You don’t need to spend much to experience Barcelona’s wide range of cultural activities. If you know when to go, the city opens the doors of its most important museums without charging admission. And it’s not just small galleries: these are spaces that safeguard works of art, historical pieces, and exclusive collections, and on certain days and at specific times, they offer free access.

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The trick is to know the calendar, because not all museums are free at the same time or under the same conditions. Here’s an updated guide that will let you enjoy Barcelona’s heritage without spending a euro.  

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First Sunday of every month

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The first Sunday of the month is probably the most generous day on Barcelona’s cultural calendar. All day long, a long list of museums open their doors for free, letting you plan routes and combine several spaces in one day.  ‍

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Free museums on the first Sunday of every month:

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• Museu Picasso

• MNAC – Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

• MUHBA – Museu d’Història de Barcelona (various locations)

• Museu del Disseny (Disseny Hub)

• Monestir de Pedralbes

• Museu Federic Marès

• Jardí Botànic de Barcelona

• Museu de la Música

• Museu de Ciències Naturals – Museu Blau (and other Nat locations)

• Castell de Montjuïc

• Palau Güell

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Sunday afternoons

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If you can’t make it on the first Sunday, you still have another chance. Every Sunday from 3:00 p.m., many of the city’s museums once again offer free admission.  

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Free museums every Sunday from 3:00 p.m.:

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• CCCB – Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona

• MUHBA (various locations)

• Museu Marítim de Barcelona (including the schooner Santa Eulàlia)

• Museu del Disseny (Disseny Hub)

• Monestir de Pedralbes

• Museu Frederic Marès

• Jardí Botànic de Barcelona

• Museu de la Música

• Museu de Ciències Naturals – Museu Blau (and other Nat locations)

• Castell de Montjuïc

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Saturday afternoons

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Saturday afternoons also have a slot for free culture. From 3:00 p.m., some of the city’s most important museums open for free, making it easy to fit a visit before or after other plans in the city.  

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Free museums on Saturdays from 3:00 p.m.:

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• MNAC – Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

• MACBA – Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (from 4:00 p.m.)

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Thursday afternoons

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For those with more free time during the week, Thursday offers interesting options, especially if you work or study near the city center.  

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Free museums on Thursday afternoons:

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• Museu Picasso (in low season, 4:00–7:00 p.m.; in summer, extended evening hours on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays)

• Museu de la Música (6:00–9:00 p.m.)

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Always-free spaces

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Some museums don’t need a calendar to open their doors for free, as you can visit them at any time of the year and as often as you like.  

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Always free:

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• Arts Santa Mònica

• La Virreina Centre de la Imatge

• La Capella

• Fabra i Coats – Centre d’Art Contemporani

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Special dates in 2025

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In addition to all these regular days, there are specific dates when the city multiplies the free-access options. These days often come with special activities and a festive atmosphere, though you should also expect larger crowds.  

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Dates with free access to numerous museums:

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• February 12 – Santa Eulàlia

• May 17 – Night of the Museums

• May 18 – International Museum Day

• September 24 – La Mercè

• April 23 – Sant Jordi

• September 11 – Diada

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Tips to make the most of free admission

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• Plan ahead: choose museums close to each other to avoid wasting time traveling.

• Reserve when necessary: in museums like the Picasso, Palau Güell, or CCCB, it’s advisable to do so even on free days (via their official website).

• Arrive early or during off-peak hours: first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon usually means fewer crowds.

• Combine the visit with its surroundings: for example, if you go to the MNAC, take the opportunity to stroll around Montjuïc; if you visit the MUHBA in the Gothic Quarter, wander through its streets and explore some of its unique shops.

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With this calendar, you can enjoy Barcelona’s culture practically every week of the year without spending a cent. You just need to choose the day that suits you best, decide whether you prefer art, history, science, or architecture… and let yourself go. And remember: Barcelona has art everywhere, so during your outings don’t limit yourself to the museums. Look up and you’ll find iconic buildings like the Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, or the Palau de la Música Catalana, which on their own are true works of art.