Barcelona’s sleek contemporary art museum looms in bold contrast to the surrounding area. Together with the nearby Centre de Cultura Contemporània (CCCB), the Museu d’Art Contemporani (MACBA) has provided a focal point for modern Barcelona since its opening in 1995, and, has played an integral part in the rejuvenation of El Raval. MACBA’s permanent collection includes a slew of big-name Spanish and international contemporary artists, while excellent temporary exhibits feature everything from painting to video installations. The CCCB serves as a crossroads of contemporary culture with cutting-edge art exhibits, lectures and film screenings.
MACBA
CCCB
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Sights GuideThe MACBA and CCCB have separate entrances, though they share the Plaça Joan Coromines courtyard. The CCCB is accessible from C/Montalegre and MACBA from the Plaça dels Àngels. Both multilevel galleries have flexible display spaces. |
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Interior Corridors
Space and light are omnipresent in the walkways between floors. Look through the glass panels onto the Plaça dels Àngels for myriad images before you even enter the gallery spaces.
Visiting Artist’s Space
The raison d’etre of MACBA is this flexible area showing the best in contemporary art. Past exhibitions have included Zush and acclaimed painter Dieter Roth.
Revolving Permanent Collection
The permanent collection comprises over 2000 – mostly European – modern artworks, 10 per cent of which are on show at any one time. All major contemporary artistic trends are represented. This work by Eduardo Arranz Bravo is titled Homea (1974).
Façade
American architect Richard Meier’s stark, white, geometrical façade makes a startling impression against the backdrop of this dilapidated working-class neighbourhood. Hundreds of panes of glass reflect the skateboarders who gather here daily.
Thinking & Reading Spaces
Pleasant and unusual features of MACBA are the white leather sofas between the galleries. Usually next to a shelf of relevant books and a set of headphones, these spaces provide the perfect resting spot to contemplate – and learn more about – the art.
Temporary Exhibitions/CCCB
Unlike MACBA, exhibitions at the CCCB tend to be more theme based than artist specific. Home to both a festival of cinema shorts (Sep) and the Sònar techno festival (Jun), the CCCB always manages to be at the forefront of the latest cultural trend.
Plaça Joan Coromines
The contrast between the modern MACBA, the new University building, the Tuscan-style CCCB and the 19th-century mock-Romanesque church make this square one of the most enchanting in the city. It is home to the terrace restaurants of MACBA and CCCB.