Girona Art Museum - A large building with a lot of windows on top of it
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Girona Art Museum

4.5
·637 reviews·Girona, Spain

Explore centuries of Catalan art, from Romanesque to modern, within a historic episcopal palace.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
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Girona Art Museum - A large building with a lot of windows on top of it

Girona Art Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore centuries of Catalan art, from Romanesque to modern, within a historic episcopal palace.

4.5
(637 reviews)

"A wonderfull museum with unprecedented beauty in its Romanesque figures and capitals."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Beat the Heat

No air conditioning! Visit early or on cooler days. Dress light.

👀 Unique Artistry

Look for the 'Our Lady of the Distant Gaze' – her eyes don't follow you!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Romanesque Capitals

Romanesque Capitals

Romanesque Art Collection

Exquisite Romanesque sculptures and capitals, some with eyes that seem to follow you.

Altarpiece of St. Feliu

Altarpiece of St. Feliu

Medieval Art Collection

A significant medieval altarpiece showcasing intricate detail and religious artistry.

Decorative Arts Collection

Decorative Arts Collection

Various Galleries

Enjoy a diverse range of decorative arts, including captivating pottery and intricate pieces.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Beat the crowds by visiting on weekdays, especially in the morning. Weekends can get busy, and the lack of air conditioning means it can feel warmer during peak hours. Consider visiting during off-peak seasons for a more relaxed experience.

Navigating the Collection

The Girona Art Museum spans centuries of Catalan art, from Romanesque to modern pieces. Focus on areas that interest you most, whether it's the stunning Romanesque capitals or the decorative arts. Don't miss the altarpiece of St. Feliu.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons in shoulder seasons
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer tourists
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Our Lady of the Distant Gaze.. #gironaartmuseum #Girona #spain #costabrava
localcolouroldtown
5 likes • 76 views

🎯 Beat the Heat

No air conditioning! Visit early or on cooler days. Dress light. Reddit

👀 Unique Artistry

Look for the 'Our Lady of the Distant Gaze' – her eyes don't follow you! TikTok

✨ És el torn del @museuartgirona! La directora del museu, Carme Clusellas (@carmeclu) us dona tres motius per no deixar escapar l’oportunitat de visitar-lo. 🖼️ #XMAC, on l'art connecta. _______ #Art #Girona #Patrimoni #Gòtic #Romànic #Renaixement #Barroc #Història #Museu #Museum #Catalunya #Xarxa #XarxaMuseusArtCatalunya #OnLArtConnecta
museusartcat
256 likes • 5.9K views
Actual seu del Museu d'Art de Girona ha estat la residència episcopal des del segle X fins al XX i disposa de dues importants col·leccions del Museu Provincial d'Antiguitats i Belles Arts i la del Museu Diocesà. El museu exposa les obres des del preromànic fins al segle XX. ⠀ 🇬🇧 The current headquarters of Girona Art Museum has been the bishops' residence from the 10th to the 20th century. The mus...
guiesgirona.gironatours
74 likes • 1.9K views

🖼️ Focus Your Visit

The museum covers centuries. Prioritize Romanesque capitals or decorative arts if time is limited. Reddit

🛍️ Friendly Gift Shop

The gift shop has friendly staff and unique items. Instagram

reddit.com

Travelling to Girona( and surroundings on the coast) need some tips

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Beat the Heat

No air conditioning! Visit early or on cooler days. Dress light. Reddit

👀 Unique Artistry

Look for the 'Our Lady of the Distant Gaze' – her eyes don't follow you! TikTok

🖼️ Focus Your Visit

The museum covers centuries. Prioritize Romanesque capitals or decorative arts if time is limited. Reddit

🛍️ Friendly Gift Shop

The gift shop has friendly staff and unique items. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(637 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Girona Art Museum for its impressive collection, particularly the Romanesque sculptures and decorative arts, all housed within a beautiful historic building. While some find the religious focus overwhelming, the staff is generally kind. A common point of feedback is the lack of air conditioning, making visits during hotter periods less comfortable.

"What a wonderfull museum, the collection of romanic figures and capitals are of un unprecedented beauty. In addition to this you can see medieval and renaissance tabloids and pictures, in particular the altarpiece of St. Feliu"

Jordi

"There is an interesting collection of catalan art through history. I would recommend it, especially if you enjoy seeing decorative art. I enjoyed the visit 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."

Clara Jeong

"Amazing exhibit, lovely gift shop with friendly staff. My only complaint is the lack of aircon but I understand that may have been to preserve the art.

Definitely recommend."

Oni K.

What People Like

Stunning Romanesque art
Beautiful historic building
Appreciative staff

What People Dislike

Lack of air conditioning
Heavy religious focus

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Girona Art Museum is centrally located in Girona's old town. You can easily walk to it from most parts of the city center. If arriving by train, it's about a 15-20 minute walk from the Girona train station. Taxis are also readily available.

Parking in Girona's old town can be challenging. There are several public parking garages nearby, such as the 'Plaça de la Sardana' or 'Girona' garages, which are a short walk from the museum. Reddit

Absolutely! Many visitors take a day trip from Barcelona to Girona. The museum is a great addition to exploring the historic city. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official museum website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Generally, it's open Tuesday through Saturday, with shorter hours on Sundays and Mondays.

Admission fees are typically reasonable. Check the museum's official website for current ticket prices and any potential discounts for students, seniors, or groups. Reddit

While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially during peak season or weekends, can save you time and guarantee entry. This is particularly helpful if you're on a tight schedule for a day trip. Reddit

The museum occasionally hosts temporary exhibitions and events. It's worth checking their website or social media channels for any special programming during your planned visit. Instagram

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed without flash. However, some specific exhibits might have restrictions. Always look for signage or ask museum staff if you're unsure. TikTok

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Don't miss the stunning collection of Romanesque capitals, the altarpiece of St. Feliu, and the decorative arts, especially the pottery. The museum's collection spans from Romanesque to the 20th century. Reddit

While the museum has a rich historical and religious art collection, younger children might find some parts less engaging. However, the visual appeal of certain sculptures and decorative items can capture their attention. Reddit

A typical visit can last anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your interest level and how much time you spend in each section. If you're on a day trip, allocating at least 2 hours is recommended. Reddit

Yes, the museum is housed in the former episcopal palace, which has a rich history dating back to the 10th century. The architecture itself is part of the experience. Instagram

The museum typically offers restrooms and a gift shop. As noted by visitors, there is a lack of air conditioning, which can be a factor during warmer months. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself does not typically have a full-service restaurant. However, there is usually a gift shop that might offer some small snacks or drinks. Instagram

Girona's old town is filled with excellent restaurants and cafes. You can find traditional Catalan cuisine, tapas bars, and more. Ask museum staff for recommendations or explore the charming streets nearby. Reddit

Yes, you can find more affordable options by venturing slightly away from the most tourist-heavy spots. Look for local bakeries for pastries or small cafes offering 'menu del día' (set lunch menus). Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally permitted without flash. However, always check for specific signage or ask staff, as some exhibits may have restrictions. TikTok

The Romanesque capitals offer unique photographic opportunities due to their intricate details. The architecture of the former episcopal palace also provides beautiful backdrops. Instagram

The 'Our Lady of the Distant Gaze' carving is a fascinating subject. The altarpiece of St. Feliu and the decorative pottery also make for visually striking photos. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Girona Art Museum is rich in history and art, it might be more engaging for families with older children or those with a specific interest in art history. The Romanesque sculptures and the decorative arts collection, particularly the pottery, can be visually appealing to younger visitors. Reddit However, the predominantly religious theme of some collections might not hold the attention of very young children for extended periods. Consider focusing on the more visually striking pieces and the unique 'Our Lady of the Distant Gaze' carving to keep them entertained. TikTok

Plan your visit for weekday mornings to avoid larger crowds and potentially warmer temperatures, as the museum lacks air conditioning. InstagramReddit Bringing water and snacks might be a good idea, as dining options within the museum are limited. Exploring the charming streets of Girona's old town after your visit can offer more kid-friendly activities and diverse food choices. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, the Girona Art Museum is a treasure trove, primarily due to its location within the former episcopal palace. This building itself is a testament to centuries of history, having served as a bishop's residence from the 10th to the 20th century. Instagram Exploring the museum offers a dual experience: appreciating the evolution of Catalan art and immersing yourself in the historical ambiance of the palace. Instagram

The collection's chronological breadth, from Romanesque art to pieces from the 20th century, provides a fascinating timeline of regional artistic development. Pay close attention to the medieval and Renaissance works, such as the altarpiece of St. Feliu, which offer insights into the cultural and religious narratives of those eras. Reddit The museum's historical context is as compelling as its artistic content, making it a highly rewarding visit for those who appreciate the intersection of art and history.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Artistic Journey: From Romanesque to the 20th Century

The Girona Art Museum offers a comprehensive journey through Catalan art history, with its collection spanning from the Romanesque period to the 20th century. A significant highlight is the collection of Romanesque sculptures and capitals, renowned for their intricate craftsmanship. One particular piece, 'Our Lady of the Distant Gaze,' is noted for its unique artistic effect where the eyes seem to avoid direct contact, regardless of the viewer's position. TikTokInstagram

The museum also boasts impressive medieval and Renaissance works, including the notable altarpiece of St. Feliu, which showcases detailed religious narratives. Beyond religious art, visitors will find a rich selection of decorative arts, with a particular appreciation for the pottery collection. Reddit This diverse range ensures there's something to capture the interest of various art enthusiasts, from those drawn to ancient forms to those who appreciate more contemporary expressions. Instagram

While the collection is extensive, some visitors have expressed a desire to see more contemporary works by younger regional artists, suggesting a potential area for future expansion. Reddit Nevertheless, the current curation provides a solid overview of Catalonia's artistic heritage, housed within a historically significant building that adds to the overall experience. Instagram

Navigating the Historic Palace

The Girona Art Museum is uniquely situated within the former episcopal palace, a building with a history stretching back to the 10th century. This architectural setting provides a grand and historic backdrop for the art on display, making the visit a journey through both art and history. Instagram The palace itself has served as a bishop's residence for centuries, adding layers of historical significance to the museum experience. Instagram

Visitors should be aware that the museum operates without air conditioning, a detail that can significantly impact comfort during warmer months. Instagram This is often a necessary measure to preserve the delicate artworks. Therefore, planning your visit during cooler parts of the day or year is highly recommended to ensure a more enjoyable experience. Reddit Comfortable footwear is also advisable, as you'll likely be doing a fair amount of walking through the various galleries housed within the palace's structure. Reddit

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