MACBA — Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona — is one of Spain’s leading institutions for contemporary art. Located on Plaça dels Àngels in El Raval, it combines a collection, temporary exhibitions, research, publishing, education and public debate.
A critical collection of the contemporary
MACBA’s collection focuses primarily on work produced since the second half of the twentieth century. It connects avant-gardes, conceptual art, performance, visual culture, architecture, social movements and artistic scenes from Catalonia, Spain, the Mediterranean and Latin America.
A building and a neighbourhood
The main building, designed by Richard Meier and opened in 1995, is known for its light, white volumes and relationship with the square. The museum is part of El Raval’s cultural life, where institutions, associations, residents, students and urban practices meet.
Research, archives and audiences
MACBA runs a study and documentation centre, educational programmes, publications, talks and experimental projects. Its programme regularly examines relationships between art, politics, technology, memory and society.
Why it matters
- A major international contemporary-art collection.
- Strong roots in El Raval and public space.
- A connection between exhibitions, research and education.
- Natural editorial links with Sónar, Grec and Museu Picasso.