Fundació Joan Miró

This purpose-built museum houses the world's largest collection of Joan Miró's work, from his 1940s Constellations series to massive late tapestries that fill entire walls. You'll see over 200 paintings, 150 sculptures, and thousands of drawings that trace his evolution from realistic portraits to the playful, childlike style he's famous for. The building itself, designed by his friend Josep Lluís Sert, feels like a bright Mediterranean villa with white walls and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the galleries with natural light.

The visit flows chronologically through airy, connected rooms where Miró's primary colors pop against stark white walls. The outdoor sculpture terraces are the real highlight - bronze figures and abstract forms set against panoramic views of Barcelona's skyline. Inside, you'll find yourself lingering over his experimental periods, especially the dark, tortured works from the Spanish Civil War that contrast sharply with his later whimsical pieces.

Most guides oversell this as essential Barcelona viewing, but honestly, you need to genuinely like Miró's style to enjoy spending €12 here. The permanent collection rotates, so signature pieces aren't always on display. Skip the temporary exhibitions unless they're specifically about Miró - they're often weak and feel like filler.