Museums in Sitges
Between Modernisme treasures, seafront palaces, contemporary art, and even a small wine museum, Sitges punches far above its size. Here’s a clear, up-to-date guide to what’s open, what’s special at each venue, and smart ways to plan your visit.
The essentials (two must-sees on the same street)
Cau Ferrat Museum
Santiago Rusiñol’s former house-studio (1893) became a public museum in 1933 and still feels like stepping inside a Modernisme time capsule. Expect wrought iron, glass, ceramics, and a remarkable painting collection—including two El Grecos and early works by Picasso—alongside pieces by Rusiñol, Casas, Zuloaga and more. The sea-view rooms alone are worth the ticket. Museus de Sitges+2Museus de Sitges+2
Maricel Museum
A few doors away, Maricel takes you on a compact journey through Catalan art—from Romanesque and Gothic all the way to Modernisme and Noucentisme—built around the large Dr. Jesús Pérez-Rosales Collection and key Sitges artists (Casas, Utrillo, Sunyer, Pere Jou). It pairs beautifully with Cau Ferrat on a single ticket. Museus de Sitges+1
Tickets & hours (handy basics):
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You can buy a combined ticket for Cau Ferrat + Maricel (and add Stämpfli if you like). Museums are generally closed on Mondays; check special holiday hours. Museus de Sitges+1
Palau de Maricel (the palace you visit by guided tour)
Across the lane from the museum, Palau de Maricel—built 1913–1918—opens by guided visit to its Gold and Blue Halls, cloister and terraces with knockout sea views. Tours run on selected days and in multiple languages; book ahead. Museus de Sitges+1
Fundació Stämpfli – Art Contemporani (weekend contemporary fix)
A crisp contemporary space in the old town presenting the international collection gathered by artists Pere Stämpfli and Anna Maria Stämpfli. Typical opening: weekends, 10:00–14:00; verify dates if you’re building an itinerary. You can include it on a combined museums ticket. sitgesanytime.com+1
Romantic Museum – Can Llopis (status update)
The beloved 1793 townhouse museum of 19th-century life remains closed for renovations (it has been shut for several years; no firm reopening date published as of Sept 2025). Keep an eye on official pages for news. Museus de Sitges+2spain.info+2
CIM — Malvasia de Sitges Interpretation Centre (small, special, delicious)
A boutique museum inside the historic Hospital complex that tells the story of Malvasia de Sitges—the town’s heritage grape—through exhibits and tastings. It runs set opening hours by season and offers bookable tours (from short self-guided visits to 2-hour experiences with tasting). A lovely complement to the art museums. cellerdelhospital.cat+2cellerdelhospital.cat+2
Why these museums matter (quick highlights)
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Modernisme up close: Cau Ferrat is ground zero for Sitges’ bohemian golden age and houses major works (El Greco, Picasso) in an intimate setting. sitgesanytime.com+1
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A whole arc of Catalan art: Maricel stitches medieval to 20th-century Sitgetan artists into one coherent, scenic walk. Museus de Sitges
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Architecture as exhibit: Palau de Maricel’s guided circuit is as much about space, light and sea views as about objects. Museus de Sitges
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Contemporary counterpoint: Stämpfli brings post-war and contemporary voices into the mix, usually in bite-sized weekend visits. sitgesanytime.com
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Taste local heritage: The CIM connects wine, town history and social care (the Hospital cellar) with engaging tastings. cellerdelhospital.cat
How to plan a perfect museum morning (or two)
Classic duo (2–3 hours):
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Cau Ferrat → 2) Maricel Museum → coffee on the Racó de la Calma steps between them. Buy the combined ticket and go at your own pace. botiga.museusdesitges.cat
Architecture + art (half day):
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Palau de Maricel guided tour (prebook the English slot) → 2) Maricel Museum → 3) Cau Ferrat. sitgesanytime.com
Weekend contemporary add-on:
After the classics, pop into Fundació Stämpfli (Sat–Sun mornings). sitgesanytime.com
Pairing with wine culture:
Swap or add the CIM Malvasia visit/tasting (check seasonal hours). It’s a short stroll from the old town. cellerdelhospital.cat
Practical tips
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Tickets & savings: The combined ticket (Cau Ferrat + Maricel, with optional Stämpfli) is better value than buying separately. Free/reduced options exist for families and groups. Museus de Sitges
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Mondays: Most museums are closed; special holiday hours apply around Festa Major and Santa Tecla. Museus de Sitges
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Guided tours: Palau de Maricel is guided-only; summer adds extra languages/slots—book in advance. sitgesanytime.com
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Cultural summer (“Sitgestiu”): July–August bring evening concerts, special visits and tastings inside museum spaces—check the programme if you’re here then. Museus de Sitges+1
Nearby extras (easy add-ons by train)
If you’re museum-hopping, Vilanova i la Geltrú (one stop south) has two excellent institutions: the Railway Museum of Catalonia and the Víctor Balaguer Library-Museum—both doable in a half-day. (Not Sitges proper, but close and complementary.)
