Picasso, Gaudí, Vidal—these are just some of the extraordinary artists who've lived in Barcelona in the past few centuries. When you visit the city today, you can see and feel their influence. It's as if these artists, and many more of their caliber, crafted the Catalan capital to be the artistic and creative hub it is today. You can marvel at Gaudí's astound architecture, you can walk
Picasso's footsteps, and of course, you can their amazing works in Barcelona's top art galleries. These are undeniably the finest hotspots for art-lovers in the city
Picasso Museum
Pablo Picasso was, without a doubt, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. A pioneer of modern art, it's only natural that Barcelona, a city he called home for a big portion of his life, will have a museum dedicated to him. Museu Picasso is located at the Catalan capital's
Ciutat Vella ('Old Town') and houses around 4,000 of Picasso's works. It has one of, if not the biggest Picasso collection in the world, and most of them are from his younger years from when he was an art student. That alone makes this art gallery even more of a must-see!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Fundació Joan Miró
Joan Miró was another prominent Spanish artist from the 20th century whose influence has stood the test of time. Mostly known for abstract art and vibrantly colorful creations, he was also a pioneer of modern and surrealist art. His lasting legacy is ever-present in Fundació Joan Miró, a museum dedicated to the legendary artist. Located in the Sant-Montjuïc
district of Barcelona, the architecture of the art gallery alone—designed by Josep Lluís Sert, no less!—is already a work of art. But it's the collection of Miró's graphic works inside that will keep you intrigued for hours on end.
Source: Fundació Joan Miró Facebook Page
Galeria Marlborough
Although the original Marlborough art gallery is in London, the more recent Galeria Marlborough in Barcelona, which opened in 2006, is still a notable museum nonetheless. Beyond its permanent collections, it serves as a great exhibition space for contemporary artists, giving them a platform to show the world what they've got. And oftentimes, touring exhibitions are also held here, garnering more and more visitors. Thanks to this dual-purpose, Galeria Marlborough's role in Barcelona's art scene remains ever relevant.
Source: Galería Marlborough Madrid & Barcelona Facebook Page
ADN Galeria
If you're wondering what the 'ADN' in ADN Galeria stands for, that's actually the Spanish term for 'DNA.' It's a good starting point as to what this art gallery in Barcelona is all about. While most of the other museums on this list simply focus on art as both a discipline and a decoration, ADN Galeria, which is located on Carrer d’Enric Granados, is more about socially-political art. These are works, both historic and contemporary, that convey messages of change, revolt, and challenge.
Source: ADN Galeria Facebook Page
Galería 3 Punts
Just uphill from Plaça Universitat—which means you may have to rely on
public transport to get here—Galería 3 Punts is a haven for young and modern art lovers. This place is all about celebrating contemporary artists and emerging creatives, giving them the platform and the chance they need to put their stamp on the world. The names you'll find here may not be as famous as Picasso or Miró, but they're sure to reach the same level of fame and notoriety in the future!
Source: Galería 3 Punts Facebook Page
Sala Parés
Carrer de Petritxol is probably the last place you'll find one of Barcelona's top art galleries. Known as the city's 'chocolate street,' this notable path is lined with many chocolate shops on each side. It's easier to find candy, sweets, and even
churro con chocolate here than artworks. However, there's still Sala Parés, a modern art gallery that's all about the current and up-and-coming creatives in the field. You can get your contemporary art fix here, complete with a myriad of works from both local and foreign artists.
Source: Sala Parés Facebook Page
Galería Senda
Founded in 1991 on Carrer de Trafalgar, Galería Senda isn't just your ordinary art gallery in Barcelona. It's an important institution that supports young and emerging artists. Year after year, they lend their space to up-and-coming creatives who want to show off their latest works. They also take part in various art competitions, helping find the next artists who will change the world. And while Galería Senda has its own permanent art collection worth seeing, it's when they hold such exhibitions and events that make it one of the hottest galleries in the Catalan capital.
Source: Galería Senda Facebook Page
Galeria Estrany de la Mota
Like many of Barcelona's other art galleries, Galeria Estrany de la Mota is more prominently known as an exhibition space in the city's Eixample neighborhood than a standard museum. Make no mistake, its permanent collection is still pretty worthwhile, but what truly draw people in are the exhibitions, competitions, special events, and even live performances. Galeria Estrany de la Mota never fears converging two styles, movements, disciplines, and even eras together. Ever since it first opened in 1996, this underground art gallery has sought to deconstruct the art world in the most attention-grabbing ways possible.
Source: Galeria Estrany de la Mota Facebook Page
Miscelanea
Miscelanea opened in the La Raval district in 2004 and it has since become one of the top art galleries in Barcelona. The place has remained consistent in championing multi-disciplinary contemporary art, particularly when it comes to audiovisual works. By way of exhibitions, concerts, and other similar events, Miscelanea opens up the doors of the current art world to the rest of the planet. And you can bet that those who are lucky enough to visit the museum have the time of their lives!
Source: Miscelanea Facebook Page
Fifty Dots
As far as modern art is concerned, you can't get any more contemporary than photography. At least, that's what Fifty Dots, the art gallery on Carreró de les Carolines, is all about. Presenting works from both local and foreign photographers, the pieces you see here art out of this world. These are the sorts of modern—and in many ways, futuristic—artworks that you'll want to hang in your own
luxury home. They're riveting, exciting, and emotional all at the same time. And isn't that what art is all about?
Source: Fifty Dots Facebook Page
As one of the most prominent art capitals in the world, Barcelona's art galleries are an art lover's dream. It's in these museums that they can see some amazing works of art, from historic pieces to contemporary masterpieces.
