Museu Monogràfic d’Empúries
Archaeological museum within the Empúries site (l’Escala), part of the MAC, with the collection of the Greek and Roman cities; admission includes the site.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museu Monogràfic d’Empúries (MAC-Empúries) is located within the Empúries archaeological site, the only one on the Iberian Peninsula where the remains of a Greek colonial settlement and of a Roman city coexist. In 1916 Josep Puig i Cadafalch designed a monographic museum and research centre in the buildings of the former convent of Santa Maria de Gràcia and the tower; the building opened in 1917 and gave impetus to the legal protection of the site.
In 1990 the museum was integrated into the Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunya (MAC) as one more section, and in 1992 it was remodelled. It is organised in thematic areas that explain the general evolution of the site and its material culture, from the first inhabitants, before the arrival of the Greeks and the foundation of Empòrion, to the abandonment of the two cities and the late Roman period.
The visit includes the archaeological site, all the museum rooms and the audio guide for individual visitors. Empúries preserves nearly 170 pavements, including mosaics that are covered during the winter to protect them from frost, so they cannot be seen until spring.
Highlights
- Collection of the Greek city (Neàpolis) and Roman city (Emporiae)
- Exhibition “Empúries. Port de cultures”
- Archaeological site included in admission
- Nearly 170 pavements and mosaics (covered in winter)
- Free audio guide in seven languages
Permanent exhibition
- Empúries. Port de cultures – Exhibition with the collection from the site, key to understanding the history of the Greek and Roman civilisations in their expansion across the Mediterranean.
- Founded
- 1932
- Operated by
- Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunya (Generalitat de Catalunya)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5People aged 65 and over and pensioners, non-tourist groups of 10 or more people with booking, large or single-parent families, international students, and holders of cards such as the Carnet Jove, TresC or Xanascat |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 15 · Free admission for children under 16. |
| Seniors | €5People aged 65 and over and pensioners. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · People with a disability certificate; the companion, if needed, also enters free. |
| Students & apprentices | €5International students. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €5 per personNon-tourist groups of more than 10 people, with a minimum booking of 72 hours; with a tourist intermediary, €3.75 per person. Guided visit with a minimum booking of 5 days. |
| Families | €5Large or single-parent families (reduced ticket). |
| Guided tour for groups (1 hour 45 minutes), per person (groups of more than 20 people) | €4.50Paid separately from admission; groups of fewer than 20 people: €90 per group |
| Animated Roman visit for groups (1 hour 45 minutes), per person (groups of 20 or more) | €5Paid separately from admission; groups of fewer than 20 people: €100 per group |
| Virtual Empúries with virtual reality glasses (1 hour 30 minutes), per person (groups of 10 or more) | €12Paid separately from admission; groups of fewer than 10 people: €120 per group |
| Private Premium visit (maximum 6 people) | €100Does not include admission; admission of €5 per person, children under 16 free |
| Private Premium Plus+ visit with a glass of wine and snacks in the gardens (maximum 6 people) | €120Does not include admission |
Free admission: First Sunday of each month (except July, August and September), 23 April, 18 May, 11 September and other open-day events; in 2026 also 9 May, 14 June, 2 September, 4 and 11 October and, in November, during Science Week (date to be confirmed).
Each ticket gives access to the archaeological site, all the museum rooms and the audio guide for individual visitors. Free admission also for unemployed people, host families, school groups, ICOM and ICOMOS members, tourist guides and teachers, among others. Tickets with accreditation are bought at the ticket office; advance tickets must be validated at the Visitor Reception Centre.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials
- Audio description: no information
The museum is wheelchair accessible via a lift, and there are accessible toilets in the reception centre and in the museum. The route through the Greek city is partly adapted; access to the Roman city is via a specific route that is not adapted, with steps, very steep ramps and uneven stone paving. Induction loops at the reception centre and in the shop, sign-language guides (in Catalan and Spanish), audio guides with induction loop and an easy-read guide. Free parking for people with reduced mobility in front of the reception centre. The museum belongs to Apropa Cultura (adapted visits).
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 15 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €5 · Large or single-parent families (reduced ticket). |
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
The audio guide included in admission is available in a children's version, and children under 16 do not pay admission.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Av. Francesc Macià (SARFA)
SARFA bus, stop Av. Francesc Macià (lines Girona–l’Escala, Girona–l’Estartit and Barcelona–Costa Brava). Renfe train combined with bus (Barcelona–Girona and Barcelona–Figueres, RG1 and R11).
By car
Parking available
Municipally managed car park next to the entrance (does not admit motorhomes in low season). From July to September there is a two-hour discount with the museum admission ticket; the rest of the year it is free. Free parking for buses and for vehicles of people with reduced mobility in front of the reception centre, and for eight bicycles.
- Accessible parking
Amenities & dining
- Restaurant
- Museum shop
- Coat check
Shop with catalogues, MAC publications and exclusive products. Vending machines for snacks and drinks in the reception centre and for drinks in the Roman city. Restaurant and bar Bretta (from 18 March to 1 November 2026). Left-luggage facility in the reception centre.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.75 hrs |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (CA, ES, FR, EN, DE, NL, EU) |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Free audio guide with admission, in adult and children's versions. Guided visits for groups in Catalan, Spanish, English and French, with booking at reservesempuries@gencat.cat or on 972 77 59 76. Visitors are asked not to leave the marked route or climb onto the walls. Animals are not admitted to the museum or to the temporary exhibition rooms (except assistance dogs); leashed dogs are admitted at the site. Food and drink may not be taken into the rooms. |
