Museu Frederic Marès

A short distance north of Plaça del Rei is the Museu Frederic Marès, in another part of the Palau Reial Major. Marès was a rich 20th-century Catalan sculptor and collector. He specialised in medieval Spanish sculpture, huge quantities of which are displayed. In addition, there is a mind-boggling array of other Marès knick-knacks, from toy soldiers and cribs to scissors and tarot cards, along with some of his own sculptures. The shady courtyard houses a pleasant summer cafe, Cafè de l’Estiu, and a series of interactive screens that allow visitors to get an idea of the collection while the museum remains closed.