Jake Bower- Travel Reporting
Visitors are awestruck before even stepping foot inside the Museum of Catalonia. Its miraculous views make it quite the reward for hiking up the steps that come from placa de Carles Buigas. Guests are immediately welcomed with a flurry of statues and handcrafted work.
The National Art Museum of Catalonia or Museu Nactional D’art de Catalunya is one of the most famous museums in Spain. Its rich history is showcased across a grand oval that extends into numerous other rooms. The museum aims to provoke thought about Catalan culture as well as aid in creating new research in the area.
The museum is in the Palau Nacional of Montjuic. Montjuic contains some of the most famous views in all of Barcelona. The proximity to the glistening fountains by Carles Buigas makes the uphill climb worth the trek.
History of the Museum
The museum was founded in 1924 and opened to the public in 1934. However, the history of its works dates to early in the 19th century. Many projects were launched to preserve the integrity of Catalonian history. Over time, the museum itself has gone through many physical changes and renovations. However, the collection of art and culture is still deeply rooted in Catalan history.
In addition to its artwork, the museum has a robust library and archive system. Its free access represents a fair access of public information, and its goal is to support scholars who wish to bring Catalan history to light. The archives contain a variety of manuscripts, published works and documents. Maria Sanchez, a librarian for the museum said that "The archives are under many protections due to the needed access of public information."
Lots of time can be spent diving into the deep history of Catalonia. Their influence on Spanish culture as well as the other way around are ideas taken very seriously in the country.
When the building was finished in 1929, it was supposed to be the main building of the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition. This is where 5,000 works came to Barcelona from across Spain.
The building itself is known as the Palau Nacional and is over 540,000 square feet. The architecture takes after the classical style of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City. One can see that the museum is deeply rooted in artistic and cultural ties all around the world.
Art Collection
Modern art is just one of the many things that can be seen inside the museum. There is also a variety of Medieval Romanesque and Gothic Art. These collections date back many centuries and are an integral part of Spanish culture.
Once visitors pass through the entrance, they are greeted by the Sal Oval. A large room that gives off a mini coliseum feel due to the seating around the room. It was reopened after renovations to commemorate the Olympic games of 1992. Julio Alvarez Bautista noted that "The olympic games were instrumental in a boom for Barcelona. My dad moved here in 1990 and he saw the difference. (Translated from Spanish).
Guests then have a choice of what to explore next. They can wander to any of the modern art exhibits. Or they can explore the Romanesque and Gothic collections.
The modern art is opened by a small room that highlights the work of some recent artists. The theme is the ongoing war in Ukraine and reinforces the idea of peace.
The Romanesque art is a collection of 11th to 13th century paintings that are some of the oldest in all of Europe. It also showcases a variety of sculptures made from wood and stone.
The murals are perhaps the best sights that the museum has to offer. Uniquely painted works gives light to other famous ceiling murals around the world. They are done by Joan Miro. Miro is a famous for his take on expressionism and his Catalan pride. He has a museum of his own in Barcelona known as the Fundació Joan Miró.
Gallery (Scroll)
Architecture
One of the most unique parts of the entire museum is the combination of modern and classic architecture of the building. While walking up the steps, it’s impossible to not notice the castle like features of the building. The symmetry showcases a key perspective of the building that any guest can appreciate.
A Security Guard for the museum said "This place is one of many hidden gems in Barcelona. Slowly, we are getting more visitors every year." The speaker wished to remain anonymous.
A tourist attracter and neat reward for visiting the museum is access to the roof. On the roof, visitors can enjoy one of the best views in all of Barcelona. Atop the museum there are a variety of different lookout points and things to look at.
Directly above the oval room, there is a hand lighting rod created by Antonio Ortega. The hand signifies the hand of Christ. Trimmings around the rod are traditional of Catalan architecture.
Catalonia
The National Museum of Catalan art is one of many must-sees in time of Barcelona. It is difficult to understand Barcelona without knowing ab
out the Catalan roots that it is tied with. The people of Catalan refer to themselves as separate then Spanish citizens. This is because they speak a different language and have their own parliament
The contemporary independence movement began in 2009. Since then, organized gatherings and other pushes by the Catalan people have commenced. Catalonians are very nationalistic and continue to push for independence. Understanding this is key to the interpretation of Catalan art and culture.
Wrapping it Up
Tickets to the Museum can be purchased for as little as two euros for simple art and roof access. For 12 euros, visitors can see everything the museum has to offer. Students can also obtain a discount as well. Students who are over 16 can get the advanced ticket for 8.50 Euros. The museum is becoming more appreciated as Catalans push for independence and expansions are soon to be made.
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