Museu Marítim – Barcelona’s Historic Ship Museum

About the Museu Marítim de Barcelona: A Voyage Through Time

Step inside the Barcelona Maritime Museum—Museu Marítim de Barcelona—and you’re instantly transported into the heart of Catalonia’s seafaring legacy. Housed in the majestic Drassanes Reials, the former royal shipyards dating back to the 13th century, this museum is a treasure trove of nautical history set beneath soaring Gothic arches once used to build warships for the Crown of Aragon.

Located in the Port Vell district near the Columbus Monument, the museum sits on land that was once open sea—now reclaimed and transformed into Barcelona’s vibrant waterfront.

The Barcelona Maritime Museum—Museu Marítim de Barcelona—is housed in the awe-inspiring Drassanes Reials, the former royal shipyards of Barcelona. Built in the 13th century at the foot of Montjuïc and outside the medieval city walls, this vast Gothic complex was once the beating heart of naval power for the Crown of Aragon.

Historically, the sea-facing façade featured a giant sloped ramp that descended directly into the Mediterranean. This allowed newly built galleys and warships to be launched straight from the vaulted halls into open water. Today, that ramp is buried beneath reclaimed land that forms the modern Port Vell, but the museum’s architecture still whispers of its seafaring past.

The footprint of the shipyard is staggering: over 9,000 square metres—that’s nearly 100,000 square feet—of vaulted stone halls, once capable of housing up to 50 vessels at a time. These cavernous spaces were used not only for shipbuilding but also for storing weapons, sails, and naval supplies. The scale and preservation of the site make it one of the most complete medieval shipyards in the world.

Today, the museum offers a journey through centuries of maritime history, from medieval galleys to modern ocean racers, all under the same roof where royal fleets were once forged. It’s a place where architecture, history, and imagination collide—perfect for curious adults and adventurous children alike.

Image Gallery For the Museu Marítim de Barcelona (MMB)

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What’s Inside the Museu Marítim de Barcelona

The Museu Marítim de Barcelona offers a sweeping journey through the history of seafaring, from the early days of Mediterranean exploration to the rise of the Spanish Navy under the Catholic Monarchs in the 15th century and beyond. The museum’s collection includes navigation instruments, maritime weapons, ship models, maps, and historic paintings that bring centuries of nautical heritage to life.

The experience begins in the entrance hall, where visitors are greeted by a dramatic display of suspended sailing dinghies floating above the vaulted space like airborne relics of adventure. Below them, a striking metallic fish sculpture glimmers under the lights, adding a touch of modern artistry to the historic setting. This space sets the tone for the museum’s blend of immersive storytelling and visual spectacle.

The undisputed centerpiece is the full-scale replica of the 16th-century royal galley, Galera Real de Don Juan de Austria. Built in the very same shipyard in 1568, the original vessel was the largest galley of its time, powered by an astonishing 290 oarsmen. The replica is a jaw-dropping sight—its ornate carvings, towering prow, and sheer scale make it a favorite for both children and history buffs.

Another highlight is the Schooner Santa Eulàlia, a beautifully restored 1918 cargo ship moored in Port Vell. Visitors can explore the main deck and descend below to see a small exhibition space that captures life at sea in the early 20th century. It’s a hands-on experience that’s especially popular with families.

While the museum may not rival the scale of places like Portsmouth’s historic dockyards, it offers something uniquely Catalan: a chance to walk through the very halls where royal fleets were once built, under a vast vaulted ceiling that echoes with centuries of maritime ambition.

After your visit, you’re perfectly placed to continue exploring the Port Vell waterfront, stroll up Las Ramblas, or head toward Montjuïc hill for more cultural adventures and panoramic views.

Barcelona Maritime Museum (MMB) Opening Hours

Monday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm (last access permitted at 7:00 pm)
Sundays after 3:00 pm: free entry
Closed: December 25th & 26th, and January 1st & 6th. December 24th & 31st the museum closes at 3:00 pm

Maritime Museum Homepage Maritime Museum Hours & Prices

Accessability & What to Bring to the Museu Marítim de Barcelona (MMB)

Fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs (except the schooner).
Lockers available for large bags; small backpacks are fine.
Bicycle anchorage nearby, though not ideal for long stays.
Bring headphones for the audio guide experience.

Museu Marítim de Barcelona (MMB) Summary of Prices

Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Adult Zone 1 T-casual € 10.00 17-29 years, Over 65, 5 Euros Child € 1.25 FREE For under 17 years Group/Family Ticket? 10+ People - See Website. Notes FREE sundays after 15h. Free Entry? Every Sunday from 15:00h, 18th May & 24th September