Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) - Tickets and Visitor Information
What is the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA)?
The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, usually known as MACBA, is an art museum in the El Raval neighbourhood of Barcelona. It focuses on contemporary art from the mid-20th century onwards, with works by Catalan, Spanish and international artists.
- The museum's collection includes paintings, sculptures, photography, video art and installations.
- The building was designed by American architect Richard Meier and stands out for its white exterior, large windows and open interior spaces.
- MACBA hosts temporary exhibitions, events and educational activities throughout the year.
Quick Information
- Address: Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, Plaça dels Àngels, 1, 08001, Barcelona
- Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 11:00 - 19:30 from late September to late June, and 10:00 - 20:00 during the summer season. Saturday: 10:00 - 20:00. Sunday: 10:00 - 15:00.
- Closed: Tuesdays, 1 January and 25 December.
- Recommended visit duration: Around 1–2 hours, depending on the exhibitions.
- Nearest metro stations: Universitat, Catalunya or Liceu, depending on the route.
- MACBA Ticket Options
Is Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art Worth Visiting?
MACBA is worth visiting if you enjoy modern and contemporary art or want to explore a different side of Barcelona's cultural scene.
- Its collection includes works in a variety of media, while temporary exhibitions provide an opportunity to discover artists and ideas from different periods and backgrounds.
- The museum is also worth considering for its architecture. Richard Meier's bright, white building contrasts with the older streets and buildings of El Raval, and the square outside has become a well-known meeting place for skateboarders.
- If you prefer traditional paintings, historic artefacts or museums focused on a single artist, you may find other Barcelona museums more appealing. For contemporary art and architecture, however, MACBA is a good option.
What You Can See At MACBA
The museum's collection contains more than 6,000 works by Catalan, Spanish and international artists, covering a range of artistic styles and media from the second half of the 20th century to the present day.
- Contemporary Art Collection: MACBA's collection covers art from the mid-20th century to the present. It includes paintings, sculptures, photography, video works and installations, reflecting the different ways artists have explored materials, images and ideas. Artists represented in the collection include Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Marcel Broodthaers, Eduardo Chillida and other Catalan and international figures.
- Temporary Exhibitions: The museum regularly changes its exhibition programme, with displays devoted to individual artists, artistic movements and contemporary cultural themes. The exhibitions can vary considerably, so it is worth checking what is on during your visit.
- Richard Meier's Museum Building: The museum building is an attraction in its own right. Designed by American architect Richard Meier, it uses white surfaces, geometric shapes and natural light to create open exhibition spaces. Its modern design is particularly noticeable against the historic streets of El Raval.
- Plaça dels Àngels and Skateboarding Culture: The square outside MACBA is one of Barcelona's best-known skateboarding spots. Skaters gather here throughout the day, giving the area a lively street-culture atmosphere alongside the museum's art exhibitions. You can see the square even if you do not plan to enter the museum.
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About MACBA
The museum puts on different exhibitions throughout the year. They also offer workshops, host conferences, film projects and other performances.
The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art opened in 1995 and is known by its Catalan acronym, MACBA. It is in El Raval, a central Barcelona neighbourhood with a mix of historic buildings, cultural venues, shops and cafés.
The museum's collection focuses on contemporary art, particularly work produced from the mid-20th century onwards. Rather than concentrating on one artist or a single artistic movement, it explores different approaches to art and the social and cultural ideas behind them.
Alongside its permanent collection, MACBA organises temporary exhibitions and a programme of activities, which can include talks, workshops, film screenings and performances. The exhibitions change over time, making it useful to check the current programme before planning a visit.