The Museum of Montserrat takes you on a fascinating journey across centuries. Its collection begins with an Egyptian sarcophagus from the 13th century BC and continues with Greek, Mesopotamian, and Middle Eastern artifacts, connecting cultures from ancient times.
Designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch in 1929, the museum covers 1,500 square meters, it was renovated between 1980 and 1982 to improve its design and functionality. The museum is divided into sections that make exploring its exhibits easy:
Located just below St. Mary's Square, the museum is a quick 3 to 5-minute walk from the basilica.
From Barcelona (1 hour travel time, 60 km)
.The highlight is an Egyptian sarcophagus from the 13th century BC, a relic that offers a glimpse into the funerary practices and beliefs of ancient Egypt. Alongside it, you’ll find artifacts from Mesopotamia, Greece, Cyprus, the Holy Land, and Egypt, each telling its own story of trade, religion, and daily life. These objects, ranging from pottery and jewelry to inscriptions and statues
This section is dedicated to the evolving artistic representations of the Virgin of Montserrat, or La Moreneta, the patron saint of Catalonia. Over the centuries, the Black Madonna has been a symbol of faith, devotion, and Catalan identity.
More about the Black Madonna
This collection features about 160 Byzantine and Slavic icons. The name Phos Hilaron, meaning "Joyful Light," emphasizes the spiritual and visual impact of these religious paintings. This exhibit not only celebrates the artistry of Byzantine and Eastern Orthodox religious art but also highlights the role of light in these paintings, symbolizing divine presence and enlightenment.
Showcasing an extraordinary collection of liturgical objects from the 15th to the 20th century, this section brings to life the meticulous skill of artisans who crafted sacred vessels, reliquaries, crosses, and chalices for religious ceremonies. The exhibit traces the evolution of goldsmith techniques across centuries, offering insight into how religious devotion and artistic mastery combined to create these remarkable artifacts.
This gallery takes visitors through five centuries of European art, featuring works by some of history’s greatest painters. Among them are Berruguete, El Greco, Caravaggio, and Tiepolo, artists known for their dramatic compositions, mastery of light and shadow, and intense emotional expression. Whether you admire the spiritual depth of El Greco or the realism of Caravaggio this collection is a great experience for any art lover.
A celebration of Catalan and European modern art, this collection highlights the works of Fortuny, Rusiñol, Picasso, and Dalí, offering a journey through the evolution of artistic styles in Spain and beyond. The gallery also includes French Impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Degas, and Renoir.
Touching artworks is strictly prohibited to prevent damage like discoloration or surface wear. Visitors should maintain a safe distance from exhibits to preserve the integrity of the collections.
No, food and drinks are not allowed in most museum galleries to protect the artworks from spills and stains. Some museums may have designated eating areas outside exhibition spaces.
No, large bags and suitcases are generally not allowed in galleries. Security checks are conducted at the entrance, and items exceeding specific dimensions (usually around 55 x 35 x 20 cm) must be stored in lockers.
Photography policies vary by museum. Many allow personal photography but prohibit flash and professional equipment. Some exhibitions may have stricter rules, so visitors should check signage for guidelines.
The museum is committed to accessibility, featuring wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms, designated seating areas, and trained staff to assist guests with disabilities. Visitors can reach out in advance for specific needs.
Most visitors spend 45 minutes to 1.5 hours exploring the collection.
Highlights include Picasso’s early works, Monet’s landscapes, Caravaggio’s paintings, the Phos Hilaron icon collection, and the Archaeology of the Biblical East.
Take the FGC R5 train from Plaça d’Espanya to Monistrol de Montserrat, then board the rack railway or cable car to the monastery.