal introduction to the city’s main attractions.
Visiting the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia
Upon entering the museum, you will find the ticket counter to your left. From there, you can choose to start with the museum’s primary collection, which is organized in chronological order across a series of rooms that line the perimeter of the building. Alternatively, you can head straight to the temporary exhibitions, located in the centre of the museum and spread over three floors.
Unless you are already familiar with the history of Catalonia, I recommend starting with the permanent collection since it will help put the contents of the temporary exhibitions into context.
In addition to the museum on Montjuïc, the Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunya operates five other sites in the region, including another archaeological museum in Girona and the MAC Empuries archaeological site on the Costa Brava.
Time needed to visit the museum
You should allow about an hour and a half to visit the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia.
Information in English
Most information boards and displays are in Catalan, Spanish, and English, although some are labelled only in Catalan and Spanish. Free audioguides are available in multiple languages, including English.
Location
The Archaeology Museum of Catalonia is located on Montjuïc, near the MNAC and the Magic Fountain.
Address: Passeig de Santa Madrona, 39, Barcelona
Opening times
| Day | Opening times |
| Tuesday – Saturday | 09:30 – 19:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 – 14:30 |
*The museum remains closed on the following days: Jan 1st & 6th, Dec 25th & 26th.
Tickets
| Ticket | Price |
| General admission | €7 |
| Under 16 years | FREE |
| Over 65 years | €5 |
Discount Cards
Entrance to the Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunya is included in the ARQUEOTICKET, which also covers the Barcelona History Museum, the Museu Egipci and the Born Center de Cultura i Memòria.
Alternatively, you can get 25% off the price of entry with the Barcelona Card, which includes free entry to many of Barcelona’s most popular sites as well as unlimited journeys on public transport.
Free admission days
The Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunya can be visited free of charge on the first Sunday of each month and on the following dates: Feb 12th, April 23rd, May 18th, Sept 11th & 24th, Nov 17th.
Other attractions nearby
- The National Art Museum of Catalunya (MNAC)
- Poble Espanyol
- Caixa Forum
- The Magic Fountain
- Barcelona Cable Cars
Map
Passeig de Santa Madrona, 39, Barcelona
