Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MUSEU NACIONAL D'ART DE CATALUNYA
Incorporating one of the most important medieval art collections in the
world, the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) is housed in the
majestic Palau Nacional, built in 1929. The high point of the museum is the
Romanesque art section, consisting of the painted interiors of churches from
the Pyrenees dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. There is also the
Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection, with works from the Gothic period to the
Rococo; the Cambó Bequest, with works by the likes of Goya and Zurbarán;
and a collection of works by Catalan artists from the early 19th century to the
present day.
Palau Nacional, Parc de MontjuÏc • Metro: Espanya; or
buses 55 or 150 • 93 622 03 76 •
www.mnac.cat
• Open 10am-6pm (8pm
Jun-Sep) Tue-Sat, 10am-3pm Sun • Adm: €12; con €8.40 (valid for two
days within one month; free Sat from 3pm and first Sun of the month; free
under 16 and over 65 years old; Audioguide €3.20) • Guided tours by appt
and 1st Sun of month (noon in Catalan and 12:15pm in Spanish) • DA
Google Map
1. MURALS: SANTA MARIA DE TAÜLL
The well-preserved interior of Santa Maria de Taüll (c.1123) gives an idea of how in-
crediblycolourfultheRomanesquechurchesmusthavebeen.Thesymbolismconcen-
trates on Jesus's early life, with scenes of the Wise Men and John the Baptist.
2. FRESCOES: SANT CLIMENT DE TAÜLL
The Taüll interior is a melange of Byzantine, French and Italian influences. The apse
is dominated by
Christ in Majesty
and the symbols of the four Evangelists and the
Virgin, with the apostles beneath.
3. CRUCIFIX OF BATLLÓ MAJESTY
Thissplendid,mid-12th-centurywoodencarvingdepictsChristonthecrosswithopen
eyes and no signs of suffering, as he has defeated death.
