On Carrer de Montcada, opposite the Picasso Museum, this branch of Barcelona’s Museu Etnològic i de Cultures del Món presents objects from cultures across Africa, Oceania, Asia and the Americas. Its displays include masks, sculptures, pottery and religious objects, with the African and Polynesian collections drawing particular interest. The museum occupies a Gothic building arranged across three floors, and labels and information screens help explain the objects. It is a quieter place to explore global art in El Born, especially if the crowds outside the Picasso Museum feel like too much.
Objects from four world regions
The Montcada branch brings together objects from Africa, Oceania, Asia and the Americas. The displays include masks, sculptures, pottery, statues and religious pieces, offering a look at both everyday life and cultural meaning. The African collection is on the ground floor, and the Polynesian section is another notable part of the visit.
Labels and information screens accompany the objects, with information available in several languages, including English. The layout groups the collection into broad regional sections, including Africa, Oceania, East and South Asia, and Mesoamerica and the Andes.
A Gothic setting on Carrer de Montcada
The museum is housed in two Gothic palaces, the Nadal and Marquès de Llió, on historic Carrer de Montcada. The building retains original features, and displays also provide information about its history. Its three floors offer a calm contrast to the busy street outside, directly opposite the Picasso Museum.
The museum has another venue in Montjuïc, focused on Catalan ethnology and regional traditions. The Montcada site is the one to choose for its collections of objects from cultures around the world.
FAQ
When is entry free?
Entry is free on the first Sunday of each month and after 3pm on other Sundays.
How long should I spend at the museum?
Allow around one to two hours to explore the three floors and collections.
What can you see at the Montcada site?
The collection includes objects from Africa, Oceania, Asia and the Americas, including masks, sculptures, pottery and religious items.
Is the museum near the Picasso Museum?
Yes. It is on Carrer de Montcada, directly opposite the Picasso Museum.
