The 11 best museums in Barcelona

What is it? The National Art Museum of Catalonia, where you can get an excellent overview of Catalan art spanning from the 12th to the 20th centuries. The building itself has a rich history behind it, which you can learn more about as you pass through. 
Why go? For the impressive Romanesque collection with 'rescued' 10th-century murals, the fantastic gothic collection, and the uniquely Catalan, Modernista collection. You'll see pieces by Gaudí and Casas, Tiziano and Velázquez, and more. Plus, once you've climbed the steps up to the former castle, you've earned that stunning view of the city below. 
Top tip: Looking for something low-key in the evening? Head to Gresca. This cosy bar is a short distance from the museum and has an affordable menu and a great selection of natural wines.  

What is it? Catalan artist Antoni Tàpies set up this space dedicated to the study and appreciation of contemporary art in 1984. Nowadays it's a cultural centre and museum dedicated to Tàpies's work and life from his heyday in the 1950s and beyond. The design of the building's exterior is one of the earliest examples of modernisme to combine exposed brick and iron. 
Why go? To admire the building's tangled crown of aluminium piping and metal netting outside (a work called Cloud and Chair); and inside, works by Tàpies, whose thing in the 1950s was using waste paper, mud and rags as part of his paintings (later he moved up to include the likes of whole pieces of furniture and running water). You'll also see the origins of his signature scribble. 
Time Out tip: Every floor is wheelchair accessible, and there are exhibits featuring other contemporary artists if you want to explore the era further. 

What is it? It's the Picasso Museum! The permanent collection features nearly 4,000 pieces across five adjoining palaces, mainly exploring young Pablo's formative years in art school, and his time later hanging out with Catalonia's fin-de-siècle avant-garde (so no 'Les Demoiselles d'Avignon' or sculptures).
Why go? For the unbeatable seamless presentation of the artist's development from adolescent portraits to the intense innovations of his Blue Period; the gallery of mature Cubist paintings; and the inspired temporary exhibitions. 
Top tip: Queues can be punishingly long; visit at lunch or shortly before the last entry, or buy your tickets in advance online.

What is it? Richard Meier's hulking white behemoth of a museum signified a grand turnaround in the fortunes of the Raval neighbourhood and still shines as a beacon of modernity outside as well as in.
Why go? It houses the city's main collection of contemporary art (which, in this instance means 'post World War I'), and while its permanent holdings focus on Catalan and Spanish artists, temporary exhibitions have a more international flavour. Low price (or free) concerts, conferences and film screenings are also on the agenda.
Top tip: Watch out for (or join in with) the skateboarders in the square out front who have made it their second home.

What is it? Another museum on La Rambla, this time with its arms open wide to welcome nearly all artistic disciplines and endeavours with a special focus on digital media produced in Catalonia.
Why go? Exhibitions and goings-on are so varied, there's something for everyone: architecture, performing arts, visual arts, music, literature, design, gastronomy and more.
Time Out tip: Museu de Cera de Barcelona is right across the road, so it wouldn't be a bad idea to factor that into your plans. 

What is it? Josep Lluís Sert designed one of the greatest museum buildings in the world specifically for his friend Joan Miró, which beautifully intertwines art and architecture, and houses a massive art collection, including all of Miró's graphic work showcasing a masterclass in cubism and surrealism.
Why go? In addition to the permanent collection showing off Miró's trademark use of primary colours and simplified organic forms, the outdoor sculpture gallery is a feast for the senses in itself, where, as a bonus, you're surrounded by the nature of Parc de Montjuïc. 
Time Out tip: The foundation also houses an archive of work by Joaquim Gomis, one of the first Catalan photographers with a modern approach. The collection of 70,000+ photos and documents are well worth a look. Two to three temporary exhibitions are on at all times, and you can find details of them on the musuem website.  

What is it? This was Antoni Gaudí's first major commission, built between 1883 and 1885. The building encompasses techniques and sybolism that Gaudí goes on to use in his most well-known works. Casa Vicens is a true representation of how far ahead of his time Gaudí really was. 
Why go? To get a true idea of what life was like in the eccentric architect's time. The house-museum has been lovingly restored to how it would have been when first completed. From the tiles on the walls to the furniture within them, everything is authentically period. Even the plants in the garden are ones that were popular in the nineteenth century.
Time Out tip: Seeing as you'll be in the Gràcia neighbourhood, why not plan a bite to eat after your visit to the museum? There are plenty to choose from here, with highlights including Argentinian meat cuts at El Disbarat, Japanese cuisine at Somodó and imaginative tapas at La Panxa del Bisbe.

What is it? The building has been revived from its century-long journey into dereliction. The original brick structure was supported while the ground below was excavated to house a modern entrance square, bookshop, library and auditorium. In addition to the permanent contemporary art collection, there are three impressive spaces for temporary exhibitions – often among the most interesting shows to be found in the city. 
Why go? The building itself, a renovated century-old yarn and textile factory, is a masterpiece of industrial Catalan modernism, and once you're in you can explore its walkways and impressive terraces – with views of course.
Time Out tip: There's a restaurant here that's worth a visit, with an affordable rotating set menu. 

What is it? A former almshouse built on the site of a medieval monastery is now home to Barcelona's Centre of Contemporary Culture, whose three halls feature ever-changing exhibitions with a leaning toward multimedia arts.
Why go? Check the calendar for regular guest speakers and interviews, which have included big international names talking about important contemporary issues, at ridiculously affordable prices.
Top tip: The first Sunday of each month means it's free in to the fifth-floor lookout, where you can get some amazing views of the mountains, city and sea.

What is it? At this centre for visual creation you'll find exhibitions and activities related to photography and the image, still or moving, silent or with audio.
Why go? The collection and related things to do are housed in a former Baroque palace right in the middle of La Rambla, and you won't have to pay a cent to go in and admire the architecture or the artworks.
Time Out tip: There's a great paella place round the block, Paella Bar Boquería, with 10 varieties on the menu and priced at around 22 euros. 

What is it? A museum where the roughly 300 works displayed are by Catalan artists, sculptors and photographers from the last 50 years or so, both unknown and internationally successful.
Why go? Arguably the star of the show is the building itself, a startling revamp that showcases the building's original features but adds a new element of sharp angles and poured concrete, with sunlight streaming through plate glass to illuminate the displays in a refreshingly natural way.
Time Out tip: There are interactive activities and events taking place throughout the year, from virtual reality experiences to DJ nights and film festivals.