The Sagrada Familia Museum: What You Will See
What to see in the Sagrada Familia museum: Gaudi's plaster models, the hanging chain model, the crypt, workshop and how long it takes.
Quick answer
The museum sits beneath the basilica and is included in every entry ticket. It holds Gaudí's original plaster models, the reconstructed hanging-chain catenary model, drawings, the working model workshop and a view over the crypt where Gaudí is buried. Allow 30 to 45 minutes.
Key facts
- Included free with all basilica tickets.
- Located under the nave, entered near the Passion facade exit.
- Contains Gaudí's tomb viewpoint in the crypt.
- The model workshop is staffed and visible through glass.
- Photography without flash is permitted.
The models that explain the building
Gaudí worked in three dimensions rather than on paper. The upside-down hanging-chain model, weighted with small bags of lead shot, generated the exact curves that the columns and vaults follow. Seeing it inverted in a mirror is the single clearest explanation of why the interior looks the way it does.
Many originals were destroyed in 1936; what you see is a mix of surviving fragments and painstaking reconstructions assembled from photographs.
The crypt and Gaudí's tomb
The neo-Gothic crypt was built before Gaudí took over the project and is where he is buried, in the chapel of the Virgin of Carmen. A viewing window in the museum corridor looks down into it. The crypt is a working chapel, so access is limited during services.
Visitor tips
- Visit the museum after the nave, not before — the models make far more sense once you have seen the columns.
- Give the hanging-chain model five unhurried minutes; it is the intellectual core of the whole building.
- The workshop is busiest in mid-afternoon when tour groups funnel through.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping the museum because it is 'just models' and missing the crypt entirely.
- Leaving only ten minutes before closing.
Local advice
School groups from Catalonia come through the museum between 10:30 and 12:00 on weekdays. If you can, see it after 15:00 instead.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sagrada Familia museum included in the ticket?
Yes, all entry tickets include the museum below the basilica.
How long does the museum take?
Between 30 and 45 minutes for most visitors.
Can you see Gaudi's tomb?
You can look into the crypt where he is buried from a viewing point in the museum corridor.
Summary
The underground museum is included with every ticket and explains how the basilica was designed, through Gaudí's plaster models, the catenary model and the live model workshop, plus a view into the crypt where he is buried.
Sources and updates
Information on this page is checked against operator publications and our own site visits. See how we verify information and our full sources. Last updated .