Museu del Disseny de Barcelona
A modern architectural marvel housing extensive collections of Spanish design, decorative arts, fashion, and graphic design, plus engaging temporary e...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Museu del Disseny de Barcelona
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern architectural marvel housing extensive collections of Spanish design, decorative arts, fashion, and graphic design, plus engaging temporary exhibitions.
"This museum is a must-see for its stunning architecture and fascinating design exhibits!"
📸 Capture the Architecture
The building's design is as impressive as the exhibits. Don't forget your camera!
⏳ Allow ample time
With diverse collections and often engaging temporary exhibits, plan for at least 2-3 hours.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Permanent Collections
Main exhibition halls
Explore centuries of Spanish design, from decorative arts to industrial innovation. A true visual feast for design enthusiasts.
Temporary Exhibitions
Special exhibition spaces
Discover unique, often immersive, temporary shows that have included everything from Pixar magic to balloon art.
Architectural Marvel
Exterior and interior
Admire the striking contemporary architecture of the building itself, a design statement in its own right.
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Check Exhibition Schedules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Architecture
The building's design is as impressive as the exhibits. Don't forget your camera!
⏳ Allow ample time
With diverse collections and often engaging temporary exhibits, plan for at least 2-3 hours.
📍 Check for Special Events
Barcelona often hosts unique pop-up exhibitions like Mundo Pixar or Balloon Museum. +1
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing to explore the exhibits.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Architecture
The building's design is as impressive as the exhibits. Don't forget your camera!
⏳ Allow ample time
With diverse collections and often engaging temporary exhibits, plan for at least 2-3 hours.
📍 Check for Special Events
Barcelona often hosts unique pop-up exhibitions like Mundo Pixar or Balloon Museum. +1
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing to explore the exhibits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Museu del Disseny de Barcelona for its striking contemporary architecture and its diverse, well-curated collections spanning decorative arts, fashion, and industrial design. The temporary exhibitions, often immersive and engaging, are a significant highlight, drawing praise for their creativity and entertainment value. Some visitors note that certain temporary exhibits can be quite crowded, and ticket prices for these special shows can add up.
"So worth visiting it! The museum is super modern and huge, it has many things I did not know, especially on sustainability and nature. It has also the best museum shop I’ve ever seen. The price is almost nothing for the things you see, plus you can also visit it again within 6 months, the ticket allows you two time visit."
Dasha Shyf
"The Design Museum in Barcelona is definitely worth a visit — it's a very interesting and inspiring space, especially for anyone passionate about design, architecture, or visual culture. The exhibitions are well-curated and cover a wide range of styles and time periods.
However, one downside is the lack of written explanations. In many areas, there’s little to no information provided about the pieces on display, which makes it harder to fully understand and appreciate the context or significance of the works.
One of the highlights of the museum is a stunning glass wall overlooking the park in front, offering a beautiful view of the Sagrada Família in the distance — a perfect spot to pause and take in the city’s charm.
Overall, a great visual experience that could be even more enriching with a bit more context."
Carlotta Bertini
"I liked the first exhibit with all the furniture pieces - there are descriptors to give the pieces some context and enable the visitor to appreciate the balance of form and function of each piece. A couple of the exhibits were closed unfortunately which i felt limited the experience there since I saw interesting things on Google photos that I was not able to view in person. They had a good exhibit on the evolution of clothing although I felt it was exceedingly dry and uninteresting with the way they presented the information - it was a constant verbal dump of words on the wall and was minimally engaging. I think this museum is still worth a visit if u have some time to kill, but I would skip it if u have only a couple of days in Barcelona and wish to get a better bang for your time."
Gloria Lau
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Museu del Disseny de Barcelona is easily accessible via public transport. You can take the metro to Glòries station (L1 line) or various bus routes that stop nearby. Many visitors also find it a pleasant walk from other central Barcelona attractions.
Yes, there are several public parking garages in the vicinity of the museum, particularly around the Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes. However, using public transport is often more convenient and cost-effective.
Walking from Las Ramblas to the Museu del Disseny de Barcelona is possible but takes a significant amount of time (around 45-60 minutes). It's a scenic route through the city, but taking the metro or a bus is a quicker option.
From Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), you can take the Aerobus to Plaça de Catalunya and then transfer to the metro (L1 line) to Glòries. Alternatively, a taxi or ride-sharing service offers a direct but more expensive route.
The area around the Museu del Disseny de Barcelona, particularly the Plaça de les Glòries, is generally well-lit and safe. However, as with any urban area, it's always wise to remain aware of your surroundings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary depending on current exhibitions. It's recommended to check the official website for the most up-to-date pricing for permanent collections and special temporary exhibitions. Booking online can sometimes offer discounts.
While not always strictly required, booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular temporary exhibitions like Mundo Pixar or the Balloon Museum, to guarantee entry and avoid queues. +2
Opening hours can vary seasonally and may differ for temporary exhibitions. Always check the official Museu del Disseny de Barcelona website for the most accurate and current opening times before your visit.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and children. Check the museum's official website or inquire at the ticket counter for eligibility and specific discount rates.
The Barcelona Card often includes free or discounted entry to many museums. It's advisable to check the specific inclusions of the Barcelona Card you plan to purchase to see if it covers the Museu del Disseny de Barcelona.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The museum boasts extensive permanent collections covering product design, fashion, graphic design, and decorative arts. It also frequently hosts highly engaging temporary exhibitions, such as immersive experiences like Mundo Pixar. +1
To fully appreciate the diverse collections and any temporary exhibitions, plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours. If you're a design enthusiast, you might want to allocate even more time.
Yes, the museum can be very engaging for children, especially during special temporary exhibitions that are often designed to be interactive and fun, like the Pixar or Balloon Museum events. +2
Guided tours may be offered for specific exhibitions or general collections. Check the museum's schedule upon arrival or on their website for availability and language options.
Photography for personal use is generally permitted in most areas, but flash photography and tripods are usually prohibited to protect the exhibits. Always look for signage or ask staff if unsure.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum typically has a cafe or restaurant on-site, offering refreshments and light meals. It's a convenient spot to take a break during your visit. Check their website for current offerings.
The area around Plaça de les Glòries offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to more formal restaurants, catering to different tastes and budgets.
Generally, bringing outside food and drinks into the exhibition halls is not permitted. However, you can usually consume them in designated areas or before entering the galleries.
The museum cafe usually serves a selection of sandwiches, salads, pastries, and coffee, providing a convenient option for a quick bite or a coffee break.
Most cafes and restaurants in Barcelona, including those near the museum, are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan options. It's best to check the menu or ask staff for specific choices.
📸 📸 Photography
The museum's exterior architecture is a major highlight for photographers. Inside, focus on capturing the unique design elements of the exhibits and the overall ambiance.
Photography for personal use is usually allowed, but always check for specific restrictions on certain exhibits. Avoid using flash, as it can damage the artifacts.
Drone photography is strictly prohibited in and around the museum and most public spaces in Barcelona due to safety and privacy regulations.
A versatile camera that handles low light well is ideal, as museum lighting can be subdued. A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is also sufficient for most visitors.
The surrounding plaza, Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes, offers excellent vantage points for capturing the entire building. Consider shooting from different angles and at different times of day for varied lighting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting with kids, consider the timing to avoid peak crowds. Weekday mornings are often less busy, allowing children more freedom to engage with exhibits. Comfortable shoes are a must, as there will be plenty of walking. While the permanent collections might appeal more to older children or those with a specific interest in design, the temporary, immersive shows are usually a guaranteed hit for all ages.
🎨 Design Enthusiasts & Art Lovers
+1 You can spend hours exploring the evolution of objects and aesthetics that have shaped modern life. The museum's commitment to showcasing both historical and contemporary design ensures a rich and varied experience. The temporary exhibitions are often curated with a discerning eye, bringing cutting-edge or historically significant design movements and artists to Barcelona. These shows provide a unique opportunity to see works that might not otherwise be accessible. Keep an eye on the museum's calendar for these special events, as they are often highlights of the Barcelona cultural scene and a major draw for design aficionados.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Barcelona's Design Heritage
+1Beyond the permanent displays, the museum is renowned for its dynamic temporary exhibitions. These often bring world-class shows to Barcelona, transforming the space into immersive experiences. Past events have included highly popular exhibitions like Mundo Pixar, which recreated iconic scenes from beloved animated films, and the visually stunning Balloon Museum. These temporary exhibits draw significant crowds and offer a unique, often interactive, dimension to the museum's offerings.
The building itself, designed by MBM Arquitectes, is a significant piece of contemporary architecture. Its striking, modern form and integration into the urban landscape of Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes make it a landmark. The museum's location also places it within a hub of modern Barcelona, making it easily accessible and a great starting point for exploring the surrounding design-forward district.
Navigating Temporary Exhibitions
Another example of the museum's diverse programming was the Balloon Museum, which featured large-scale inflatable art installations. These types of exhibitions are particularly popular for their visual appeal and shareability on social media, making them a hit with younger audiences and families.
Planning for these temporary exhibitions is key. They can attract large numbers of visitors, so booking tickets online ahead of time is strongly advised to avoid disappointment and long queues. The immersive nature of many of these shows means they are designed to be experienced rather than just observed, offering a memorable and engaging visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit