Spanish Art: 7 Must-See Museums in Spain

Spain boasts over 800 art museums, including Barcelona's Museu Picasso. For an art aficionado, a single museum can be the highlight of any vacation.

Spain's artistic culture extends well beyond the famous cubist. Modern humans have inhabited the Iberian peninsula for about 35,000 years. People still painted on the walls of caves.

When you visit Spain, go beyond the traditional Spanish Siesta and variety of cuisines.

However, no Spanish tour is complete without a visit to one of its many art museums. Hop off the plane and immerse yourself in the beautiful world of Spanish art. Here are 7 museums in Spain you must visit.

1. Museu Picasso, Barcelona

This museum remains was one of the most widely visited museums in Spain. People all over the world are fascinated by Picasso's unique style.

If you find yourself in Barcelona, do not skip over the chance to see over 4,000 of this cubist's impressive works.

Here you can peer into the formative years of the artist that would captivate the world.

2. Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Barcelona

Abbreviated as MNAC, this museum is the national museum of Catalan in Barcelona. It's collection spans the 10th through 20th centuries.

You'll find an array of art by Picasso and Dali as well as a variety of works from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

3. Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid

This museum was once the private collection of Hans Heinrich, Baron Thyssen-Bornemisza de Kaszon. Now open to the public, it makes up part of the Golden Triangle of Art.

Located in Madrid, it houses more than 1,000 paintings by Van Gogh, Monet, Kirchner, and more.

4. La Mezquita de Cordoba

Cordoba, Spain was the capital of the Islamic Caliphate of Cordoba until the state fractured in 1031.

This mosque was later transformed into a Catholic cathedral. It is an architectural site known for beautiful gardens, marble ceilings, and Byzantine mosaics.

5. Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares, Seville

In the city of Seville, walk through Mudjar Pavillion in Parque de Maria Luisa. You'll come across this museum.

This museum is dedicated to local traditions. It houses a collection of embroidery, lace, musical instruments, ceramics, and metalworks.

6. Museum of World Cultures, Barcelona

Next to Museu Picasso and the Modern Museum of European Art, you'll find this gem.

It's dedicated to exploring the vast and unexplored cultures of the world. You'll find a collection of works from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.

7. Museo Nacional de Arte Reina Sofia, Madrid

This is Spain's national museum of twentieth-century art. You can explore themes relating to revolution, Utopia, and more.

This museum will challenge your understanding of modernity through complex arrangements of artistic works.

A Tour of Spanish Art

Spain is home to an inexhaustible list of art museums. From the Renaissance to Picasso and beyond, you're sure to enjoy the rich culture of Spanish art.

Do not leave Spain without visiting one of these popular destinations, or you may need to plan another trip.

If you want to find out more about visiting or living in Spain, visit our news page. Don't just scratch the surface of Spain. Dive in head first.