Montjuic in Barcelona is home to some of the city's most exciting museums, including the Mirò Foundation and Poble Espanyol, a full-size Spanish model village. It's also the home of the Olympic Stadium and Montjuic Palace. Read on for the top ten things to do in Montjuic in Barcelona.
This article is part of our 100 Things to Do in Barcelona
1. Catalonian National Art Museum (MNAC)
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The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya has astounding collections covering everything from Romanesque frescoes saved from deteriorating Pyrenean churches to works by masters such as Velasquez and Rubens right upto the 20th century and the Catalan modernists and impressionists.
2. Miró Foundation
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One of Spain's finest collections of contemporary art is stored in Josep Lluis Sert's beautiful minimalist building. Highlights are a mercury fountain and the hundreds of paintings, sculptures and ceramics by the iconic Miró.
3. Poble Espanyol
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Created for an international exposition in 1929, this is a village showing different architectural aspects of Spain. You enter through a fortified gate modelled on Avila, before exploring anything from a Galician townhouse to a Jerez wine cellar.
4. Illuminated Fountains In Plaça Espanya
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Something spectacular happens to Plaça Espanya's fountains on Thursday and Saturday nights. Thanks to a thrilling light show, they begin changing colours. The show lasts about half an hour.
5. Barcelona's Olympic Stadium
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The Olympic Stadium stands next to the Olympic Gallery, which tells the story of the 1992 Olympics with interesting artifacts. Next to the Gallery is the amazing Palau de Sant Jordi, Arata Isozaki's futuristic indoor exhbition hall, which has big concerts all year round.
6. Montjuic Castle
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The much-battered and sieged 17th Century castle has seen more than its fair share of action. It was where Catalan patriots were tortured and shot by Fascists after the Civil War. Its gardens are a joy, with beautiful views over the Mediterranean and there's an interesting museum with military artifacts.
7. Sala Montjuic
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In summer crowds flock to this open-air cinema in the grounds of Montjuic's castle. You can catch a movie Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Sadly, it's only on in July.
8. Caixa Forum
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With its portal by Arata Isozaki, Art Nouveau design and excellent art exhibitions, this one-time textile factory is a winning way to spend a couple of hours of your time.
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9. Museu d'Arqueologia de Catalunya
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The Archaeological Museum is a portal into Catalonia's distant past, with a fascinating glimpse into Megalithic Spain and important remains of Greek Civizilation on the Catalan coast from the ruins at Empúries.
10. Barcelona Rock Museum
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A new museum in the revamped Arenas bullring, the Museu del Rock has a vast collection of rock n' roll memorabilia and interactive exhibits.
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