Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA)

The Basics

The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (known locally as the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona), in Barcelona’s Raval district, is a hidden gem for art lovers, with rotating exhibits running anywhere from three to six months at a time. Admission to the museum is valid for one month, so you can return multiple times to take in the art at your own pace. Choose between a basic admission ticket or a multimuseum pass, which also grants access to popular spots such as the Picasso Museum and Joan Miró Foundation. If you’re interested in both art and food, combine those passions into a single walking tour through the city, with stops at MACBA, the Picasso Museum, and some of the city’s top tapas bars.

Things to Know Before You Go

• MACBA is a must-visit for art lovers or those looking to enjoy Barcelona like a local.

• Download the MACBA app on your smartphone before your visit to learn more about the works you’re seeing.

• The museum offers free Wi-Fi; ask for the password at the information desk.

• The collection is wheelchair-accessible, and wheelchairs are available to borrow.

How to Get There

The museum is situated in the heart of the Raval and well-connected by public transportation. Take Barcelona Metro line 1 or 2 to Universitat or line 3 to Catalunya or Liceu. Several buses also stop nearby.

When to Get There

The museum is open from Wednesday to Monday throughout the year. Admission is free every Saturday from 4pm until 8pm.

Highlights of the MACBA Collection

Featuring avant-garde artists from the latter half of the 20th century, the collection is rich in international names such as Paul Klee, Dieter Roth, and Jean-Michel Basquiat but specializes in the works of celebrated Catalan artists, including Antoni Tàpies, Miquel Barceló, Susana Solano, and Pere Jaume.