Catalan Museum of Archaeology

On Passeig de Santa Madrona in Barcelona’s Sants-Montjuïc district, the Catalan Museum of Archaeology traces the region’s past through objects from prehistory to the early Middle Ages. Its Roman and Greek collections include archaeological finds, models of tombs and a glass collection. Interactive displays and a virtual reality experience about Tarragona add context to the exhibits. Temporary exhibitions, including one on Sardinia, bring another perspective. Most labels are not translated into English, so a translation app can help you follow the displays.

From prehistory to the early Middle Ages

The museum’s permanent displays follow the archaeological history of the territory that is now Catalonia, from prehistory to the early Middle Ages. Objects from the institution’s collections show how people lived across these periods, with finds from Roman and Greek contexts among the highlights.

Among the objects noted in the collection are a Neanderthal jaw found in Spain and pottery from other civilizations. Models of tombs and a collection of glass offer further details to look for as you move through the galleries.

Interactive displays and temporary exhibitions

Interactive features and information screens add context to the objects. A virtual reality experience focuses on Tarragona and is part of the Roman exhibition. Temporary exhibitions provide a different focus; one exhibition on Sardinia has also been noted as a highlight.

English translations are limited across the displays. A translation app can help you read the information, and you can check at reception if you plan to use an audio tour, as one visitor found the audio difficult to understand at first.