BCN Online logo

Contemporary Art: Shaping Perspectives and Provoking Thought

Moco Museum Installation
Moco Museum Installation

Modern art, a mix of ancient buildings and things that have brought together the best - it's all about Barcelona. In this city, there is a place for every sophisticated traveler to admire the works of contemporary artists. Here we can tell you about the best museums and galleries to visit to immerse yourself in the world of contemporary art.

Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona: MACBA

MACBA, Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona - a name that translates to Barcelona Modern Art Museum - is the main cultural life of the city itself. Known the world over, this museum opened its doors in 1995 and since then it has worked hard to create an important artistic development in Barcelona. MACBA is located in the city centrer, within the old El Raval district. MACBA's collection contains works by artists from the late 1940s to the present. Both well-known works and works by young, experimental artists are honored here. In addition, a unique masterpiece in architecture, designed by American architect Richard Meyer, the building's seemingly just right combination of modern lines and spaces creates the perfect setting for showcasing art.

A woman sitting at a minimalist table in an office with geometric wall art.
Modern Workspace with Abstract Wall Art

Moco Museum

The Moco Museum is yet another important place for those who find Barcelona a partner in contemporary art. The museum displays works of artists making art accessible to a broad public. Paintings, sculptures and installations like those of deals of Banksy, Salvador Dali or Jean-Michel Basquiat find a space here. One of the superb features of the museum is that it accommodates artwork not only within the context of high art traditions but also of accessible forms that include such categories as graffiti, street art, and pop art. Besides the exhibition galleries, it organizes various workshops and meetings with artists, making it an appropriate place to learn more about contemporary art.

Brightly lit geometric shapes create a colorful display against the night sky at the Moco Museum.
Colorful Lights at Moco Museum

Tapies Foundation

The Tapies Foundation is an entire museum ground dedicated to the creations of Catalan artist Joan Tapies, one of the most renowned Spanish artists of the 20th century. It is located in an old building that used to be a factory. Here you are shown some of his related paintings, sculptures and objects which all reflect the peculiar style of Tapies. The museum plays a blend of abstraction, symbolism and Catalan elements in his works. They also conduct temporary exhibitions at the foundation, having become interesting to many to look into something by other creators.

View of Tapies Foundation facade
Tapies Foundation View

Art Centre Barcelona - Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB)

The Centre for the Arts of Barcelona (CCCB) is a place where visitors can appreciate not only the visual arts but also the latest contemporary creativity such as photography, cinema, theatre and music. It is an inspiring environment where different art movements and genres meet; it is open to people of all ages. It hosts exhibitions, conferences, projects and festivals. This centrer is ideal for those who not only look at the visual part of art but also immerse themselves in other forms of culture.

CCCB building in Barcelona, black and white architectural photograph
CCCB building in Barcelona

Art centre gallery and street art

There is also graffiti art in Barcelona. Visit El Raval and El Born and you can find so many graffiti works adorning most walls in the locality. Here, the street artists take over the walls of houses as their canvas of choice and their art always talks about political and social matters. People are bound to leave behind some unforgettable art, which could be rare in museums or libraries, but very pivotal to the architecture and art of this city. The unique private galleries in the city allow you to view works of elegance by modern artists. Galleries in neighborhoods like El Born and those along Paseo de Gracia typically hold exhibitions of paintings, sculpture, and photography. Private galleries can furnish a direct connection between artists and collectors as well as often serve as the means of interaction of various artistic movements.

Street artist painting a colorful graffiti on a grey wall under bridge
Street art and graffiti

Festival of Contemporary Art

Every year there were several cultural events for the achievement of contemporary art in Barcelona. One of the most popular is the festival of La Mercè, which involves exhibitions, performances and street art. Also: worth mentioning is that there is the International Contemporary Art Fair, which is visited certainly by art enthusiasts, and art dealers along with millions of others, and where work by artists from all over the world is seen. Barcelona has a lively atmosphere for art and creative people because it provides lots of platforms to showcase their work. Therefore, many exhibitions, events and fairs are usually held in the city, in which the public comes to see new artworks or even meet the artists, to discover new trends and directions in art.

Colorful jellyfish sculptures hanging in an art installation, illuminated with vibrant lights.
Festival of Contemporary Art

Barcelona has evolved in the area of modern art. It is painting, sculptures, and a complete philosophy with all the things in place. It has become a cultural hub attracting artists from across the globe and giving home to many ideas. In Barcelona, there is a museum designed for every enthusiast, be it classical art, pop art, street art or installations of newer trends. It has something to offer to everyone. So, almost in every corner of the city, art is living, and everyone can be a part of it.