UnCommon Tourist

Explore Barcelona’s Best Free Museums on the First Sunday of Every Month in 2025!

Free Culture, Art, and Fun Awaits You in Barcelona – No Wallet Needed!

Barcelona is one of those cities where the culture practically oozes out of every corner. From the stunning architecture of Gaudí and other Modernism to its thriving street art scene and café culture, there’s always something exciting happening. But here’s a secret: on the first Sunday of every month in 2025, you can access some of the city’s most iconic museums completely for FREE! Say what?!

Whether you’re an art lover, history buff, or just looking for a fun day out without spending a penny, Barcelona has got your back. And, if you aren't in town on the 1st Sunday, don’t worry—some museums also offer free entry after 3 PM every Sunday! (insert happy dance here)

Let’s dive in and explore how you can make the most of your time in Barcelona, all while keeping your budget in check!

Free Museums on the First Sunday of Every Month (2025)

Mark your calendars and get ready to explore!

1. Museu Picasso: A Journey Through Picasso’s Genius

Website: Museu Picasso

Why You’ll Love It: Ever wondered what Picasso was up to before he became a global icon? The Museu Picasso is your chance to dive deep into the mind of the master, especially with their “Picasso: The Blue Period” exhibit. It’s like stepping inside a painting, and it’s perfect for art lovers, solo travellers, and anyone who appreciates creativity.

Special for 2025: Check out the intimate look at Picasso’s emotional evolution.

UnCommon Perspective? Hmmmmm, ok, honestly Angie finds this one a lil' dry... If you can go for free though, it's worth a walk around if nothing else for the incredibly beautiful building it's held in within El Born!

2. Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC): A Treasure Trove of Catalan Art

Website: MNAC

Why You’ll Love It: Imagine strolling through galleries filled with masterpieces by Gaudí, Miró, and other Catalan legends. MNAC has it all—stunning views over the city, art that spans centuries, and even interactive experiences for the little ones (big ones are not allowed to touch stuff, so consider yourself warned!)

Special for 2025: The "Modernisme and the Legacy of the 19th Century" exhibit is an unmissable treat, highlighting the stunning Art Nouveau movement. Families, art lovers, and history geeks—this one’s for you!

UnCommon Perspective?  Possibly one of the most beautiful locations in the city, we love the stairs leading up to the museum, the perspective from the top, and the inside of the grand halls. As the magic fountain is currently not in use (a result of Catalan drought problems since 2023) you can use your imagination to envision the water movement and feel free to belt out "BARCELONA" in your best Freddy Mercury impression...!

3. Museu d'Historia de Barcelona (MUHBA): A Time-Travel Adventure

Website: MUHBA

Why You’ll Love It: Step into ancient Roman Barcelona! This museum takes you underground to explore ruins and artifacts that will make you feel like you've travelled back in time. Plus, everyone will love the interactive exhibits.

Special for 2025: MUHBA is putting on some seriously cool interactive experiences, perfect for curious minds of all ages.

UnCommon Perspective:  Best roman ruins of the city and we'd advise you to check it out at dusk for some incredible light and shadow movement from the higher levels into the courtyard!

4. Museu d'Historia de Catalunya: Discover Catalonia’s Rich Past

Website: Museu d'Historia de Catalunya

Why You’ll Love It: Explore the drama and excitement of Catalonia’s history through immersive exhibits and multimedia. Whether you're a solo adventurer or a couple looking for an engaging afternoon, this museum has something to pique your interest.

Special for 2025: Discover cutting-edge storytelling tech that makes history feel alive.

UnCommon Perspective: One of Alvaro's top picks for museums from the interactive section (mostly for kids, but we encourage adult kids to push your luck on this one!) to the beautiful rooftop terrace, it's a cool location with good walking distance over to El Born for a post-museum coffee/hot chocolate at Hidden Coffee Roasters!

5. Museu Frederic Marès: A Hidden Gem of Sculpture and History

Website: Museu Frederic Marès

Why You’ll Love It: This quirky little museum is packed with beautiful sculptures and fascinating historical artifacts from Frederic Marès’ personal collection. It’s perfect for art lovers, history buffs, and those looking for something off the beaten path.

Special for 2025: Check out the rare Catalan sculptures in an intimate, personal setting—perfect for anyone craving a more intimate art experience.

UnCommon Perspective: Very cool location to the side of the Cathedral and is a little less busy than most other museums in the city.

6. Pavilion Miles Van der Rohe: An Eblematic Work of the Modern Movement,

Website: Pavillion Miles Van der Rohe

Why You’ll Love It: Designed by Ludwig Miles van der Rohe and Lilly Reich as the German national pavilion for the 1929 Barcelona International Exhibition. Built from glass, steel and different kinds of marble, the Pavilion was conceived to accommodate the official reception presided over by Kings of Spain Alfonso XIII and Victoria Eugenia along with the German authorities.

Special for 2025: 2025 arrives with a new edition of the Young Talent EUmies Awards, artistic and experimental proposals, publications and concerts, research and debate programs, open days and various activities to bring the joy of architecture everywhere!

UnCommon Perspective: Find Alvaro wandering the edges and admiring the straight lines and angular nature of the building; find Angie single-leg hopping along the large outdoor ponds... Here there is a lil' something for everyone and super close to Montjuic if you were so inclined for a Sunday stroll afterwards! Also, famous for the "Barcelona Chair" - see if you can recognise it!

7. Foto Colectania

Website: Foto Colectania

Why You’ll Love It: Foto Colectania is a non-profit organisation, founded in Barcelona in 2002, with the aim of disseminating photography and introducing it within the social, artistic and educational field in our country.

Special for 2025: Ramon Masats stands as one of the most influential photographers of Spain’s 1960s generation. His reputation was built upon a unique combination of instinctive compositional talent, a sharp and ironic lens on post-war cultural clichés, and an unwavering commitment to photographing with absolute freedom.

UnCommon Perspective: Honestly? Uh, we haven’t been yet… wanna come with us one weekend?!

8. Museu de la Musica: A Symphony of Sound and History

Website: Museu de la Musica

Why You’ll Love It: For music lovers, the Museu de la Musica is a real treat. From ancient instruments to interactive sound exhibits, it’s a sensory adventure that everyone can enjoy. 

Special for 2025: Expect new exhibits exploring the evolution of music through different cultures—fascinating for visitors of all ages!

UnCommon Perspective: One of Álvaro's top picks (all you guitar lovers can thank me later for that one!) We both agree that the audio guide is very confusing though so approach it with caution! The music room is worth a visit if you are musically inclined or travelling with kids and the entrance also houses a piano so you can warm up before you head in!

9. Museo Blau

Website: Museo Blau

Why You’ll Love It: Located in the stunning Fòrum district, Museo Blau (the Museum of Natural Sciences) offers a deep dive into the natural world. Its striking modern architecture and expansive exhibits on everything from prehistoric life to environmental sustainability make it a captivating experience for all ages.

Special for 2025: The museum is focusing on new exhibitions highlighting the impact of climate change and the urgent need for biodiversity conservation, engaging visitors with interactive displays and cutting-edge technology.

UnCommon Perspective: The Temporary exhibits here are almost always interactive and educational but the real beauty is found in the permanent area of asteroids, dinosaurs, preserved animals, and (incredibly!) the rock collection! Look out for the Garza bird, Alvaro's very distant cousin!

10. Museo del Diseño de Barcelona

Website: Museo del Diseño de Barcelona 

Why You’ll Love It: The Museu del Disseny is a celebration of creativity, where design, fashion, and graphic arts come together in one dynamic space. Whether you're into cutting-edge fashion, industrial design, or Catalan craftsmanship, this museum offers something unique for everyone.

Special for 2025: Look out for new exhibits showcasing futuristic design and sustainable fashion, plus collaborations with international designers that will inspire all design lovers!

UnCommon Perspective: Here, if design is your jam, there’s fascinating pieces from the past and innovative works of today. There's also a fun, interactive space for “kids”, so get stuck into that! Oh, and the architecture of the building itself is worth the visit – it’s like the design is part of the exhibit!

11. Palau Güell: A Masterpiece by Gaudí

Website: Palau Güell

Why You’ll Love It: Palau Güell is a stunning example of Antoni Gaudí’s early work and a must-see for architecture and design enthusiasts. The building’s intricate details, from the grand entrance to the rooftop chimneys, showcase Gaudí’s visionary genius. 

Special for 2025: Expect new audio-visual guides that bring the history and stories of Palau Güell to life in a more immersive way. Plus, there may be special events highlighting its UNESCO World Heritage status and its place in Gaudí's career!

UnCommon Perspective: Palau Güell is an intimate, quieter experience than many other Gaudi spaces in the city. Don’t rush—take time to appreciate the finer details, like the mosaics and the wrought ironwork. Pro tip: the rooftop is incredible, offering panoramic views of the city, so make sure to check it out! It’s a great spot to capture some photos too. But book your free ticket in advance as they have limited spaces!

WAIT!! There's also Free Museums EVERY Sunday After 3 PM!

Can’t make it on the first Sunday? Don’t fret! Several museums offer free entry every Sunday afternoon after 3 PM. Here's the scoop on where you can explore without spending a penny:

Castle of Montjuïc

Botanical Gardens of Barcelona

Museu d'Historia de Barcelona (MUHBA)

Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA)

Museu de la Musica

Museu Blau

Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC)

Ethnological & World Cultures Museum

Museu del Disseny de Barcelona

Special 2025 Exhibitions and Experiences You Can’t Miss!

While you’re soaking up all the free art and culture, keep an eye out for some exciting 2025 exhibitions and immersive experiences:

“Gaudí: The Immersive Experience”

Website: Gaudi Experience

Why You’ll Love It: Ever wanted to step inside Gaudí’s mind? Now’s your chance with this 3D immersive exhibit that takes you through his iconic works like never before. A family-friendly experience that will leave you in awe!

“Dalí and the Surrealists” at Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí

Website: Fundació Dalí

Why You’ll Love It: A day trip out of the city, but this isn’t your average art exhibit. Get lost in the wacky, weird, and wonderful world of Dalí and the Surrealists in 2025’s newest exhibit at the Dalí Foundation. Perfect for couples or anyone looking to experience the strange beauty of surrealism. Did you know he's the artist behind the Chuppa Chubbs design too?!

“The Wonders of Nature” at CosmoCaixa

Website: CosmoCaixa

Why You’ll Love It: CosmoCaixa is where science and fun collide! This family-with-kids-friendly museum brings nature to life with hands-on exhibits and even a planetarium. Kids of all ages will love playing on everything from dinosaurs to space exploration.

Discover the Best of Barcelona Without Breaking the Bank!

Barcelona’s museums aren’t just about art—they’re about experiences! Whether you’re exploring ancient history, getting lost in contemporary art, or having fun with the family, you’ll find something that excites you. With free entry on the first Sunday of every month and after 3 PM every Sunday, there’s no excuse not to make the most of these cultural treasures.

So, pack your curiosity and your sense of adventure—Barcelona’s museums are ready for you, and the best part? You won’t have to spend a cent!