Museu d'Art de Girona

Arts Venue, Gallery and Museum in Girona

Museu d’Art de Girona
Museu d’Art de Girona
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Eboix

Set in Girona's atmospheric old town, the Museu d'Art de Girona is the city's flagship fine-arts museum, housed in the former Episcopal Palace just steps from the Cathedral. It's an easy add-on when you're already exploring the medieval lanes around the cathedral steps, and it rewards visitors who want more context for Girona's religious and civic history.

Many travelers reach it naturally on a walking tour of the Barri Vell (Old Town), pairing it with Girona Cathedral, the Basilica of Sant Feliu, and the surrounding viewpoints and stone stairways. If you're choosing just one museum in the historic center, this is the best place to see Catalan art evolve across centuries in one coherent visit.

History and Significance of the Museu d’Art de Girona

The museum's setting is part of the story: the former Episcopal Palace places you right in the heart of Girona's ecclesiastical power center, beside the cathedral complex. That location helps explain why so much of the collection is tied to religious life, local workshops, and the artistic commissions that shaped Girona and the wider region.

Inside, the museum traces a long arc from the Romanesque period through Gothic and Renaissance works and onward toward the dawn of the 20th century. Rather than feeling like a random assortment, the galleries read like a visual timeline of how styles, materials, and devotional imagery changed over time.

For visitors, the significance is twofold: it's one of the best introductions to Catalan art history outside Barcelona, and it's also a way to understand Girona's monuments more deeply. After seeing the museum, nearby churches and chapels tend to feel less like “pretty buildings” and more like living chapters of the same story.

Things to See and Do in the Museu d’Art de Girona

Start with the Romanesque and medieval sections, where carved capitals, figures, and fragments give a tactile sense of early sacred art. These pieces are often the surprise highlight for first-timers because they feel so close to the stonework you’ll see around the cathedral precinct.

Move on to the Gothic and Renaissance rooms for painted panels and altarpiece elements that connect directly to Girona’s churches and patrons. If you like slow-looking, this is where you’ll want to linger: the details in faces, gold backgrounds, and narrative scenes are easy to miss if you rush.

Before you leave, save a few minutes for the museum shop if it's open during your visit; travelers often mention it as a pleasant extra. Then step back outside and immediately continue your old-town walk—this museum is perfectly placed for a seamless loop through the cathedral area.

How to Get to the Museu d’Art de Girona

The nearest airports are Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO) for limited regional flights and Barcelona–El Prat (BCN) for the widest international options. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Girona on Booking.com.

Girona is well connected by rail, and arriving by train is one of the simplest ways to plan a day trip or a longer stay without a car. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you're driving, aim for parking outside the tightest old-town streets and walk up toward the cathedral area, since the lanes near the museum are steep and not designed for through-traffic. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Museu d’Art de Girona

  • Official website: https://museuart.cat/
  • Entrance fee: Adults: €6; Reduced: €4; Under 16: free; First Sunday of each month: free.
  • Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday (May – September): 10:00–19:00. Tuesday – Saturday (October – April): 10:00–18:00. Sunday: 10:00–14:00. Closed on Monday.
  • Best time to visit: Go earlier in the day for a quieter, more contemplative visit, then continue your walk around the cathedral and viewpoints afterward.
  • How long to spend: Plan for 60–90 minutes for a satisfying visit; art lovers can easily stretch it to 2 hours.
  • Accessibility: Expect historic-building constraints and some uneven surfaces in the old town approach; check ahead if you need step-free routing.
  • Facilities: There is typically a small shop, and you’ll find plenty of cafés nearby in the Barri Vell for a break before or after.

Where to Stay Close to the Museu d’Art de Girona

Base yourself in Girona's Barri Vell (Old Town) for the most walkable, atmospheric stay near the cathedral and museums.

Hotel Museu Llegendes de Girona A top pick for being right in the historic core, ideal if you want to step out the door and be at the cathedral area within minutes.

Hotel Nord 1901 A comfortable, central option that balances old-town access with an easy walk to shops and restaurants.

Hotel Gran Ultonia Great for travelers who want modern conveniences and straightforward access to both the old town and transport links.

Hotel Carlemany Girona A reliable choice near the station area for those prioritizing train connections while still being walkable to the historic center.

Hotel Historic A characterful stay for travelers who want maximum medieval ambiance and don’t mind the old town’s narrow lanes and steps.

Is the Museu d’Art de Girona Worth Visiting?

Yes—especially if you're already exploring the cathedral quarter and want a richer understanding of Girona beyond viewpoints and photo stops. The collection is strong in Catalan religious art and medieval works, and the setting in the former Episcopal Palace makes the visit feel uniquely “Girona.”

Honest Pivot: If you're short on time, traveling with someone who isn't interested in religious art, or visiting in peak summer heat and want mostly outdoor experiences, you may prefer to prioritize the city walls walk, riverside bridges, and a cathedral-only visit instead.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (660)

Travelers rate the museum very highly overall, praising the breadth of Catalan and Spanish art and the standout medieval and Romanesque pieces. Visitors also appreciate the educational value for understanding Girona’s religious and regional history, and some mention a pleasant shop experience. Common drawbacks include comfort issues in warm weather (limited air conditioning) and an occasional complaint about staff attitude at entry.

Joe Minuti
a month ago
"Lot's of catalan and Spanish art."
Clara Jeong
2 years ago
"There is an interesting collection of catalan art through history. I would recommend it, especially if you enjoy seeing decorative art. I enjoyed thevisit overall, but one thing kind of soured our experience: there was a rude security guard who actually YELLED at my family when we tried to enter through the direction that we were directed towards by the staff who checked our ticket! We later saw other people enter in that same direction, so I still don't understand why he did that...."
Jordi
a year ago
"What a wonderfull museum, the collection of romanic figures and capitals are of un unprecedented beauty. In addition to this you can see medieval andrenaissance tabloids and pictures, in particular the altarpiece of St. Feliu..."

For Different Travelers

The Museu d'Art de Girona fits neatly into most Girona itineraries because it's compact, central, and easy to combine with nearby landmarks. Think of it as a high-value cultural stop that adds depth to everything you'll see in the old town.

Families with Kids

For families, the museum works best as a short, focused visit: pick a few rooms (especially sculpture and standout medieval pieces) rather than trying to see everything. Turning it into a “spot the symbols” game in religious paintings can keep kids engaged.

Pair the museum with an outdoor reward afterward—gelato in the old town or a stroll to a viewpoint—so the day doesn’t feel too museum-heavy. If your kids are very young, consider a quicker loop and save longer reading for another trip.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples will like how seamlessly this museum fits into a romantic old-town day: cathedral steps, quiet lanes, then a calm indoor visit with plenty to discuss. It’s a good rainy-day anchor that still feels intimate rather than crowded.

Afterward, continue on foot to Sant Feliu and the riverside for golden-hour photos. The museum’s location makes it easy to keep the day slow and walkable.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers get strong value here because the museum delivers a lot of cultural context in a single ticket, and it’s walkable from most central neighborhoods. You can build an entire day around free wandering in the Barri Vell and add the museum as your one paid stop.

Look out for free-entry opportunities (such as the first Sunday of the month) if your dates align. Even when you pay, it's a relatively affordable way to add depth to a Girona visit.

History Buffs

History buffs should treat this museum as a companion to Girona’s churches and medieval streets rather than a standalone art stop. The Romanesque and Gothic material helps you “read” the city’s stonework and sacred spaces with sharper eyes.

Go slowly through the medieval-to-Renaissance transition rooms to see how styles and storytelling evolve. If you’re also visiting the cathedral and Sant Feliu, the museum can make those visits feel far more meaningful.

FAQs for Visiting Museu d’Art de Girona

Getting There

Yes—it’s located right by the cathedral area in the Barri Vell, so it’s naturally reached on foot while sightseeing. Expect some uphill walking and steps in the surrounding streets.
Yes, Girona is a popular day trip and the museum fits well into a one-day itinerary. Plan your museum time around your train schedule so you’re not rushed.
Drop-offs are usually easier at the edge of the old town rather than right at the cathedral steps. From there, it’s a short walk up to the museum.

Tickets & Entry

Usually you can buy on arrival, but booking ahead is smart in busy seasons or if you have a tight schedule. If you’re combining multiple sites, check whether a combined ticket suits your plans.
Yes, reduced tickets are commonly available for eligible visitors with valid ID. Bring documentation to avoid paying full price.
Yes, there are specific free-entry opportunities during the year, including the first Sunday of each month. If this matters to you, align your visit date accordingly.

Visiting Experience

A large portion is connected to religious history and commissions, especially in the medieval galleries. Even if you’re not religious, it’s valuable for understanding Girona’s heritage.
Most travelers find it manageable in under two hours without feeling rushed. It’s ideal as a focused cultural stop between outdoor sightseeing.
Some visitors note that cooling can be limited, which is common in historic buildings. Dress for the season and plan a café break nearby if it’s very hot.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, it’s perfectly placed for a loop that includes the cathedral, nearby churches, and old-town viewpoints. It works well either before or after visiting the cathedral.
Either works, but many people like the museum after the cathedral because it adds context to what you’ve just seen outside. If you want a quieter start, go to the museum earlier.
Yes if you enjoy art or history and want one indoor highlight. If your priority is purely outdoor views and city walls, you can skip it without missing the “classic” Girona walk.

Photography

Rules can vary by gallery and exhibition, so check signage on arrival. When allowed, be respectful and avoid blocking narrow rooms.
Typically, tripods are restricted in museums to protect visitor flow and artworks. Ask staff if you have specific equipment needs.
The cathedral steps and surrounding old-town lanes are some of Girona’s most photogenic locations. Plan a few minutes outside the museum for street and architecture shots.

Accessibility & Facilities

Because it’s in a historic building and the approach streets are steep, accessibility can be challenging. Contact the museum ahead of time for the best step-free routing and entry guidance.
Most museums have visitor restrooms, but availability can vary by areas open to the public. It’s best to use facilities before heading deeper into the old town.
Yes, visitors often mention a pleasant shop experience. It’s a good place for locally themed souvenirs and art-related items.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, the Barri Vell has plenty of cafés and small restaurants within a short walk. It’s easy to plan a coffee stop before or after.
Eating in galleries is generally not permitted. Plan your snack or meal for outside in the surrounding streets.
Head down toward the old town squares for more seating options and a livelier atmosphere. It’s also a good way to cool down after the uphill walk.

Safety & Timing

The cathedral quarter is generally safe and busy with visitors during the day. As in any tourist area, keep an eye on belongings in crowded spots.
Earlier opening hours tend to be calmer, especially outside peak season. Late morning can be busier with day-trippers.
Yes—its central location makes it easy to pair with the cathedral, Sant Feliu, and a city-walls walk. Keep your museum visit focused if you’re trying to do everything in one day.

Nearby Attractions to the Museu d’Art de Girona

The Museu d'Art de Girona appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Girona!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Tuesday - Saturday (May - September): 10:00-19:00.

Tuesday - Saturday (October - April): 10:00-18:00.

Sunday: 10:00-14:00.

Closed on Monday.

Price:

Adults: €6; Reduced: €4; Under 16: free; First Sunday of each month: free.

Address: Pujada de la Catedral, 12, 17004 Girona, Spain
Girona: 1 km
Telephone: +34 972 20 38 34
Official Website

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