Understand Catalonia, from Prehistory to Today
Museum of the History of Catalonia: Tickets, Opening Hours, and Visit
The Museum of the History of Catalonia, or Museu d’Història de Catalunya, traces the major stages of Catalan history from Prehistory to the contemporary era. Located in the Palau de Mar, overlooking Port Vell and Barceloneta, it offers a highly educational chronological journey with objects, reconstructions, and interactive displays.
An interactive journey from Prehistory to today, with a terrace overlooking Port Vell.
- Catalan History
- Interactive Tour
- Palau de Mar
- Terrace Overlooking the Port
Tickets for the Museum of the History of Catalonia
Entry Ticket and Barcelona Card
The ticket grants access to the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions of the museum. The Barcelona Card does not include free entry, but it currently offers a 20% discount at the Museu d’Història de Catalunya and includes public transportation.
Skip-the-line ticket
Museum of the History of Catalonia
Permanent collection and temporary exhibitions
Explore the history of Catalonia from Prehistory to the present day with an educational, interactive, and easy-to-follow museum located by the Port Vell.
- Museum entry included
- Permanent collection
- Temporary exhibitions
- Mobile ticket
Museum and transport pass
Barcelona Card
20% discount at the museum + transport
The Barcelona Card does not include free entry to the Museum of the History of Catalonia, but it currently offers a 20% discount on admission and allows the use of public transportation for the duration of the card's validity.
- 20% discount at the museum
- Unlimited public transport
- Many museums included
- Valid for 3, 4, or 5 days
At a Glance
The Museum of the History of Catalonia at a Glance
| Official Name | Museum of the History of Catalonia |
|---|---|
| Acronym | MHC |
| Neighborhood | Port Vell / Barceloneta |
| Building | Palau de Mar |
| Type of place | Museum of Catalan History, Society, and Culture |
| Visit Duration | Approximately 1h30 to 2h |
| Must-See Attractions | Permanent exhibition, reconstructions, contemporary history, terrace overlooking the port |
| Ideal Audience | History enthusiasts, families, and visitors wanting to understand Catalonia |
| Official Website | |
| Good to Know | On Wednesdays, the museum stays open until 8:00 PM. |
Follow the chronological path: it's the best way to enjoy this museum. It's especially useful at the beginning of your stay if you want to understand the historical and cultural references you'll encounter later in Barcelona and elsewhere in Catalonia.
Tip: Save the terrace for last. After the galleries, the view of Port Vell and Barceloneta offers a pleasant break.
Not to be missed
What to See at the Museum of the History of Catalonia?
© Ad Meskens / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
The Memory of a Country
The permanent exhibition traces the history of Catalonia from the earliest human societies to the contemporary era.
The Middle Ages and the Formation of Catalonia
The medieval rooms explain the political, social, and economic transformations of the territory with accessible displays.
The 19th and 20th Centuries
Industrialization, social changes, political movements, and contemporary upheavals are placed in a clear timeline.
© Enric / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
The Palau de Mar and the Terrace
The rooftop terrace offers a beautiful view of Port Vell, Barceloneta, and Montjuïc.
Practical Information
Opening Hours of the Museum of the History of Catalonia
The currently announced official hours are:
- Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday and public holidays: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
- Non-holiday Monday: closed
The ticket office and access close 30 minutes before the closing time. Access: Plaça de Pau Vila, 3. Metro L4 Barceloneta.
Museum Deal
Museum of the History of Catalonia or MUHBA?
The two museums complement each other. The MUHBA mainly tells the story of the city of Barcelona, with its Roman and medieval remains. The Museu d’Història de Catalunya broadens the perspective to encompass all of Catalonia, from Prehistory to the present day.
If you love history, the Museu d’Història de Catalunya also pairs very well with the Museu Marítim, located on the other side of Port Vell.
Museums & Culture
More Museums to Understand Barcelona and Catalonia
After the Museum of the History of Catalonia, continue with the Maritime Museum of Barcelona, the MUHBA, or El Born, Barcelona History Museum.
These three visits perfectly complement the broader perspective of the Museu d’Història de Catalunya.
FAQ
FAQ: Museum of the History of Catalonia
Yes, especially if you want to gain a better understanding of Catalan history and culture.
Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
The Museu d’Història de Catalunya tells the story of the entire region of Catalonia. The MUHBA is dedicated to the history of the city of Barcelona.
No. Entry is not free with the Barcelona Card, but the card currently offers a 20% discount at the museum.
Yes. The reconstructions, objects, and interactive devices make several parts of the tour easy to follow with the family.