Museu d’Història de Catalunya

Located in a privileged seafront setting, the Museu d’Història de Catalunya is a gateway to the essence and roots of Catalan identity, housed in a building that is itself a jewel of Barcelona’s port heritage. Hop on our tourist bus and explore this area of Barcelona in complete comfort.

What is the Museum of History of Catalonia?

The Museu d’Història de Catalunya is housed in the Palau de Mar, the only surviving building from Barcelona’s old port. These former 19th-century warehouses were restored before the 1992 Olympic Games to become this cultural space.
The museum offers a fascinating and interactive journey through the memory of a country, allowing visitors to travel from Prehistory to the present day to understand the political, social and cultural evolution of Catalonia. On the top floor, you will also find Restaurant 1881, serving traditional Mediterranean cuisine with spectacular views over the harbour.

How to get to the Museum of History of Catalonia?

There are several ways to reach the museum. For example, the nearest metro station is Barceloneta (L4). However, we highly recommend hopping on our Barcelona City Tour tourist bus on the Green Route and enjoying the views from the upper deck as you sit back and relax. Our dedicated stop leaves you just a few metres from the museum entrance, located in Plaça de Pau Vila.

What do you need to know?

Exhibitions and tickets
The museum offers a varied programme including:
- Permanent exhibition ticket: Under the title “The Memory of a Country”, this is the museum’s main exhibition.
- Temporary exhibitions ticket: The museum hosts special exhibitions throughout the year.
- Combined ticket: You can purchase a ticket that includes access to both exhibitions. Tickets can be purchased online directly.

Opening hours
- Tuesday to Saturday: from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
- Wednesday: extended opening hours until 8:00 pm.
- Sundays and public holidays: from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm.
- Closed: The museum is closed on non-holiday Mondays and on specific dates such as 1 and 6 January, 1 May, 6 June and 25–26 December.
Note: The ticket office closes 30 minutes before closing time.

Group and school visits
The museum has a specialised service for managing group and school bookings.

What to see near this stop?

Getting off at the Museum of History of Catalonia places you in a strategic location for exploring other iconic attractions such as the Barceloneta neighbourhood, El Born, the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar and the Barcelona Aquarium.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is the Museum of History of Catalonia free?
The Museum of History of Catalonia offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month, from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm. It also usually hosts open-door days during special events such as Santa Eulàlia, Sant Jordi, Museum Night, International Museum Day, La Diada and La Mercè.

Where is the Museum of History of Catalonia located?
The museum is located at Plaça de Pau Vila, 3, in Barcelona, next to Port Vell and the Barceloneta neighbourhood. The nearest metro station is Barceloneta (L4).

How much is the entrance fee to the Museum of History of Catalonia?
General admission to the museum costs 6 euros for the permanent exhibition, while reduced admission costs 4 euros. Temporary exhibitions have a general admission fee of 4 euros. Combined tickets are also available from 8 euros.