Museu Frederic Marès

Set in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, the Museu Frederic Marès is a hidden gem that offers an intimate glimpse into the artistic world of its namesake collector. Housed in part of the former Royal Palace of the Counts of Barcelona, the museum showcases the vast and eclectic collection of Catalan sculptor Frederic Marès (1893–1991).

From medieval sculpture to everyday objects from past centuries, the museum is both a celebration of artistic heritage and a reflection of one man’s lifelong passion for collecting. Its atmospheric setting and rich displays make it a compelling stop for lovers of art, history, and the unexpected.

Origins

In 1946 Frederic Marès donated his vast personal collection—and much of his own work—to Barcelona. Two years later the city opened the museum in a wing of the Palau Reial Major, the medieval residence of the Counts of Barcelona and later kings of the Crown of Aragon. Born in Portbou and trained in Barcelona, Marès combined a distinguished sculptural career with a lifelong, almost obsessive passion for collecting.

The Sculpture Collection

The Museu Frederic Marès opens with a gallery dedicated to the sculptor’s own neoclassical works, showcasing his refined technique and reverence for classical forms. Beyond Marès’ personal creations, the museum boasts one of the most important sculpture collections in the Iberian Peninsula, spanning from antiquity to the 19th century. Highlights include polychrome religious carvings from the Romanesque to Baroque periods, featuring expressive figures of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and saints. Organized into thematic sections—Ancient, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and 19th-century Catalan sculpture—the collection offers a sweeping view of the evolution of sculptural art in Spain.

The Collector’s Cabinet

One of the most enchanting parts of the Museu Frederic Marès is the “Collector’s Cabinet” (Gabinet del Col·leccionista), a labyrinthine trove of tens of thousands of everyday objects—fans, pipes, pocket watches, jewelry, daguerreotypes, toys, pharmacy jars, keys, reliquaries, and more—meticulously arranged over several floors. Together, these eclectic curiosities form a “Sentimental Museum” that transcends traditional fine-art boundaries, offering an intimate portrait of 19th-century life and revealing the sculptor’s boundless fascination with the material culture of the domestic and the ordinary.

Marès’ Artistic Legacy

A section of the museum is devoted to Frederic Marès’ own sculptures, along with his preserved library and study, offering a glimpse into his creative world. This personal space provides a deeper connection to the artist, revealing his artistic vision, working environment, and the passion that fueled both his sculptural work and his lifelong devotion to collecting.

Visiting the Museum

Just steps from the Barcelona Cathedral, the Museu Frederic Marès is a hidden gem in the city’s historic center, open year-round and included in several cultural passes like the Barcelona Card. Spanning five floors, the museum invites visitors to explore a remarkable blend of sculpture, medieval art, and everyday curiosities in an intimate and atmospheric setting. Despite its prime location, it remains one of Barcelona’s lesser-known treasures—rich in character, history, and charm—making it a rewarding stop for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and curious minds alike.

Address: Plaça de Sant Iu, 5-6, 08002 Barcelona
Phone: +34 932 56 35 00
Website: www.museumares.bcn.cat | View Map