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La Mercè 2025: Free Museum Days and Cultural Open Doors in Barcelona
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Barcelona is already a cultural magnet year-round, but during La Mercè, its biggest annual festival, the city opens up in an extraordinary way. Streets turn into stages, plazas into dance floors, and—most exciting for culture lovers—museums and historic spaces swing their doors wide open, for free.

If you’re planning to be in the city during the festival in September 2025, prepare for a cultural feast. From architectural icons to hidden gems, the open-door initiative allows you to explore dozens of spaces completely free of charge, all tied into the festive atmosphere of La Mercè.

This guide gives you everything you need: a full list of participating venues, exact dates and hours, booking tips, and honest advice from personal experience. Let’s dive in.

The official poster for La Mercè 2025

Discover Free Museum Days During La Mercè 2025 in Barcelona

Every September, La Mercè celebrates the patron saint of Barcelona with an explosion of culture, tradition, music, and community. One of the festival’s most beloved components is the free access to dozens of museums and cultural spaces, under the initiative known locally as portes obertes.

* While it’s fantastic that access is open to everyone, the truth is that the sheer volume of visitors can make the experience stressful, especially in smaller or more delicate venues.

On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, most participating venues will offer free entry, with some extending access to earlier or later dates. It’s a unique opportunity to explore the cultural heart of the city without spending a euro.

Whether you’re into modern art, medieval history, science, architecture, or simply curious to explore spaces you’d otherwise skip, these days are your golden ticket.

When Are the Free Entry Days?

Most venues open their doors for free on La Mercè Day itself – Wednesday, September 24, although a few also offer access on September 21, 22, or even the full week.

Some museums require prior booking, especially those with high demand like the Sagrada Familia, Museu Picasso, Fundació Miró, or Poble Espanyol.

Highlights – Where You Can Go for Free

Here’s a curated selection of the most interesting places to visit:

Art & Contemporary Culture :

  • MACBA (Museum of Contemporary Art) – Sept 24, 10:00–20:00
  • Fundació Joan Miró – Sept 24, 10:00–20:00 (reservation required starting September)
  • Museu Tàpies – Sept 24, 10:00–19:00
  • Can Framis – Sept 21, 11:00–18:00
  • Espais Volart – Info pending update
  • DHUB (Disseny Hub Barcelona) – Sept 24, 9:00–21:00
  • Centre Martorell d’Exposicions – Sept 24, 10:00–20:00
Entrance to the Picasso Museum in Barcelona, located in the Gothic Quarter

Classical & Historical Museums :

  • Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) – Sept 24, 10:00–15:00; Sept 23–28 free entry for residents + 1 guest, 10:00–20:00
  • Museu Picasso – Sept 24, 9:00–20:00 (reservation required 4 days in advance)
  • Museu Frederic Marès – Sept 24, 11:00–20:00 (reservation recommended)
  • Museu d’Història de Catalunya – Sept 24, 10:00–14:30
  • Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunya – Sept 24, 10:00–14:30
  • Pavelló Mies van der Rohe – Sept 24, 10:00–20:00, includes “Lost Límits” art installation
  • Biblioteca Pública Arús – Sept 23, 10:00–15:00
  • Palauet Albéniz – Sept 21, 22, and 24: 10:30–14:30 and 16:00–19:30

MUHBA (Barcelona History Museum Network) :

Free access to multiple historical sites:

  • Plaça del Rei – Sept 24, 10:00–19:00
  • Temple d’August – Sept 22, 10:00–20:00; Sept 24, 10:00–19:00
  • El Call (Jewish Quarter) – Sept 24, 11:00–14:00
  • Domus de Sant Honorat – Sept 24, 10:00–14:00
  • Turó de la Rovira (Bunkers) – Sept 24, 16:00–19:00
  • Vil·la Joana (Collserola) – Sept 24, 10:00–15:00
  • El Born – Sept 24, 10:00–20:00
Facade and decorative tower of the Sant Pau Modernist Site in Barcelona
Sagrada Família under clear blue skies in springtime Barcelona

Science, Nature & Architecture :

  • CosmoCaixa – Sept 24, 10:00–20:00
  • Museu de Ciències Naturals – Sept 24, 10:00–20:00
  • Jardí Botànic (part of Museu de Ciències Naturals) – Sept 24, 10:00–19:00
  • Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau – Sept 24, 9:30–18:30
  • Sagrada Família – Free entry as part of La Mercè (limited availability)
  • El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria – Sept 24 (program coming soon)
Replica of a royal galley inside the Barcelona Maritime Museum, housed in medieval shipyards

Maritime & Fire Services :

  • Museu Marítim – Sept 24, 10:00–20:00
  • Pailebot Santa Eulàlia (Moll de la Fusta) – Sept 24, 10:00–20:00
  • Espai Bombers – Parc de la Prevenció – Sept 23, 10:00–14:00 (with 11:30 family workshop, reservation required); Sept 24, 11:00–15:00 (reservation required)

Community & Neighborhood Spaces :

  • Poble Espanyol – Sept 24, 10:00–20:00 (for Barcelona residents only, proof of address required)

Do You Need to Book? Practical Tips and Conditions

While many venues operate with first-come, first-served policies, some require advance booking, especially the more popular ones like:

  • Sagrada Família
  • Museu Picasso
  • Fundació Miró
  • Espai Bombers

Pro Tips :

  • Always check the website of the specific venue. Opening times vary, from as early as 9:00 to as late as 20:00
  • Try visiting less crowded spaces earlier in the day or during lunch hours.
  • All entries are free, but some may be for Barcelona residents only. Bring an ID or proof of residency if you’re a Barcelona local—some spaces like Poble Espanyol require this for free access.

Hidden Gems and Lesser-Known Spots Worth Visiting :

The big-name museums are amazing, but don’t overlook the smaller, quieter gems. These can offer a richer experience with fewer crowds:

  • Biblioteca Pública Arús – A stunning 19th-century library with free access on September 23.
  • Temple d’August – Roman ruins nestled in the Gothic Quarter, open the 22nd and 24th.
  • Centre Martorell d’Exposicions – Often overlooked but showcases surprising temporary exhibitions.
  • MUHBA – Domus de Sant Honorat – A piece of Roman-era Barcelona hidden underground.

These spaces give you a completely different kind of experience: more introspective, less rushed, and often deeply moving.

Is It Worth It? Honest Local Experience :

“My experience visiting museums on free entry days isn’t great. There are just too many people. You end up not seeing anything properly, and I don’t enjoy the visit. There are long queues, crowds everywhere… It’s overwhelming.”

That’s a genuine experience from someone who’s lived La Mercè up close. While the intent is fantastic, and the cultural access is valuable, the reality is that you’ll likely face large crowds, long waits, and a rushed atmosphere.

If you love museum calmness, silence, or detail-focused visits and your goal is to truly absorb and enjoy the collections, these days might not be ideal.—you may want to scout venues during the free day but come back later when it’s quiet.

Final Tips to Make the Most of La Mercè Cultural Days :

>> Plan in advance. Choose a few key spots instead of trying to see everything.

>> Go early or during lunch hours to avoid peak crowds.

>> Manage your expectations. You won’t get the peaceful museum experience, but you will get inspiration, excitement, and cultural contact.

>> Reserve in advance for high-demand venues like Picasso and Sagrada Família.💡 Use it as a preview. Discover new places for future quiet visits when the crowds are gone.

Whether you’re a local rediscovering your city or a visitor soaking it all in for the first time, these open-door days are a vibrant—and chaotic—celebration of everything that makes Barcelona unique.

Just remember: it’s not about seeing it all. It’s about experiencing the city’s pulse through its cultural soul.