Museums and Culture for Kids in Barcelona
These are Barcelona museums recommended for children and families. Since April 2009, Barcelona's public museums are free of charge to the public from 3pm to 8pm on Sundays. Others offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month.
Science Museum and Planetarium at CosmoCaixa
Teodor Roviralta 47-51 Tel. 93 212 60 50
CosmoCaixa Website
Considered the most beautiful science museum in Europe, the museum houses a reproduction of the Amazon rain forest (complete with alligators, snakes and birds) as well as a planetarium and geological wall made of 90 tons of rock. Regular activities for children and families throughout the year see Events List . Tickets available from ServiCaixa (La Caixa) cash point machines or from http://www.servicaixa.com. There is a 50% discount on your purchase If you use a Caixa bank card to pay.
Permanent activities at CosmoCaixa (Call for advanced booking):
Planetari Bombolla
Planetarium visit especially designed for 3-7 year olds. Price: €2.00
Toca Toca
Explore through touch 3 different habitats and the creatures that live in them. Suitable for young children. Price:€2.50
Clik
Little ones aged 3-6 years get their very own special space to explore science through various activities. See how the wind behaves or how Kaleidoscopes can alter image. A monitor leads children through the session and asks them thought-provoking questions. Weekends 12pm and 6pm (August daily). 1st-10th September 2008 also sessions at 4pm Monday to Friday. Price: €2.00
Flash
7-9 year olds can take part in this workshop that looks at what shapes our landscapes and produces the very different spieces in the world that we live in. They will learn how certain energies including our own have an impact on how our planet develops with a variety of activities to stir their curiosity. Weekends 12pm and 6pm (August daily). 1st-10th September 2008 also sessions at 4pm Monday to Friday. Price: €2.00
Treasurehunt (Joc de Pistes)A choice of three different treasurehunt games that allow families to explore the museum together.
Open: Tues-Sun 10am – 8pm
Price: €3.00 Adults, €1.50 8-16 yrs, Under 8’s FREE. Discounts for La Caixa bank account holders.
Family card (Targeta Amiga Familiar de Cosmocaixa) offers unlimited yearly entry and reductions on activities €15
Young person’s card offering unlimited yearly entrance for only €6.00 (Targeta Amiga Jove de Cosmocaixa)
Natural History and Science Museum
Museu de Ciencies Naturales de la Ciutadella and Museu de Zoologia
Parc de La Ciutadella (entrance Pujades or Avgda. Picasso) Tel. 93 319 6912
Natural History and Science Museum Website
In the year 2000, the museums of Zoology and Geology merged to form the current Museum. As well as the permanent exhibition there are small temporary exhibitions and regular family activities. Until January 2008 “Origins”, an exhibition drawing together the latest scientific theory from the fields of cosmology, physics, astronomy, biology and archaeology to explain the origin of the universe and our place in it.
Make sure that you request the free educational kit "Drago Dragonet" when you go in. The kit for families with children under 12 provides you with more detailed information on the permanent exhibit and has lots of resources to make the visit more fun for children. The kit has a guide for parents and a variety of materials for kids such as photographs, plastic animals and crayons. The games include "camouflage and warning" and "similarities and differences" as well as guessing games. Parents can decide which games are appropriate for their children's ages. The kit even includes a drawing pad to be used during the visit!
See details of activities at the Museu de Ciencies Naturales
Workshops on Sundays at 12pm (from 75 mins. to 2 hrs)
Honey Bee - Watch a beehive up close and find out what goes on.
Birds of the Ciutadella - Guided birdwatching walk in the park (6 yrs+)
Open: 10am – 6.30pm Tues – Sat; 10am – 2.30pm Sun
Price: General Entry Adults €3.90 , Children under 16 yrs FREE
CaixaForum Barcelona
Av. Marquès de Comillas, 6-8 Tel. 93 476 8600
CaixaForum Barcelona Website
Housed in an old textile factory this cultural centre has an incredible
offering of art exhibitions, musical concerts, cinema and shows
throughout the year. The CaixaForum is located just up the hill of
Montjuic from the Magic Fountains and houses temporary exhibitions with
a lot of interesting spaces for children to walk around. You can go up
and take in the view from the the rooftop and stop for a meal or drink
in the centre's restaurant that has a small outdoor patio.
As well as
the many free exhibitions, most of the family activities are free or
cost between €2-€4 and include children's cinema, theatre and
interactive vists. The best thing about a visit to the CaixaForum for
kids is that each exhibit has a "Mini Labo" where children can take
part in a workshop related to the artist. The workshops are suitable
for children ages 6 years and over and encourage children explore their
creativity. There are also many family outdoor events held during the
summer months.
For current workshops and shows see What's On for Kids in Barcelona
Open: 10am – 8pm Tues-Sun (open Mondays on public holidays)
Price: FREE (some paid activities)
Maritime Museum (Museu Maritim)
Museu Maritim
Av. De las Drassanes s/n (Nr bottom of Rambla) Tel. 93 342 9929
http://www.museumaritimbarcelona.com
From its beaches, pleasure and commerical ports it is hard to miss the fact that Barcelona is very much a maritime city. At the museum you can see a full size model of a galleon and combine your ticket to include a look around the Santa Eulalia Schooner berthed along Moll de La fusta.
A cafeteria with garden seating offers a pleasant escape from city traffic.The garden stays open until late with a bar and music during the summer.
Other Combi ticket options are available for a boat trip on the Golondrinas see Barcelona Sightseeing Tours, on a trimar catamaran, or entry to the colombus monument.
Activities for children:
"Galiots!" - Life in the galleys
3rd Saturday of month at 7pm. Experience life as it was in the galleys in the 16th Century. (Call to reserve Children €7 /Adults €10)
Open: 10am – 8pm daily (ticket sales until 7pm)
Price: Standard entrance €6.50; Under 6's FREE.
50% discount with Library Card
Archaeological Musuem of Barcelona
 Museu d'Arqueologia de Catalunya
Pg. de Santa Madrona, 39-41
Tel. 93 424 6577
http://www.mac.cat
The Archaeological Museum of Barcelona is located in at the bottom of
Montjuic a short walk away from Plaza Espanya. This national musuem
preserves and researches archaeological remains from pre-history up to
medieval times. Guided visits are available. On Sundays from October
to May, children (along with their parents) can take part in 1 hour
workshops starting at midday.
Que els déus us hi acompanyin!
May God be with you! (3-5 year olds)
Learn about the Greek Gods, Zeus, Apollo, Aphrodite and others in this
workhop devoted to the divine interventions that were part of daily
life in ancient Greece. First Sunday of the month.
Els ibers. A les armes!
The Iberians to arms! (6-12 year olds)
Discover how daily life was for the Iberians, how they dressed and
what they ate. Learn how wars shaped Iberian society and have fun role-
playing. Second Sunday of the month.
Jo vull ser com l'Indiana Jones!
I want to be Indian Jones! (6-12 year olds)
What we see in the movies does not always reflect real life. What do archaeologists really get up to? Put yourselves in the shoes of an archaelogist, have a go at
excavation and analysing what you discover. Third Sunday of month.
Vols ser un ciutadà romà?
Do you want to be Roman citizen? (6-12 year olds)
Learn about ancient Rome through a fun game of discovery. Solve
puzzles and answer questions about Roman life in order to qualify as a
genuine Roman citizen. Fourth Sunday of the month.
Vine a fer el prehistòric!
Let's go prehistoric! (6-12 year olds)
Travel back to prehistoric times and find out what humans did for
survival - what they ate, what they made and how they expressed themselves through art.
Paint your own picture on a rock using inspiration from your prehistoric
ancestors. Fifh Sunday of the month.
Open: Daily (except Mondays) 9.30am to 7pm; Sunday and holidays 10am to 2.30pm
Price: €3.00; €2.50 16-18 years; FREE under 16's. Activities included with admission.
Metro: L3 Poble Sec and Espanya; L1 Espanya; Bus No. 55 (from Pl. Catalunya)
Wax Museum (Museu de Cera)
Passatge de la banca, 7
Tel. 93 317 2649
http://www.museocerabcn.com
19th century stately home locals Dali and Picasso to Luke Skywalker to Yasser Arafat Appearance Charles and Camilla. You can take the kids for a refreshment after to the Fairy café (Bosc de les Fades) next door – as the name suggests an indoor fairly land with trees and running water.
Open: 10am – 1pm and 4pm – 7.30pm Mon – Fri
11am – 2pm and 4.30 am – 8.30pm weekends and public holidays
Summer 10am – 10pm
Price: Adults €7.50 , Children 5-11 yrs €4.50
Fundació Joan Miro
Parc de Montjuïc s/n, Tel 93 4439470
http://www.fundaciomiro-bcn.org/
The Joan Miró foundation is great choice of art gallery for a family visit. The location of the gallery on the hill of Montjuic means that you can include a cultural stop on a day out exploring the parks of Barcelona's hill or visiting the Olympic stadium and museum. Joan Miró (1893-1983) was a Catalan artist whose works appeals to children through his use of bright, bold and vivid colours. The foundation offers children's workshops and weekend shows. The ongoing Miró en Familia is an opportunity to explore the exhibitions armed with a printed guide tailored to families. Children from 5-10 years old, accompanied by an adult, can collect the information at reception (in Catalan or Spanish).
Open: Tue. to Sat. 10am-7pm (Oct. to Jun.)
10am-8pm (Jul. to Sep)
Thursdays 10am-9.30pm; Sundays and Holidays 10am-2.30pm
Price: Articket accepted (see Barcelona Discount Cards), Adults 8 €, Children 6 €
Public Transport: Funicular de Montjuïc from Parallel station
Bus: 50, 55, 193 or special bus Parc de Montjuïc
Railroad Museum Vilanova (Museu del Ferrocarril)
Pl. Eduard Maristany, sn, Vilanova I la Geltru Tel. 93 815 8491
www.museudelferrocarril.org
An impressive collection of locomotives as well as an enormous
photographic archive, temporary exhibitions, a miniature steam train
ride, antique clocks, a children’s theatre and a collectors market on
the first Sunday of the month...see full details of the Museu del Ferrocarril in Vilanova
Open: 10.30am to 2.30pm Tues – Sat
10.30am to 2.30pm and 4pm to 6.30pm Sun
Price: Adult €4.50; Child 4-11yrs €3.50
Accessible by train from Barcelona.
National Museum of Art of Catalunya MNAC
MNAC
C. Mirador, 6 Palau Nacional
http://www.mnac.es
National Art museum with permanent art, drawings and photographic exhibitions as well as temporary exhibtions. Ongoing workshops for kids.
Activities for Children
Creative Workshops run throughout the year. This Summer, groups can take part in a selection of these including, Fotoperque, a look at the world of photography and the Joc de Pistes, quiz style game based on the collection of medieval art. Visit website for details.
Price for workshops: €4 (under 7's free)
Open: Tues-Sat 10am to 7pm and Sunday 10am to 2.30pm
Price: €8.50 (2 day validity in a month; Under 15's FREE
Frederic Mares Museum - Antique Toys and Collections
Plaça Sant Iu, 5 Tel.
93 310 5800
Museum dedicated to the weird and wonderful artefacts of Frederic Mares I Deulovol (1893-1991) world traveller and collector. As part of the Royal Palace the building itself has been occupied by a succession of bishops, nuns and aristocracy throughout the last 7 centuries. Mares opened a museum in a small apartment which he lived in in 1948. As well as fine collection of Romanesque and Gothic religious art, there is everything from a collection of clocks, costumes and crucifixes antique cameras, pipes and postcards. Most fun of all there is a room filled with antique children's toys. There is a pleasant courtyard outside where you can have a drink in the shade.
Open: Daily (except Mondays) from 10am – 5pm
Sundays and Public Holidays from 9am- 2pm
Obra Social Caja Madrid
Espai Cultural Barcelona, Pl. Catalunya, 9
Tel. 93 301 4494
http://www.obrasocialcajamadrid.es
Cultural Centre open Monday
to Saturday 9am-9pm. Sundays and Holidays 10am-2pm. Monthly programme
of music, theatre, exhibitions and cinema including activities for
children.
Egyptian Musuem of Barcelona
Museu Egipci de Barcelona
Tel. 93 488 0188
http://www.museuegipci.com/index.php?index
The Egyptian Musuem is located close to the city centre.
It boasts a monographic collection on Ancient Egypt that is one of the
best in Europe. With more than a thousand exhibits on show the musuem
offers a good insight into the life and customs of one of the most
ancient of civilizations. The
Museum itself is over 2,000 square meters in size with three main
exhibition areas. One of them holds temporary exhibitions; lecture
rooms and a library.
The museum offers workshops for children and teenagers at the weekend and during the summer holidays progammes to learn more about the world of the Pharaohs.
Open: Daily (Mon. to Sat. 10am-8pm and Sun. 10am-2pm)
Metro: L2, L3 i L4. Passeig de Gràcia. L1 Plaça Catalunya. L5 Diagonal.
Bus: 7, 16, 17, 20, 22, 24, 28, 39, 43, 44, 45, 47
Magic Museum (El Rey de la Magia)
C/ de L’Oli, 6
Tel. 93 319 7393
Museum opens at show times and a combined ticket gives you entrance
to the children’s magic show and a visit to the museum. The El Rey de
La Magia shop is located at Princesa, 11.
Open: Saturdays at 6pm and Sundays at 12pm (Closed August)
Price: €7 with magic show
Casa Amatller
Pg. de Gracia, 41 Tel. 93 487 7217
www.amatller.org
The Fundacio Institut Amatller d'Art Hispanic was established in 1941
by
Teresa Amatller, daughter of Antoni Amatller, a chocolate manufacturer,
traveller and art collector. The foundation promotes research into the
history of Hispanic Art and runs workshops and other activities for
children. Every Saturday at 11am, children can take part in workshops
whilst parents visit the Manzana de la Discordia (The adjoining
buildings known as the "Block of Discord"), made up of the Casa
Amatller, Casa Lleo Morera and Gaudis most famous, Casa Batllo. Kids
can then enjoy a chocolate tasting at the end of the session.
Open: Mon - Sun 10am - 8.30pm
Price: Workshop: €6; Visit to the Manzana de la Discordia €5.
Holographical Museum
Jaume I, 1 Tel. 93 310 2172 / 654 049 899
http://www.hello3d.com
A small, unique museum dedicated to holograms and holographic techniques.
Open: 10:30am-1:30pm and 5:30pm-8:30pm Mon to Sat
Chocolate Museum (Museu de la xocolata)
Comerc, 32 Tel. 93 268 7878
http://www.pastisseria.com/en/PortadaMuseu
Chocolate wonderland of life-size statues and monument replicas. Workshops and parties for kids as well as the best hot chocolate you can find in the city.
Children 3 – 8 yrs can take part in a treasure trail hunt discovering
the history of the Mayan God Xocoatl and the origins of cocoa.
Open: 10am – 7pm Mon – Fri. 10am – 3pm Sun & public holidays
Price: €3.90 under 7’s free ; First Monday of month FREE
Metro: Arc de Triomf
Barcelona Olympic and Sports Museum
Museu de Olimpics i Esports
Av. De L’Estadi, 60
Tel. 93 426 4346
Barcelona is the first European city to have a dedicated Olympic
museum. The Museu Olimpic i de L'Esport which opened in 2007, is
situated next to the Olympic stadium and has some great interactive
exhibtions for parents and kids alike. You can use simulators to run
against Carl Lewi, compare the actual weights lifted by world
champions, visit the Hall of Fame and see sports legends, enjoy live
sport and take part in a variety of activities. Bar, cafe and Shop.
Open: Wednesday to Monday 10am-8pm April to September; 10am-6pm October to March
Price: Adult €8 / Child €5 (5-15yrs); Under 5's FREE
Metro: Pl. Espanya L1, L3 (then walk); Montjuic Tourist Bus stop 5; Bus no. 55
or Funicular de Montjuic
Military and Comic & Illustrations museum
Castillo de Montjuïc
Tel. 93 329 86 13
Open: 10am to 7pm (closed Mondays except public holidays)
Price: €2.50 (under 7’s FREE)
Barcelona History Museum
Museu d’Historia de la Ciutat
Pl. pau vila 3
http:// www.mhcat.net
"Farcells, Maletes i Baguls" - Interactive, dramatised visit for
families (children ages 6-12yrs) which looks at Catalunya history via
the story of different families through the ages. Sundays 12pm -
1.30pm. Museum Mornings at the weekends gives children 3yrs and over
an adventurous, guided visit around the exhibits with games, discovery
workshops, tales and legends.
Centre d’Interpretació de Parc Güell
Clot, 7 Tel. 93 256 2122
The centre located at the entrance of the park, gives kids guided
visits of Parc Güell organised daily at the Centre d’Interpretacio. The
tour includes maps and games that help reveal the motives behind
Gaudi’s dream park.
Open: (8yrs plus) 11am to 3pm Tues –Sun
Price: €3.00
Picasso Museum Barcelona (Museu Picasso)
Montcada, 15-23 Tel. 93 256 30 00
www.museupicasso.bcn.es
An artist whose colourful and unusual work often appeals to younger children.
There
is a large permanent exhibition including childhood sketches,
paintings, drawings, photographs and a biography of the artist. There
is also an opportunity to stock up on postcards and picture books of
his most famous paintings from the gallery’s shop.
Open: 10am – 8pm Tues-Sun (open Mondays on public holidays)
Price: Adults €6.00, Children under 16yrs FREE
Open: Daily, Mon. to Sat.10am-8pm
Sun. 10am-2pm.
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