MACBA – Barcelona’s Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona – often seen referred to as MACBA (Museu D’Art Contemporani de Barcelona) – is not only the best place in the city to view modern art work from around the world, it is also simply stunning building in its own right.

Designed by American Richard Meier less than twenty years ago, MACBA is a wonderful symbol of how the very best modernist architecture can combine with the old neighbourhood of the El Raval district. In this way, it is a microcosm of the city as a whole and a tribute to the city planners who had the foresight to encourage it.

The pure white building towers above El Raval, with its strong, geometric shapes and its huge glass windows and skylights that allow natural light to flood into the gallery spaces. From the moment you enter the cylindrical atrium, which encompasses all four floors, you’ll just want to explore everything this fascinating place has to offer.

Whilst there are many world famous artists in the permanent exhibitions in the Museum, pride of place undoubtedly belongs to the local self-taught Catalan artist Antoni Tàpies, who was so influential in mid twentieth century art. There is also work by Paul Klee, Miguel Barcelo and many other significant figures. More than anything, however, MACBA is committed to bringing the best of young modern artists – from Spain and elsewhere – into public view in its temporary exhibitions.

Location and Opening Times

The Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona is in the Plaça dels Angels in the very heart of the El Raval quarter of the city. It is due south of Universitat Metro station (Lines1, 2), where buses on routes 9, 14, 24, 41, 50, 54, 55, 56, 58, 59, 66, 91 and 141 all stop. Alternatively, it is due west of Catalunya Station (Lines 1, 3) where buses 14, 59 and 91 call.

Opening Times are as follows: June 24th to September 24th 11am opening, Monday to Friday; closing at 8pm Monday to Wednesday and midnight on Thursdays and Fridays.

For the remainder of the year the times are 10 am to 7.30 pm Monday to Friday.

On Saturdays, the Museum is open from 10am to 8pm and on Sunday from 10 until 3pm.

A standard priced ticket is available at €7.50 (€3.50 on Wednesdays). Children under fourteen, pensioners and the unemployed have free admission.

There are free guided tours available, in English, at 6pm Monday to Saturday and at midday on Saturday and Sunday.

Previous: Museum of Catalan History

Next: Barcelona Art Museums: Museu Nacional d’Art Catalunya (MNAC)