Barcelona City Guide: Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art

The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona, or MACBA) is situated in the Plaça dels Àngels, in El Raval, Ciutat Vella, Barcelona.

It was designed by Richard Meier & Partners (1987-1995). The building’s architectural style has strong references to Modernism. This large (120 by 35 meters) white building has much of its southern elevation glazed, providing the visitor with views across the plaza, and allowing natural light into the interior. It includes a La Central library, specialized in art books and publications.

The museum opened to the public on 28 November 1995. All the art dates back from the late 20th century onward. There are three periods of modern art represented: the first one covers the forties to the sixties; the second spans the sixties and seventies; the third period is contemporary. The collections focus on post-1945 Catalan and Spanish art, although some foreign art is also represented. Opposite the main museum stands the medieval Convent dels Àngels (the square's namesake), which includes a chapel converted into a separate exposition area known as Capella del Macba, with regular video art performances. Entrance to this part of the museum is free.

Another contemporary art museum, CCCB, is adjacent to MACBA, and accessible both from the street and from the inner patio.

The closest metro stations are Catalunya and Universitat.

Starting in the late 1990s, the museum became a well-known spot for skateboarders. Professional skateboarders often include tricks filmed at the spot in skateboard videos.