The Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona (in English, the Museum of Natural Sciences of Barcelona) is a family-friendly natural science museum headlined by the well-regarded Planet Life permanent exhibit. Here kids can learn all about the history of the planet, how life on Earth developed, and why climate change is one of the biggest issues facing the world today. The Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona also has a beautiful rooftop terrace, dedicated activity space, and temporary exhibitions that rotate every few months.
History of the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona
In one form or another, Barcelona has been home to a significant natural science museum since the late nineteenth century, when the naturalist Francesc Martorell i Peña left the city of Barcelona a sizable collection of assorted fossils, artifacts, and relics (alongside a tidy sum of money and instructions to build these objects a home). The ensuing institution answered to many names while occupying a series of locations, and was in essence the precursor to the contemporary Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona. The museum moved to its current location in 2011; at first, it was named Museu Blau (“Blue Museum”). However, in 2017 it changed its name to the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona.
Today the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona is housed within the state-of-the-art facilities of the Edifici Fòrum, or Forum Building. The Forum was designed by a Basel-based team of Swiss architects led by Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron, a renowned tandem that won the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2001; they’re most famous for their work on the Tate Modern in London. The Forum’s sleek triangular shape has become a twenty-first-century lightning rod of taste, with most observers either loving or hating the futuristic design.
Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona Highlights
The centerpiece experience available to visitors at the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona is the Planet Lifepermanent exhibit. This flagship exhibit is divided into three sections: “The Biography of the Earth,” “The Earth Today,” and “Islands of Science.” Taken as a whole, these installations tell the history, development, and evolution of life on Earth through a series of interactive displays, hands-on activities, and informative panels.
Another popular permanent space found at the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona is the Science Nest. Designed for children under the age of six years old, the Science Nest hosts family-friendly activities and workshops on a variety of science-centric subjects. The museum is also home to the so-called “Living Terrace,” a remarkable rooftop garden planted with species native to Barcelona and the Mediterranean region. When the terrace is open, it provides visitors beautiful city views.
The Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona stages temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Recent temporary exhibitions of note taking place here include Water: An Unfiltered Exhibition, which probed hot-button issues like water footprints, water sanitation techniques, and efficient water management practices; Essential, an exhibit dedicated to honoring the history of women working at the museum during the twentieth century; and Cells on Canvas, a short-term show that presented microscopic images as works of art.
More to See and Do at the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona
Continue reading for several more things to see, do, and expect at the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona.
*Among the museum’s many exhibits and installations are numerous thought-provoking fossils, skeletons, artifacts, and more. A complete list of “must-see” items located throughout the facility can be found on the museum’s official website, if you want to arrive prepared to scope out the absolute best features of the attraction.
*The main branch of the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona, with its signature Planet Life exhibit, is the most popular destination for natural-science enthusiasts. However, the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona brand does in fact oversee two other notable Barcelona attractions: the Centre Martorell d’Exposicions, where visitors can explore temporary exhibitions devoted to cutting-edge science topics like biodiversity and climate change; and the Jardí Botànic de Barcelona, the city’s lovely botanical garden.
*The Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona’ Jardí Botànic is located on Montjuïc near Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, Museu Olímpic i de l’Esport Joan Antoni Samaranch, and the Telefèric de Montjuïc (Barcelona Cable Car). It’s most famous for its remarkable collection of Mediterranean Bonsai species.
*If your little one loves dinosaurs, then you’re definitely going to want to build in time at the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona to take their picture in front of some of the museum’s large skeletal dioramas.
*Admission to the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona is free on the first Sunday of every month, as well as every Sunday after 3:00pm.
Why the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona Should Be on Your Must-See List
This modern natural science museum is a must-see destination for families with small children who want their kids to experience an educational attraction during their Barcelona visit. The many engaging galleries of the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona are full of fascinating artifacts, informative displays, and socially conscious messaging. Plus, the museum occupies a lovely spot near some of Barcelona’s most popular beaches, making it a fun stop on the way to an afternoon at the shore.