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Find out more about the history of Catalonia at the Museu d’Història de Catalunya

Exhibition room with a horse and knight of the museu d Historia de Catalunya in Barcelona Museu d Historia de Catalunya in Barcelona Early collection at the Museu d Historia de Catalunya in Barcelona Fabric printing in the Museu d Historia de Catalunya Modern collection at the Museu d Historia de Catalunya Interior view of the Museu d Historia de Catalunya

The Museu d’Història de Catalunya is located right next to the old harbour and is dedicated to the history of Catalonia from the Stone Age to modern times. The museum focuses on the time of the hunters and gatherers, the rule of the Iberians, the Middle Ages, the time of the suppression of Catalan culture and the period of Franco’s dictatorship. Another part of the museum is the temporary exhibitions that take place regularly in the museum. Another highlight is the café on the roof terrace, from where you can enjoy a unique view of Montjuic and the harbour.

Explore the history of Catalonia over the centuries

The real and authentic Catalan culture is in the Museu d’Història de Catalunya. It was designed to preserve, exhibit and promote Catalonia’s history through articles and stories that will show you a completely new culture altogether. 

The visitors will travel back in time to the Catalan territory through permanent and temporary exhibitions, interactive backgrounds, films and drawings to inspire and promote education. Hop on a medieval horse, learn about Franco’s dictatorship or get to know how cavemen built the area where you are now.Discover the permanent exhibition: 

The Memory of a Country, an interactive record of the periods and characters that have shaped the history of Catalonia.The restaurant and rooftop bar on the fourth floor are a must when visiting the museum. 

Visitors can enjoy the views of the Port, the Montjuic Mountain and the city while having a drink or eating the restaurant’s Mediterranean cuisine. 

The Historical Museum of Catalonia was opened in February 1996 by decision of the Catalan government. Unlike other museums, it was not created out of the need to exhibit an existing collection, but out of the desire to become a leading centre for the preservation of Catalonia’s history and heritage.

Over the years, the museum has built up its own collection from donations of objects and documents. Although they are very different, most of the pieces are related to the political and institutional history of Catalonia. Since 1997, the building has also housed the Centre for the Contemporary History of Catalonia (CHCC) and its important library.

 

Highlights

  • Discover Catalonia’s development through history with numerous films, drawings and interactive exhibitions 
  • Interactive and dynamic exhibitions for all publics 
  • Explore an interactive journey through the main periods, cultures, events and characters that have shaped the history of Catalonia 
  • Incredible views of the Port, Montjuic Mountain and the city from the rooftop restaurant located on the 4th floor 

 

Opening hours

Tuesday and Thursday to Saturday: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Wednesday: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Sundays and holidays: 10:00 am to 2:30 pm 

The museum will be closed on: Non-festive Mondays, 1st January, 6th January, 1st May, 2nd May, 25th December, 26th December. 

 

Reservation

No reservation is required. Simply show your City Pass at the entrance.

 

Important information

  • ACCESSIBILITY
    The Museu d’Història de Catalunya aims to be a museum for everyone.
    - Physical accessibility: Accessibility to almost all the spaces for people with reduced mobility. We have our own staircases for users with reduced mobility.
    - Visual accessibility: The Museum has developed a narrative guide that aims to be a tool for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder to improve their visit experience. We offer a guide to visit the museum in Catalan Sign Language (LSC) and also in Spanish Sign Language (LSE).
    - Hearing accessibility: The museum has magnetic loops at the information booths in the ticket offices and on the second and third floors. These devices encode the sound into a magnetic signal that is reproduced directly on the device worn by people with cochlear implant, improving the quality of hearing. 
  • We have our own wheelchairs for users with reduced mobility. Anyone interested in these should go to the information point in the lobby or ask museum staff. Access to this service is limited by the availability of the wheelchairs, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Adapted toilets on level 0 and level 4.

 

 

How to get there

Metro: L4 (Barceloneta)
Bus: V17, H14, D20, V15, V13, 39, 45, 51, 59 und 120 to Pg Joan de Borbó Touristic
Bus: Red line – “Museu d’Història de Catalunya” stop
Car: Parking lots near by: Passeig Joan de Borbó, Moll d’Espanya i Moll de la Fusta 

 

Address:

Palau de Mar
Plaça de Pau Vila, 3
08003 Barcelona 

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A visit to the Museu d’História de Catalunya is already included in your Barcelona City Pass

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