Barcelona is a vibrant and bustling hub of art, history and architecture. The city breathes its own past, with museums to be appreciated, buildings to be admired and history to be stumbled upon around every corner. As one of the world’s leading cultural centres, it should be at the top of the bucket list for any culture-lover! A short trip flight from the UK followed by a simple Barcelona airport transfer on the other side makes this culture capital so easy to visit there is really no excuse to miss it!
To guide the inquisitive and culture-hungry traveller faced with myriad museums and galleries, the inspiring Museu Picasso, fascinating Fundacio Joan Miro and extensive Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya are fantastic starting points.
Enter the Mind of a Young Picasso at Museu Picasso
Let your imagination run free during your time in the visual wonderland that is the Museu Picasso, a beautiful display of Picasso’s earliest work. A fresh look into the wonderful mind of Pablo Picasso, this museum proudly presents his pre-adolescent portraits and sketchy landscapes which are rudimentary to understanding the artist, both young and mature. Picasso’s development can be mapped as you stroll through the museum, and passionate art lovers will be delighted to see the complete collection of canvasses donated to the museum by Picasso himself. To enjoy a quieter, more private viewing of the gallery, visit at lunch hour or just before last entry to beat the crowds.
Discover the Variety of the Fundacio Joan Miro
Created by Joan Miro himself, the Fundacio Joan Miro has been described as one of the most incredible museum buildings the world has to offer. It was designed in the interest of making art accessible to everyone, and this is reflected in the fascinating fusion of art and architecture within the space. It goes without saying that you will enjoy the remarkable permanent collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures, but this is a museum that never gets old; there are two or three exciting temporary exhibitions always running, so take the time to immerse yourself in the new exhibits too!
Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC)
The MNAC should be placed prominently on any itinerary and be sure to save plenty of time for it because this wonderfully extensive collection boasts art from twelfth- to twentieth-century Catalonia. This museum has it all; a Romanesque collection showing murals and graffiti from the 10th century, a Gothic collection with late thirteenth-century frescoes, and a Modernista collection with decorative art. Recently, an extra floor has even been added to display photography, coins and modern art. Whatever your artistic preference, there will certainly be something to pique your interest at the MNAC.
How to Get There
With only two hours between London and Barcelona airport, transfer your thoughts away from the chaos of London to dreaming of drifting among Miro’s sculpture and Picasso’s canvasses as you are transported to your holiday. Direct flights via a multitude of airlines including easyJet, Ryanair and British Airways leave daily, making it a crime to leave Catalonia’s cultural gem unexplored! Save yourself any stress upon arriving in Barcelona; airport transfers can be booked in advance to seamlessly deliver you to your doorstep.
Martin Wynn
Priya
