Ethnological & World Cultures Museum | El Born Barcelona

About the Ethnological & World Cultures Museum (Montcada Site)

The Barcelona Ethnological and World Cultures Museum, or Museu Etnològic i de Cultures del Món, is one of the most captivating museums in El Born — and a perfect choice for a rainy day in Barcelona. It has two venues: the Montjuïc Ethnological Museum and the larger site on Carrer de Montcada, opposite the Picasso Museum.

The Montcada site showcases over 500 artifacts across four cultural zones:

Africa: Ceremonial masks and statues from the Fang, Dogon, Yoruba, and other ethnic groups, spanning 64 pieces from 13 countries including Mali, Ghana, Nigeria, and Ethiopia.
Oceania: 76 pieces from Papua New Guinea and Australia, including river Sepik carvings and Karawari cave art.
Asia: 250 items from Gandhara Buddhist sculptures to Tibetan thangkas and Japanese lacquerware, representing cultures from India to Korea.
America: 138 pre-Columbian artifacts from Mexico to Peru, including Mayan ceramics, Mezcala masks, and Chimu goldwork.

History of Casa Mora & Casa Nadal

The museum occupies two restored medieval mansions: Casa Mora and Casa Nadal. Casa Mora, dating to the 13th century, was expanded in 1705 into a noble residence by the Marquès de Lliò. Casa Nadal, from the 14th century, features a classic courtyard layout and once housed the Barbier-Mueller Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.

Both buildings were acquired by the city council in the mid-20th century and underwent extensive conservation. Since 2015, they’ve hosted the Museu Etnològic i de Cultures del Món, reopening in 2017 with beautifully restored ceilings and exposed stonework.

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Visiting the Ethnological & World Cultures Museum (Montcada Site)

Allow at least 1–2 hours to explore the Museu Etnològic i de Cultures del Món in Montcada Street. Spread across three floors, the museum offers a rich and immersive journey through global cultural heritage — perfect for a rainy day in Barcelona or a quiet afternoon in El Born.

The exhibits are organized into four main zones:

Africa: Discover ceremonial masks, ancestor statues, and ritual objects from cultures including the Fang, Dogon, Yoruba, Baule, and Songye. Highlights include carved wooden figures from Mali and vibrant masks from Nigeria and Cameroon, offering insight into spiritual and social traditions across West and Central Africa.
Oceania: This zone features art from Papua New Guinea and Australia, including dramatic carvings from the Sepik River and sacred objects from the Karawari caves. The pieces reflect the cosmology, mythology, and daily life of remote island communities, many collected during Folch Foundation expeditions.
Asia: A diverse collection of Buddhist sculptures, Tibetan thangkas, Japanese lacquerware, and textiles from India, Nepal, and Indonesia. Visitors can trace the evolution of religious iconography, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange across the continent — from Gandhara to Kyoto.
America: Explore pre-Columbian ceramics, goldwork, and funerary figures from Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, and Peru. Highlights include Mayan ritual vessels, Mezcala stone masks, and exquisite Chimu textiles. The zone also features Valdivia statuettes and artifacts from the Nazca and Moche valleys.

Each zone is thoughtfully curated with multilingual descriptions, ambient lighting, and interactive displays that encourage reflection and discovery. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs throughout the year.

Admission includes entry to the Montjuïc Ethnological Museum, making it a great value for culture lovers.

Barcelona Ethnological and World Cultures Museum Opening Hours

May 1st to September 30th (Summer): Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
October 1st to April 30th (Winter):
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Sundays and public holidays: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Closed: Mondays (except public holidays), January 1st, January 6th, May 1st, June 24th, December 25th, and December 26th

Barcelona Ethnological and World Cultures Museum Free Days

Every Sunday: 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm
First Sunday of every month: 10:00 am to 7:30 pm
Special free days: February 12 (St. Eulalia), May 16 and 18 (International Museum Day), September 24 (La Mercè)

Barcelona Ethnological and World Cultures Museum Tickets

The ticket office closes 30 minutes before closing time

Montjuïc Ethnological Museum

Tickets can be purchased at reception or via the official museum website

Accessibility & What to take

The Museu Etnològic i de Cultures del Món in Montcada Street is fully accessible for visitors with reduced mobility. The entrance is step-free from the street, and all exhibition floors are connected by elevators, making it suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

The museum provides a locker room for oversized bags. A small daypack (under 10L) is typically allowed inside the galleries.

Bicycle parking: The nearest secure anchorage points are located at Passeig del Born 10–12 and Carrer de la Princesa, just a few minutes’ walk from the museum entrance.

Photography is permitted for personal use, but flash and tripods are not allowed. Visitors are encouraged to explore at a relaxed pace — this is one of Barcelona’s most atmospheric and quietly fascinating museums.

Ethnological & World Cultures Museum (Montcada Site) Summary of Prices

Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Adult Zone 1 T-casual € 5.00 16-29 years, Over 65, 3.50 Euros Child € 1.25 FREE For under 16 Years Group/Family Ticket? No, but see guided tours section of website if visiting as a group. Free Entry? First Sunday of month, Every Sunday from 15:00h, 12th February, 16th & 18th May, 24th September

Getting to Ethnological & World Cultures Museum (Montcada Site)

Address: Carrer de Montcada 12–14, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

The museum is located in the heart of the El Born neighborhood, directly opposite the Picasso Museum and just a short walk from Santa María del Mar Cathedral. It’s an ideal stop on a cultural walking tour of the Old City.

Nearest Metro: Jaume I (L4 – Yellow Line) is the closest station. From there, walk along Carrer de la Princesa and turn onto Carrer de Montcada.

For unlimited travel across the city, consider using a T-Casual card or the Hola Barcelona Travel Card.