How to Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art in Barcelona

The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, known officially as Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona, opened in 1995 thanks to two important figures: art critic Alexandre Cirici Pellicer, who campaigned for Barcelona to have a place to showcase the work of modern artists, and Cultural Councillor Joan Rigol, who in 1985 approved the plans to create the MACBA.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Visit the Museum

1. The cylindrical lobby is connected floor to floor through a series of vertical ramps and surrounded by walls of glass.
2. The second floor features an impressive collection of post-1945 Spanish works, such as those of artists Ignasi Aballi and Felix Adelantado.
3. The museum recently opened a plaza and a sculpture garden on the grounds surrounding the building. The area is especially popular during summer evenings, when art students and art lovers congregate.
4. Many of the exhibitions challenge the idea of what constitutes art and may seem controversial. From videos of cats drinking milk to large floor sculptures of plastic geometric figures, the museum is an invitation to view art in a different light.
5. On weekends some activities sponsored by the museum include courses, seminars, lectures and workshops for children. The museum also presents a series of concerts throughout the month, with emphasis on alternative sounds and computer-generated music.
6. Check the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art's website for the operating schedule. The Museum keeps unusual hours, which change depending on season, scheduled performances and days of the week. For example, the museum closes at midnight on Thursdays and Fridays from June to September (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Architects from the Richard Meier & Partners firm made sure the building gets plenty of sunlight and has incredible views, allowing you to enjoy the work in natural light.
• Because of its many cement platforms outside, the museum plaza is popular with skateboarders. Visitors who stick around in the evenings and weekends are often treated to great displays by professional skaters in Barcelona.

Who Can Help:

• Find Decorators & Designers Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.