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10 museums in Catalonia that you won't want to miss
Art, history, science and cinema. In Catalonia you will find museums for all tastes and budgets: From the modernist architecture of Barcelona to the Roman remains of Tarragona, through the surrealism of Girona and the landscapes of Lleida. We have prepared a tour of the 10 most "top" museums in Catalonia. Get ready for a cultural route full of colors, shapes and curiosities that will make you not want to leave.
1. Picasso Museum (Barcelona)
If you like art, the Picasso Museum is a must. It houses over 5,000 works by Pablo Picasso, and therefore allows you to see the evolution of the malagueño genius. The best part? You can discover his formative stages and how Barcelona influenced his style. Additionally, the gothic palaces that house the collection are a thrilling experience: it's like treading the grounds of a movie set, with inner courtyards that will transport you straight to the 14th century.
2. National Museum of Art of Catalonia (MNAC) (Barcelona)
Dominating the mountain of Montjuïc, the MNAC is one of the must-see sights of Barcelona. Here you will find from Romanesque painting to modernist and contemporary art. Its collections of Romanesque frescoes are known worldwide, but we also recommend that you don't miss the section on noucentisme and modernist art. It's spectacular!
3. CCCB – Center of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona (Barcelona)
If you are more into urban culture, interactive experiences, and reflections on current society, the CCCB is a must-see. This museum is much more than an exhibition hall, it's a space for debate, cinema, literature, and technology. The temporary exhibitions are often so innovative that they will make you rethink how you see and interpret the world. Plus, the inner courtyard is perfect for taking a break and having a drink while you watch people come and go.
4. Dalí Museum (Figueres, Girona)
Next stop: Figueres, the capital of surrealism. The Dalí Museum is part of what's called the "Dalí Triangle", a small world where reality transforms. From giant figures to impossible scenes, each room is a surprise. Here you will be able to see many of the best works of the genius from Figueres. It's a museum to let yourself go, hallucinate and take a thousand photos.
5. Cinema Museum (Girona)
Girona is much more than the cathedral, a spectacular old quarter and colorful houses. You will also find a magical journey through the history of the seventh art. The Cinema Museum is a little known gem that transports you from the first Chinese shadows and magic lanterns to the cameras and projectors that revolutionized the big screen. Ideal for cinephiles, curious families or anyone who wants to understand the history of cinema. Take advantage of your visit to Girona to discover the best museums in the city .
6. National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona (Tarragona)
This museum is a must if you want to discover the city of Tarragona and understand its Roman heritage. Here you will discover how the Romans lived, from the temples to the everyday objects. The visit is like opening a textbook, but with more drama and spectacle. The collections include everything from ceramics and coins to mosaics that still keep their original colors.
7. Gaudí Centre (Reus, Tarragona)
In the heart of Reus, birthplace of Antoni Gaudí, you will find the Gaudí Centre, an interactive journey through the mind of the modernist genius. Models, immersive audiovisuals and surprising stage sets will allow you to understand how he played with light, nature and shapes. A fresh and different experience to discover the essence of Gaudi beyond his most known works like the Sagrada Familia.
8. Lleida Museum (Lleida)
The Museum of Lleida is a reference of the artistic and historical heritage of the province. Its collection includes everything from archaeological remains and prehistoric artifacts to sacred art. It is a must-visit to understand the past of the region. In addition, the museum organizes temporary exhibitions and educational activities that are well worth your time. The building, a work by architect Joan Rodon, is worth seeing. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the city of Lleida.
9. Roda Roda Automobile Museum (Lleida)
If you are a car lover, you will be amazed by this museum. Located in an old mechanic's workshop, the Roda Roda displays a spectacular collection of antique vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles that depict the evolution of the car throughout history. A journey through time on two or four wheels! If you like museums, don't miss our article on the top museums in the province of Lleida.
10. CosmoCaixa (Barcelona)
We finish our tour at one of the best museums in Catalonia to visit with children. With a scientific and interactive touch, CosmoCaixa is a museum where both adults and kids will be amazed. Imagine walking through a flooded Amazonian jungle with animals that seem real, touching a giant globe that explains the planet's climate, or experimenting with physics like a young Albert Einstein. Its rooms are a laboratory of ideas where you can play with light, energy or matter and understand concepts that seemed impossible at school. In addition, the planetarium is a gem: a cosmic journey that will make you feel like you are flying out of your seat.
These 10 museums are just the tip of the iceberg, but they represent a must-see route for any culture lover. Get ready to take pictures, learn new things and, above all, have a great time!