Museum

Maritime Museum of Barcelona

3.9 · 977 reviews
Maritime Museum of BarcelonaPere López · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
Check tickets & tours

Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.

The Maritime Museum of Barcelona (Museu Marítim) is located in the historic Drassanes Reials, or Royal Shipyards, one of the best-preserved medieval shipbuilding complexes in the world. Dating from the 13th century, these vast Gothic halls once built galleys for the Crown of Aragon. Today, the museum offers a comprehensive look at Catalonia's maritime past, from ancient navigation to modern shipping. The centerpiece is a full-scale replica of a 16th-century royal galley, complete with oars and cannons, which visitors can board. Other exhibits include model ships, navigational instruments, maps, and artifacts from the age of exploration. The museum also covers the port of Barcelona's evolution and the role of the sea in the city's economy and culture. Interactive displays and multimedia presentations make the history accessible to all ages. The building itself is a highlight, with soaring stone arches and a sense of ancient industry. Temporary exhibitions often focus on contemporary maritime issues or art.

Don't miss

  • Board the full-scale replica of a 16th-century royal galley
  • Explore the vast Gothic shipyard halls
  • See model ships and historical navigational instruments
  • Learn about Barcelona's role in Mediterranean trade and exploration
  • Visit the temporary exhibitions on maritime themes

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Maritime Museum of Barcelona

You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.

More attractions in Barcelona

Planning your trip to Barcelona? See where to eat, more attractions, or build a Barcelona itinerary.