Discover the Maritime Museum of Barcelona
Explore the rich maritime history of Barcelona inside a stunning Gothic building.
The Maritime Museum of Barcelona is one of the city’s hidden treasures. Known in Catalan as the “Museu Marítim de Barcelona”, it’s located in the historic Royal Shipyards at the bottom of Las Ramblas. This museum is perfect for visitors who want to learn about ships, navigation, and Barcelona’s connection to the sea.
A Beautiful Historical Setting
The museum is inside the Drassanes Reials de Barcelona, or Royal Shipyards. These buildings date back to the 13th century. They were originally used to build ships for the Crown of Aragon. The shipyards were active for many years and played an important role in Mediterranean trade and war.
Walking through the museum, you’ll notice the tall stone arches and vaulted ceilings. The Gothic architecture alone is worth the visit. It gives a real sense of what life was like hundreds of years ago.
In 1935, the city of Barcelona took control of the shipyards. The museum officially opened its doors in 1941.
A Deep Connection to Barcelona’s Identity
Barcelona has always been a city tied to the sea. From its days as a Roman port to its role in the Crown of Aragon’s naval power, the sea has shaped its culture, trade, and identity.
The Maritime Museum highlights this deep relationship. It doesn’t just show ships—it explains how Barcelona’s people have lived with and from the sea for centuries. Fishermen, shipbuilders, traders, and sailors all played a role in making the city what it is today.
In fact, many street names in the old city reference ports, shipping, or fishing. The museum helps visitors understand these connections and see Barcelona in a new light.
It’s also a great complement to visiting other maritime-related landmarks, such as:
Port Vell – The old port with a large marina and boardwalk.
The Columbus Monument – Just outside the museum, honouring Christopher Columbus’ return to Spain after his first voyage.
La Barceloneta – The old fishing district that still holds traces of working-class maritime life.
What You’ll See Inside the Maritime Museum
The museum is full of interesting displays and life-size models. Here are some of the main highlights:
The Royal Galley
One of the museum’s most famous exhibits is a full-scale replica of the Galera Real, a warship used in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. The ship is over 60 meters long and beautifully decorated. Visitors can walk around and admire its detailed craftsmanship.
Tools and Instruments
You’ll find a wide variety of navigation tools such as compasses, sextants, and astrolabes. These instruments helped sailors find their way across oceans long before GPS.
Model Ships
There are dozens of miniature ship models, from Roman boats to 20th-century steamers. These models show how ship design evolved over time.
Maritime Artifacts
The museum also includes old maps, fishing equipment, sailor uniforms, and even ship figureheads. These displays help tell the story of life at sea.
Special Exhibits and Activities
The Maritime Museum often hosts temporary exhibitions. These can include everything from underwater photography to stories of modern sailing expeditions.
There are also interactive exhibits that are great for kids. Touchscreens, videos, and games help young visitors understand how boats work and how sailors lived.
On weekends and holidays, the museum sometimes offers workshops and guided tours. These are usually in Catalan and Spanish, but English brochures are available.
Visit the Santa Eulàlia
Next to the museum, docked in the harbour, is a ship named the Santa Eulàlia. This beautiful three-masted schooner was built in 1918 and has been restored. It once carried cargo up and down the Mediterranean coast.
You can climb aboard and explore the deck, cabins, and captain’s quarters. It’s a great way to experience what life was like on a real merchant ship.
The Santa Eulàlia is part of the museum and included in your ticket.
Maritime Museum Visitor Information
Here’s everything you need to plan your visit:
Address: Avinguda de les Drassanes, s/n, 08001 Barcelona
Metro: Drassanes station (Green Line L3)
Opening Hours:
Summer (April-September): Tuesday to Sunday, and public holidays: from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Non-holiday Mondays, closed.
Winter (November-March): Tuesday to Sunday, and public holidays: from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Non-holiday Mondays, closed.
Closed: December 25 and 26, and January 1 and 6
Ticket Prices
Adults: €10
Reduced (students, seniors): €5
Children under 17: Free
Free admission: Every Sunday after 3:00 PM
Tickets can only be purchased in person at the museum’s box office. Online sales are not available.
Nearby Attractions
If you’re planning a full day in the area, here are some top places to pair with the museum:
La Rambla – One of Barcelona’s most famous streets, full of shops, street performers, and cafés. It leads directly to the waterfront and the museum.
Palau Güell – A lesser-known Gaudí masterpiece, located just off La Rambla. Its unique design and rooftop chimneys make it worth a visit.
The Gothic Quarter – Just a short walk away. Explore narrow medieval streets, hidden squares, Roman ruins, and old churches.
Port Vell – Barcelona’s historic harbour, recently redeveloped with a modern boardwalk, marina, and palm-lined promenades. It’s a great place for a stroll before or after the museum. You’ll find restaurants, open-air seating, and views of the water.
The Barcelona Aquarium – Located right in Port Vell. Perfect for families, with large tanks, a shark tunnel, and interactive exhibits about marine life.
Museu d’Història de Catalunya – Another excellent museum nearby. It explores Catalonia’s full history—from ancient times to today—with interactive displays and a rooftop terrace overlooking the port.
You can easily spend a full day exploring this part of the city. From culture and history to food and sea views, everything is within walking distance.
Why Visit the Maritime Museum of Barcelona?
Here are a few reasons to add this museum to your itinerary:
It’s a great way to escape the crowds and see something unique.
The museum is in a historic Gothic building that few tourists explore.
It offers fun for all ages – from kids to history lovers.
You’ll learn about the naval power that helped build Barcelona’s empire.
The Santa Eulàlia ship adds an outdoor adventure to your visit.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, the Maritime Museum offers a deep and interesting look into Catalonia’s connection to the sea.
A Great Spot for Families and Kids
If you’re visiting Barcelona with children, the Maritime Museum is a top choice. It’s quiet, spacious, and full of visual displays. Kids love seeing the big ships, exploring the replica galley, and playing with the interactive exhibits.
Many of the text panels are in Catalan, Spanish, and English, making it accessible for international visitors. The museum also offers educational guides and games for school groups or curious kids.
Don’t miss the small reading and activity corner in the middle of the museum, where kids can learn more about marine animals, boats, and exploration through books and play.
Outside, there’s a shaded garden café where parents can relax while kids burn off some energy.
Group Visits and Accessibility
The museum is a popular destination for school trips, university groups, and cultural tours. It offers group rates and private tours in multiple languages if booked ahead of time.
The building is fully accessible. There are ramps and lifts to ensure visitors with limited mobility can move around easily. Wheelchairs are also available at the reception.
Visitors with visual or hearing impairments can request special guides or audio tools. The museum works hard to be inclusive for everyone.
Tips for Your Visit
Go on a Sunday afternoon for free entry.
Start early to have enough time to see everything.
Wear comfortable shoes. The museum is big!
Bring a camera – the ship models and the Santa Eulàlia are perfect for photos.
Check the official website for current exhibits and events.
Final Thoughts
The Maritime Museum of Barcelona is more than just a collection of ships and tools. It tells the story of exploration, trade, and adventure. It shows how Barcelona grew from a small coastal town into a major Mediterranean port.
Whether you’re into history, architecture, or boats, this museum has something for you. It’s a peaceful, inspiring place that helps you see the city from a new point of view.
So next time you’re in Barcelona, skip the beach for a couple of hours and dive into its maritime past. You won’t regret it.
Now that you’ve explored the Maritime Museum of Barcelona, why not plan a visit? Our luxury villas are located just a short drive from the city—offering a peaceful retreat after a day of sightseeing. Reach out to our team to find the perfect base for your Barcelona getaway.
