Barcelona Guide
The Eixample
Museu Egipci de Barcelona
Address: c/de València 284, half a block east of Passeig de Gràcia
Opening time: Mon– Sat 10am–8pm, Sun 10am–2pm
Price: €7
Telephone: 934 880 188
Website: www.museuegipci.com
The Museu Egipci de Barcelona is an exceptional private collection of artefacts from ancient Egypt, ranging from the earliest kingdoms to the era of Cleopatra. Founded by hotelier and antiquity collector Jordi Clos – whose luxury Hotel Claris, a block away, still has its own private museum for guests – it displays over six hundred objects, ranging from amulets to sarcophagi. The emphasis is on the shape and character of Egyptian society, and visitors are given a hugely detailed English-language guidebook, which enables you to nail down specific periods and descriptions, case by case, if you so wish.
The real pleasure here, however, is a serendipitous wander, turning up items like a wood-and-leather bed of the First and Second Dynasties (2920–2649 BC), some examples of cat mummies of the Late Period (715–332 BC) or a rare figurine of a spoonbill (ibis) representing an Egyptian god (though archeologists aren't yet sure which). If you'd like to know more, an Egyptologist leads guided tours every Saturday at 11am (Catalan) and 5pm (Spanish), included in the entry price – English-language tours may also be available if you contact the museum in advance. There are temporary exhibitions (extra charge sometimes levied), plus a library and a good book and gift shop on the lower floor, and a terrace café upstairs. The museum also hosts a full programme of study sessions, children's activities and themed evening events – the reception desk or website can provide details.