Attraction
Sagrada Família
Antoni Gaudí's still-unfinished basilica in the Eixample, Barcelona's defining landmark, with a forest-like nave, two sculpted façades and climbable towers.
Fundació Joan Miró
The museum Joan Miró created on Montjuïc to house his work, set in a white modernist building by Josep Lluís Sert with roof terraces and sculpture.
At a glance
- Type
- Art museum
- Area
- Montjuïc, Barcelona, Spain
- Official site
- fmirobcn.org
Good to know
- Sculpture terraces
- Café
- Shop
Why we recommend it
Joan Miró wanted a centre in his home city where his work could be seen and where contemporary art could be studied and shown. The Fundació Joan Miró opened on Montjuïc on 10 June 1975, in a building designed by his friend the architect Josep Lluís Sert. Its white walls, skylights, patios and roof terraces are an essential part of the experience, letting daylight fall evenly on the paintings and opening views out over the city.
The collection runs through the whole of Miró's career and has recently been reorganised under the title Joan Miró. Circles. Highlights include the Barcelona Series of lithographs from 1944, the large triptych Painting on White Background for the Cell of a Recluse from 1968, sculptures such as The Caress of a Bird, and the great Tapestry of the Fundació from 1979. Alexander Calder's Mercury Fountain, made for the Spanish Republic's pavilion at the 1937 Paris exhibition, has a room of its own. Temporary exhibitions bring in other modern and contemporary artists, and the Espai 13 programme gives space to younger artists.
Allow around two hours. The roof terraces, with sculptures by Miró set against the sky, are a good place to pause, and the café and bookshop make it easy to spend longer. The museum is generally a good choice for families, as Miró's bright colours and simple shapes appeal to children, and family workshops are held on some dates. Opening hours change with the season, so check the official website before you go. Articket BCN is valid here.
The foundation sits in the gardens of Montjuïc, a short walk from the upper station of the Montjuïc funicular, which connects with Paral·lel metro on lines L2 and L3. You can also walk up from Plaça d'Espanya past the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, about 20 minutes uphill, or take a bus up the hill.
Nearby, the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya is ten minutes away on foot, and the Olympic Ring and the castle at the top of the hill are within reach. The cable car up to the castle leaves from close to the funicular station, making it easy to combine the foundation with a broader day exploring Montjuïc and its gardens.
Fundació Joan Miró FAQs
Who designed the building?
The architect Josep Lluís Sert, a friend of Joan Miró; it opened in 1975.
How do you get there?
Take the Montjuïc funicular from Paral·lel metro (L2 and L3); the foundation is a short walk from the upper station.
How long should you allow?
Around two hours, including time on the roof terraces.
What are the highlights?
Paintings and sculpture from across Miró's career, the 1979 tapestry and Alexander Calder's Mercury Fountain.
Is it good for children?
Yes. Miró's colours and shapes appeal to children, and the foundation runs family workshops.
What are the opening hours?
They change with the season, so check the official website before you visit.
Is there a café?
Yes, along with a bookshop.
What is nearby?
The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, the Montjuïc cable car, the castle and the Olympic Ring.