Museu Etnològic De Barcelona

Museu Etnològic de Barcelona: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Essential Visitor Information

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Located in the heart of Barcelona, the Museu Etnològic i de Cultures del Món (MUEC) is a premier destination for those eager to explore both Catalan heritage and the traditions of global societies. With over 70,000 artifacts and exhibitions spanning continents and centuries, the museum offers a comprehensive, immersive journey through human cultural diversity. This guide provides everything you need to know for your visit, including updated opening hours, ticketing, accessibility, highlights of the collections, practical travel tips, and answers to frequently asked questions (Official Museum Site, Barcelona Turisme).

Museum Overview and Locations

Dual Venues

MUEC operates across two architecturally and culturally distinct venues:

Montjuïc Site: A modernist building at Passeig de Santa Madrona, 16-22, nestled in Montjuïc Park. This venue features expansive galleries for permanent and temporary exhibitions and an open storage area where visitors can see objects not on regular display.
Montcada Street Site: Located at Carrer de Montcada, 12-14, in the historic El Born district, this venue occupies two restored medieval mansions, Casa Mora and Casa Nadal, providing a fitting setting for the museum’s international collections (Official Site).

History and Cultural Significance

Founded in the 1920s, the museum first opened as the Museo Etnológico y Colonial in 1949, marking a pioneering venture in Spain for the comparative study of cultures (meet.barcelona). Its expansion in the 1970s and the 2015 merger with the Museum of World Cultures established its two-site structure and broadened its focus to global cultures.

The MUEC’s mission is to foster intercultural understanding and to represent both local Catalan traditions and worldwide cultural diversity. It actively engages with social issues such as migration, identity, and inclusion, featuring programming that highlights underrepresented communities.

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

Montjuïc Site:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (May 1 – September 30)
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (October 1 – April 30)
- Sundays & Public Holidays: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Winter)
- Closed Mondays (except public holidays)
Montcada Street Site:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Closed Mondays
Closures: January 1, January 6, May 1, June 24, December 25, December 26
Note: The ticket office closes 30 minutes before museum closing time (Barcelona.cat).

Tickets and Admission

General Admission: €5–€6 (depending on exhibition)
Reduced Admission: €3–€3.70 (students, seniors, large families, Barcelona library card holders, and other eligible groups)
Free Admission:
- Children under 16
- First Sunday of every month (10:00–20:00)
- Every Sunday from 15:00–20:00
- Special days: Santa Eulàlia (Feb 12), International Museum Day (May 18), La Mercè Festival (Sep 24)
- Holders of ICOM card, accredited teachers, official guides, journalists
Discounts: 20% off with Barcelona Bus Turístic ticket
Purchase Options: Online via the official museum website or onsite. Online booking is recommended to avoid queues.

Accessibility and Visitor Services

Wheelchair Access: Both venues are fully accessible, with step-free entrances, elevators, ramps, and adapted restrooms.
Assistance: Services for visually and hearing-impaired visitors are available upon request. Assistance animals are welcome.
Languages: Exhibition texts and audio guides are provided in Catalan, Spanish, and English.
Facilities: Cloakroom, accessible restrooms, and a gift shop. There is no on-site café, but plenty of dining options are available nearby.
Family-Friendly: Workshops and educational activities are offered on weekends and holidays.

How to Get There

Montjuïc Site: Accessible via Metro L1 or L3 to Plaça Espanya, then bus 55 or 150, or by Montjuïc Funicular from Paral·lel station.
Montcada Site: Located near the Picasso Museum and Santa Maria del Mar, accessible by Metro Jaume I (L4) and various bus routes (Barcelona Turisme).

Collections and Exhibitions

Permanent Collections

Catalan Heritage: Historic furniture, traditional crafts, agricultural tools, festive costumes (e.g., Correfoc devil and dragon costumes), and iconic “Gegants” festival giants (Museos.com).
Global Cultures: Masks, textiles, ceramics, musical instruments, and ceremonial objects from Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania.
Open Storage Depot: The Montjuïc site features a visible storage area with objects not on regular display.

Special and Temporary Exhibitions

Barcelona Ciutat Gegant: 600 Anys de Festa i Tradició (until May 18, 2025): A deep dive into the history, construction, and cultural impact of Barcelona’s giant festival figures (Barna News; Ajuntament de Barcelona).
Rotating Global Exhibitions: The Montcada venue regularly hosts temporary exhibitions focusing on specific regions, cultures, or contemporary issues (Official Site).

Interactive and Educational Spaces

Hands-on workshops, storytelling sessions, and multimedia interactives for visitors of all ages.
Educational programs led by anthropologists and museum educators using methodologies such as Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS).

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Best Visiting Times: Weekday mornings for a quieter experience. Free admission periods (especially Sundays) are busier.
Combine Attractions: Explore nearby sites like the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, Poble Espanyol, Picasso Museum, and Montjuïc Castle.
Family Activities: Check the museum’s calendar for family workshops and child-friendly events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the museum’s visiting hours?
A: Montjuïc: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–20:00 (May–Sep); 10:00–19:00 (Oct–Apr). Montcada: Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00–19:00. Closed Mondays except public holidays.

Q: Can I buy tickets online?
A: Yes, via the official website or onsite.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Yes, in multiple languages including English. Advance booking recommended.

Q: Is the museum accessible?
A: Both venues are fully accessible for visitors with reduced mobility.

Q: What’s the best way to get there?
A: Montjuïc: Metro to Plaça Espanya, then bus or funicular. Montcada: Metro Jaume I, or walk from the Gothic Quarter.

Q: Is photography allowed?
A: Non-flash photography is generally permitted; check individual exhibition restrictions.

Visual Enhancements

Suggested visuals:

Exterior photos of both venues with alt text “Museu Etnològic i de Cultures del Món Barcelona.”
Images of key exhibits, such as the Gegants, Correfoc costumes, and African masks.
Map of Montjuïc highlighting the museum location.
Workshop and interactive exhibition photos.

Contact and Further Information

Official Website: Museu Etnològic i de Cultures del Món
Phone: +34 932 562 300
Email: [email protected]

For up-to-date event listings, accessibility details, and to book guided tours, always consult the official museum site.

Summary and Recommendations

The Museu Etnològic i de Cultures del Món stands out as a cultural highlight in Barcelona, offering an in-depth exploration of both local and global traditions. Its dual venues, rich collections, inclusive visitor services, and dynamic programming make it an essential stop for history enthusiasts, families, and travelers seeking a deeper understanding of human creativity and cultural exchange. To make the most of your visit, purchase tickets in advance, check for special exhibitions and events, and take advantage of family workshops or guided tours. Enhance your experience by combining your visit with other nearby attractions, and consider downloading the Audiala app for interactive guides and updates (Official Museum Site, Meet Barcelona).