Cool nights

Uncomfortably hot days give way to warm and balmy nights this month, and several of Barcelona’s biggest cultural venues open their doors late so you can enjoy art and music without sweating (as much).

CaixaForum
The ‘Nits d’Estiu’ season continues this month, with late-night opening every Wednesday until August 26th. As well as the exhibitions (such as Maurice de Vlaminck, see left), the programme includes concerts featuring brass instruments, the whistle and Hungarian gypsy music, although not all on the same night. Free entry. www.fundaciolacaixa.es

MACBA
Until September 18th, the MACBA will be open from 8pm until midnight on Thursdays and Fridays, giving you the opportunity to see the museum’s latest acquisitions, which are part of the ‘Col·lecció MACBA. Temps com a matèria’ exhibition. Admission is €3.50, which includes the guided tours that take place at 8.30pm and 10pm. And for anyone who likes an al fresco drink, the museum’s terrace bar will be open until September 24th. www.macba.cat

Museu d’Historia de Barcelona
The city’s history museum is organising special activities under the name ‘Nits Urbanes’, which include guided tours of exhibitions, architecture and important sites such as the Pedralbes Monastery and the Poble Sec air-raid shelter from the Civil War. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; activities are in Catalan and/or Castilian; €10 (free for under-sevens); places are limited so it’s wise to book in advance. www.museuhistoria.bcn.es

Other al fresco activities in August
Cinema a la fresca, L’illa—the final film screening for the year in the shadow of the Avinguda Diagonal-based shopping centre is David Lynch’s The Straight Story (1999), based on the true journey taken by a man called Alvin Straight across Iowa and Wisconsin on a lawnmower. August 8th, 9pm, €2
Música als Parcs—head to the Parc de la Ciutadella, not to hear the usual bongo drums, but local jazz bands playing each Friday night at 10pm. Free.