Spend an afternoon browsing one of Spain’s best collections of 20th-century art at the Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante, MACA). An important cultural landmark of Alicante since 1977, the museum was overhauled in 2011. Escape the summer heat as you look at its three collections and more than 800 artworks. Although the MACA is often overlooked for larger museums in Madrid and Barcelona, it is as impressive as other art museums and not to be missed when visiting Alicante.
Housed inside the city’s Asegurada, a heritage structure dating back to 1685, the museum was transformed into a contemporary masterpiece by architects Sol Madridejos and Juan Carlos Sancho. Previously, the building had served as a granary, a prison and a school. Architecture lovers will be fascinated by this structure, which contains equal parts old and new.
Navigate the three permanent collections in the museum. The largest and most popular is the 20th-century collection, which focuses mainly on Spanish artists. See pivotal works by some of the most famous figures in Spanish art history, including Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Salvador Dalí and Juan Gris. Check out pieces by important international artists as well, such as Francis Bacon and Georges Braque.
The third floor is dedicated to the foremost kinetic artist in Spain, Eusebio Sempere. Here, you can see his geometric paintings, shifting sculptures and installations. Browse the work of a local master in the Juana Francés Collection, featuring more than 100 paintings and sketches from this Alicante artist.
Alicante’s art and design scene revolves around the MACA. Catch a concert, film, seminar or workshop at the museum and mingle with residents and local artists. The museum’s website features a full calendar of events.
Walk to the Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art, located in Alicante’s Old Town, from most parts of the city. If you are driving, there is metered street parking in the area. The museum is closed on Mondays and some public holidays. There is no charge for admission.
