Museums are windows into worlds of art, history, and creativity. And the best part? Many of them offer completely free admission on specific days of the week. It’s the perfect opportunity for young people, students, families… and any culture lover looking to save money without missing out!
Table of Contents
- Museums with free weekly admission
- Practical tips for your free visit
- Also: Articket Barcelona
- Conclusion
- Frequently asked questions
Museums with free weekly admission
- Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC)
• Free every Saturday from 3:00 pm and on the first Sunday of each month (online booking recommended).
• Collections include painting, sculpture, Romanesque and Gothic art, Renaissance, and modern art. - Museu Picasso de Barcelona
• Free all day on the first Sunday of each month (advance reservation required);
• Free on Thursday afternoons (4:00–7:00 pm, Nov–Apr) and Thursday to Saturday evenings (7:00–9:00 pm, May–Oct) under the “Picasso Convida” program.
• Over 4,000 works focused on Picasso’s early periods. - Museum of Music
• Free on Sundays from 3:00 pm and Thursdays from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, plus free admission all day on the first Sunday of each month.
• More than 500 historical instruments: guitars, harpsichords, ethnomusicological pieces… - MUHBA – Barcelona History Museum (Plaça del Rei)
• Free on the first Sunday of each month and every Sunday from 3:00 pm.
• Highlights include Roman excavations, medieval walls, and urban history. - Barcelona Design Museum (Museu del Disseny)
• Free admission on the first Sunday of each month (check for time slots).
• Collections of graphic design, fashion, furniture, and decorative arts. - Montjuïc Castle (Castell de Montjuïc)
• Free on the first Sunday of each month;
• Free every Sunday from 3:00 pm onward.
• A 17th‑century fortress overlooking the port, with military history and landscape exhibitions. - CCCB, Maritime Museum, Foto Colectania…
• Typically free entry on the first Sunday of the month, with some extending it to Sunday afternoons.
• Showcasing everything from contemporary photography and design to naval architecture and visual culture.
| Museum | Free Entry (Days & Times) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) | Saturday from 3:00 pm First Sunday of each month (all day) | Online booking recommended |
| Museu Picasso de Barcelona | First Sunday of each month (all day, reservation required) Thursday afternoons 4–7 pm (Nov–Apr) Thursday–Saturday evenings 7–9 pm (May–Oct) | “Picasso Convida” program, reservation needed for most slots |
| Museum of Music | Sundays from 3:00 pm Thursdays 6–9 pm First Sunday of each month (all day) | Includes 500+ historical instruments |
| MUHBA – Plaça del Rei | First Sunday of each month (all day) Sundays from 3:00 pm | Roman excavations & medieval walls |
| Museu del Disseny (Design Museum) | First Sunday of each month (all day, time slots may apply) Sundays from 3:00 pm | Graphic design, fashion, decorative arts |
| Montjuïc Castle | First Sunday of each month (all day) Sundays from 3:00 pm | Fortress with views and exhibitions; confirm seasonal times |
| CCCB | Sundays from 3:00 pm (first Sunday usually free all day) | Reserve online |
| Maritime Museum | Sundays from 3:00 pm | In the Drassanes Reials building |
| Foto Colectania | First Sunday of each month (11 am–3 pm) | Contemporary photography |
Practical tips for your free visit
- Arrive early: free days often mean long lines and limited capacity.
- Book online: MNAC, Picasso Museum, CCCB, or Montjuïc Castle may require prior reservation, even on free days.
- Check the official website: holiday schedules or special openings may affect the free entry policy.
- Avoid peak hours: come early or just before the free afternoon slots begin.
- Combine leisure and culture: around museums like MNAC or Montjuïc Castle, you’ll find parks, viewpoints, and cafés — perfect for rounding out your day.
Also: Articket Barcelona
If you’re planning to visit multiple art museums, don’t miss the Articket Barcelona on my blog. It’s a cultural pass that gives you access to top museums — Picasso, MNAC, CCCB, MACBA, Fundació Miró, and Tàpies — with discounts and no waiting lines. More info at the link: check it out here.
Conclusion
Taking advantage of free museum days is a smart way to enjoy art, history, and design without spending a dime — perfect for all audiences. From cutting-edge design at the Museu del Disseny to panoramic views from Montjuïc Castle, every experience is nourishment for the soul.
Frequently asked questions
Generally yes, on the specified days (e.g., “first Sunday of the month” or “Thursday afternoon”), but schedules may change due to holidays or special events. Always check the museum’s website.
For some museums (MNAC, Picasso, CCCB, Design Museum, Castle), it’s recommended or even required to reserve, even on free admission days.
They usually keep their regular opening hours, but it’s best to check the “practical information” section or the museum’s social media channels.
Yes — youth cards, student IDs, large families, seniors over 65… these groups often get discounts even outside of the free admission days.
