If you fancy grasping local culture or simply educating your children in a nice museum, you have lots of options to choose in Barcelona.
Whether you need to some time indoor to avoid the heat during the summer time in Barcelona or simply admire some paintings, the Catalan has great museums not to miss that could be interesting for your children.
It goes without saying you will be spoilt with lots of things to do with kids in Barcelona, so hence why I thought a shortlist of the best museums could be handy.
In this article, I have shortlisted what I feel are the best museums not to miss in Barcelona with kids. Vamos!
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1. MOCO Museum
First, let’s start with a new generation of museums called MOCO Museum. Moco stands for Modern Contemporary Museum and has different venues in Amsterdam, Barcelona and soon in London.
The Moco Museum in Barcelona is known for its modern and contemporary art exhibitions, featuring works from renowned artists like Andy Warhol or Salvador Dalí.
While the museum may not cater specifically to families with young chidren, it can still be an interesting and engaging experience for families with older children or teenagers who have an interest in art and culture.
The little museum can be visited in around 1-hour and is a good testament to street art with famous artists like Banksy.
Address: C/ de Montcada, 25, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
2. Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum in Barcelona is one of the most visited museums in the city and offers a comprehensive insight into the early life and artistic development of the legendary Spanish painter, Pablo Picasso.
The museum houses one of the most extensive collections of artworks by Picasso, particularly focusing on his formative years and early works. You can expect to see paintings, sculptures, drawings, and ceramics that span Picasso’s career, including pieces from his Blue Period, Rose Period, and Cubist works.
Picasso Museum is housed in five adjoining medieval palaces in Barcelona’s historic El Born neighborhood, providing a rich historical backdrop to Picasso’s works. As you explore the museum, you’ll gain insights into the artist’s life and the cultural and artistic context in which he worked.
In addition to its permanent collection, the museum often hosts temporary exhibitions that explore various aspects of Picasso’s art, life, and influences. These exhibitions may feature works from other artists or focus on specific themes related to Picasso’s oeuvre.
The museum offers educational programs, workshops, and guided tours designed for visitors of all ages, making it a suitable destination for families, students, and art enthusiasts alike. These programs aim to enhance visitors’ understanding and appreciation of Picasso’s art and legacy.
Like many museums, the Picasso Museum has a gift shop where you can purchase books, prints, and other items related to Picasso and art in general. There’s also a cafe where you can relax and enjoy refreshments before or after your visit to the museum.
Address: C/ de Montcada, 15-23, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
3. Barcelona Contemporary Art Museum
The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (also called MACBA) is a prominent cultural institution dedicated to contemporary art.
MACBA showcases a diverse range of contemporary art exhibitions, featuring works by both established and emerging artists. These exhibitions often cover various mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, video, and performance art. The museum’s collection includes pieces from the latter half of the 20th century to the present day.
MACBA’s permanent collection includes over 5,000 works of art, providing a comprehensive overview of contemporary artistic practices. Families can explore artworks from local Catalan artists as well as international figures, offering insights into different cultural and artistic movements.
Designed by the American architect Richard Meier, MACBA’s building is a striking example of contemporary architecture. Its sleek white exterior and geometric forms provide a visually striking backdrop for the museum’s exhibitions and events.
MACBA features various public spaces, including plazas, terraces, and courtyards, which often host cultural events, performances, and installations. These spaces contribute to the vibrant cultural life of Barcelona and offer opportunities for relaxation and socializing.
The museum has a café and a bookstore where visitors can relax, grab a bite to eat, or browse a selection of books, catalogues, and art-related merchandise.
Address: Plaça dels Àngels, 1, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
4. Wax Museum
The Barcelona Wax Museum, also known as Museu de Cera de Barcelona, offers visitors a unique and immersive experience with lifelike wax figures of famous personalities from various fields.
The main attraction of the museum is its extensive collection of wax figures depicting celebrities, historical figures, political leaders, athletes, actors, musicians, and other notable personalities. These figures are carefully crafted to resemble their real-life counterparts, providing visitors with the opportunity to get up close and personal with their favourite icons.
The museum is typically organized into themed sections or rooms, each focusing on a specific aspect of history, culture, or entertainment. These sections may include scenes from historical events, iconic movie scenes, famous artworks, or moments from popular culture.
Visitors are often encouraged to take photos with the wax figures, creating memorable souvenirs of their visit.
Address: Passatge de la Banca, 7, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
5. Joan Miró Fondation
The Joan Miró Foundation (Fundació Joan Miró) in Barcelona is dedicated to the work of the renowned Catalan artist Joan Miró.
The foundation houses a comprehensive collection of Joan Miró’s artworks, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints. Visitors can explore pieces from throughout Miró’s career, spanning from his early works to his later creations. Miró’s art is characterized by vibrant colors, playful shapes, and surreal imagery inspired by his Catalan roots, dreams, and the natural world.
The venue preserves and showcases Joan Miró’s original studio, providing visitors with a glimpse into the artist’s creative process and working environment. Miró’s studio is kept much as it was during his lifetime, offering insight into his methods, materials, and sources of inspiration.
Outside the foundation, visitors can explore a sculpture garden featuring several large-scale sculptures by Joan Miró. These sculptures integrate seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, creating a dynamic and immersive outdoor art experience.
The foundation has a café where families can relax and enjoy refreshments, as well as a gift shop offering books, prints, and other items related to Joan Miró and modern art.
Overall, a visit to the Joan Miró Foundation provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the life and work of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, while also experiencing the vibrant cultural scene of Barcelona.
Address: Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, Sants-Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
6. Natural Sciences Museum of Barcelona
The Natural Sciences Museum of Barcelona, also known as the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona (MCNB), offers families a fascinating journey through the natural world.
For instance, the museum showcases an extensive collection of specimens representing the diverse forms of life on Earth. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring taxidermy animals, skeletons, fossils, minerals, plants, and other natural artifacts. These exhibits provide insights into the rich biodiversity of Catalonia, Spain, and the world at large.
The museum delves into the science of evolution, tracing the history of life on Earth from its origins to the present day. Exhibits may explore topics such as evolutionary adaptations, extinction events, and the interconnectedness of all living organisms.
Visitors can also learn about the geological processes that have shaped the Earth’s surface over millions of years. Exhibits may include displays of rocks, minerals, and geological formations, as well as interactive models illustrating concepts such as plate tectonics, volcanism, and erosion.
Furthermore, the museum features exhibits dedicated to the study of prehistoric life, including dinosaurs, ancient mammals, and other extinct organisms. Visitors can see fossils, reconstructions, and dioramas depicting scenes from different periods of Earth’s history.
Overall, a visit to the Natural Sciences Museum of Barcelona provides a stimulating and educational experience for nature lovers, science enthusiasts, and families alike. Whether you’re interested in biology, geology, palaeontology, or environmental science, the museum offers something for everyone to discover and explore.
Address: Plaza Leonardo Da Vinci, 4-5, Sant Martí, 08019 Barcelona, Spain
7. Paradox Museum
Here is a fun museum suitable for families to visit in Barcelona. Paradox Museum belongs to this new age of immersive museums where visitors are tricked into optical illusions.
Recent reviews have praised how fun this museum can be for families with young children.
There is obviously lot of photos opportunities inside the venue and the staff will definitely help you out during your visit.
Expect to spend between 1 and 2 hours inside the museum and have a lot of laugh exploring the different rooms.
Address: Pl. d’Urquinaona, 3, L’Eixample, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
8. Big Fun Museum
The Big Fun Museum in Barcelona is a unique attraction that offers visitors a playful and interactive experience exploring various optical illusions, immersive artworks, and mind-bending exhibits.
The museum features a wide range of optical illusions designed to deceive the senses and challenge perception. Visitors can expect to encounter exhibits such as Ames rooms, infinity mirrors, holograms, anamorphic art, and other visual tricks that play with perspective, scale, and depth perception.
Many of the exhibits at the Big Fun Museum are interactive, allowing visitors to actively participate and engage with the artworks. This might include exhibits where visitors can pose for photos, become part of the artwork, or manipulate elements to create their own optical illusions.
The Big Fun Museum is suitable for visitors of all ages, making it a popular destination for families and children. The interactive nature of the exhibits encourages exploration, creativity, and curiosity, making it an enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
The museum offers plenty of opportunities for visitors to take photos and capture memorable moments. Many of the exhibits are designed to be visually striking and photogenic, providing unique backdrops for photos and selfies.
Address: Big Fun Museum, Rambla de Sant Josep, 88-94, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
9. Science Museum CosmoCaixa
The Science Museum CosmoCaixa in Barcelona is a fascinating museum destination that offers visitors of all ages a hands-on and immersive exploration of science and nature.
The museum features a wide range of interactive exhibits and installations that cover various scientific disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and geology. These exhibits are designed to engage visitors and encourage them to experiment, observe, and learn through hands-on activities.
CosmoCaixa houses a state-of-the-art planetarium where visitors can enjoy immersive shows about astronomy, space exploration, and the wonders of the universe. The planetarium offers a unique opportunity to experience the night sky and learn about celestial phenomena in a captivating and educational way.
One of the highlights of CosmoCaixa is its replica of a tropical rainforest ecosystem, complete with living plants, animals, and interactive displays. Visitors can explore the rainforest environment, learn about its biodiversity, and discover the importance of conservation and sustainable development.
In addition to its permanent collection, CosmoCaixa hosts temporary exhibitions on a wide range of scientific topics, current research, and contemporary issues. These exhibitions offer visitors the opportunity to explore new subjects and discoveries and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in science and technology.
CosmoCaixa features terrariums and aquariums showcasing diverse ecosystems, including freshwater and marine environments. Families can observe live animals, learn about their habitats and behaviours, and gain an appreciation for the interconnectedness of life on Earth.
Address: C/ d’Isaac Newton, 26, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
Map of the Best Museums to Visit with Family in Barcelona
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CONCLUSION
You have reached the end of my article. I hope you have found enough museums ideas to make your family holiday even more interesting.
As you can see, Barcelona is a big cultural city with museums that suit different tastes.
My advice would be to mix museums visits and outdoor attractions during your holiday in Barcelona. And let’s not forget a day at the beach too!
Enjoy your holiday break in Barcelona!
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