Museu Episcopal de Vic: Medieval Art in Catalonia

About the Museu Episcopal de Vic (MEV)

The Vic Medieval Art Museum, Museu Episcopal de Vic (MEV) contains a magnificent collection of medieval art of paintings and sculpture from the Catalan Romanesque and Gothic periods. The collections of precious metals, textile, foundry, glass and ceramics also form the representation of decorative art in Catalonia.

Museu Episcopal de Vic (MEV) is one of Europe's premier Religious art museums counting over twenty-nine thousand pieces on display.

Vic Medieval Art Museum History

The Museum was founded after the Artistic Archaeological Exhibition of Retrospective Art held in Vic in 1868 in conjunction with the founding of the Societat Arqueològica de Vic, which was entrusted with the creation of a Lapidary Museum. This was the foundation of the Museo Episcopal de Vic in 1891.

The first curator of the museum was Antoni d'Espona i de Nuix (1891-1898). The outstanding collections of medieval art and decorative arts put together in those first years were published in 1893 in the form of a catalogue, traditionally considered the first scientific catalogue of any Catalan museum. To begin with, the collections were exhibited above the old Gothic cloister of the cathedral, on a floor built in 1804 by Bishop Francesc de Veyan.

In 1898 Josep Gudiol i Cunill (1872-1931) replaced Antoni d'Espona and became the driving force behind the acquisition, installation and classification of the museum's collections. Shortly afterwards, in 1902, Josep Gudiol i Cunill published Nocions d'Arqueologia Sagrada Catalana, in which he established the criteria for the classification of the arts. Josep Gudiol i Cunill's musicographic project was based on the separate exhibition of the collections, each one ordered according to chronological and typological criteria. All the objects the museum added over the years were exhibited to the public in rooms that soon became too small.

Succeeded by Eduard Junyent i Subirà (1932-1978), Eduard gave priority to increasing the exhibition space of the collections of Romanesque and Gothic painting and sculpture. This wish to create a medieval art gallery unique in Europe, with Romanesque paintings on wood beginning with the Catalan masters of the 12th century. however, enlargement of the exhibition of the collections was not possible until the premises of the school of Sant Josep became available, where from 1948 to 1967, in successive stages, the first and second floors of the school were opened to the public with the collections of art and archaeology and the inner courtyard with the lapidary collection.

His successor, Miquel dels Sants Gros i Pujol (1933-present), kept the layout of the rooms he had inherited from Eduard Junyent. During his years as the curator of the Episcopal Museum he promoted several studies on the museum collections and he inaugurated the publication of catalogues of different collections.

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Visiting Museu Episcopal de Vic (MEV)

Since 2002, all exhibits of the Museu Episcopal de Vic have been housed in a modern building adjacent to Vic Cathedral. Designed specifically to showcase its extensive collections, the museum spans four floors of exhibition space and includes a spacious atrium, a museum shop, and accessible facilities.

Visitors can explore medieval Catalan art in a thoughtfully curated layout that includes Romanesque wood carvings, Gothic altarpieces, liturgical textiles, jewellery, pottery, and ironwork. The museum’s chronological and typological organization makes it easy to follow the evolution of Catalan religious art from the 10th to the 15th centuries.

Allow 1 to 2 hours to fully appreciate the collections. Whether you're an art historian, a curious traveller, or planning a day trip to Vic from Barcelona, the MEV offers a rich and immersive experience.

Vic Episcopal Museum Opening Hours

Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm (April to September)
Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm (October to March)
Sunday and public holidays: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Closed: Mondays; January 1st & 6th; Easter Monday; December 25th & 26th

Vic Episcopal Museum Homepage Visiting Vic Episcopal Museum

Accessibility & What to Bring for Your Visit to MEV

The Museu Episcopal de Vic is one of the most accessible museums in Catalonia. The entrance features a ramp, and the entire museum is equipped with elevators and stair lifts, making it suitable for visitors with reduced mobility. Wide corridors and clearly marked signage ensure a smooth experience across all four floors of exhibition space.

For your day trip to Vic, pack a small 10L rucksack with essentials like a fleece jersey and a waterproof poncho if rain is forecast. These Vic day trip essentials will keep you comfortable while exploring both the museum and the historic center.

The museum offers a free cloakroom at the entrance. For security reasons, you’ll be asked to deposit any bags, backpacks, umbrellas, or items larger than 40 x 40 cm before entering the galleries.

MEV provides an audio guide app for smartphones, allowing visitors to enjoy a self-paced tour. Don’t forget to bring your headphones to make the most of this feature. These museum visitor tips for Vic will help you get the most out of your experience.

Museu Episcopal de Vic (MEV) Summary of Prices

Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Adult € 12.90 € 8.00 Students, Over 65 years, Dissabled. 5 Euros Child € 12.90 € 5.00 Free for undrer 10 years Group/Family Ticket? Groups of 15 or more: 5 euros per person. Notes Free 18th May and 5th July. Free Entry? Free 1st Thursday of every month.

Getting to Museu Episcopal de Vic (MEV)

Address: Plaça del Bisbe Oliba 3, Vic, 08500

The Museu Episcopal de Vic is located in the historic center of Vic, right next to Vic Cathedral. It’s easily accessible and makes for a perfect day trip from Barcelona, especially for those interested in medieval art tourism in Catalonia.

Train: Take the Renfe Rodalies R3 Line from Barcelona Sants or Barcelona Plaça Catalunya. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes and offers scenic views of the Catalan countryside. Once you arrive at Vic train station, it’s a short walk to the museum and cathedral.

Bus: Buses from Barcelona Sagrera reach Vic in about 70 minutes. This is a convenient option for travelers staying near the northern part of the city.

For a complete guide to public transport options, including schedules and ticket tips, visit the Vic Day Trip Travel Guide.

Whether you're exploring Catalan Romanesque and Gothic art or planning a cultural escape, Vic is a well-connected and rewarding destination.