MACA Museum of Contemporary Art of Alicante

The Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA) is one of the key cultural attractions of Alicante, located in Spain. This prestigious museum specializes in 20th and 21st-century art, offering visitors a deep dive into the world of modern artistic movements. MACA is an important cultural hub for the region, where one can discover works by prominent Spanish and international artists.

The building housing the museum deserves special mention. MACA occupies the Casa de la Asegurada—the oldest civil building in Alicante, dating back to 1685. This historic Baroque-style building was skillfully expanded with modern architectural solutions, creating a harmonious space where the past meets the present. This integration makes a visit to the museum interesting not only for the art but also for the architecture.

Inside the museum, visitors will find a rich collection covering various movements and techniques of contemporary art. The exhibition allows you to trace the development of artistic thought and become acquainted with the work of both established masters and rising stars. A visit to the Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art promises to be an educational and inspiring experience for all lovers of beauty and those seeking to discover new facets of culture.

The Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA) is located at the address listed in the table below. As some contact details, such as a phone number or email, may not be listed, it is recommended to use other sources for the most up-to-date information. Details regarding opening hours, current exhibitions, and other information can be checked on the museum's official website (if available) or at tourist information centers in Alicante.

A visit to the Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA) is an immersion into the world of Spanish and international art of the 20th and 21st centuries. Primarily, visitors come here to see three main permanent collections. The first is an impressive collection of 20th-century art, featuring works by world-renowned masters such as Joan Miró, Salvador Dalí, Juan Gris, and Julio González. The museum also houses significant collections dedicated to the work of artist Juana Francés and the museum's founder, the prominent Spanish abstractionist Eusebio Sempere.

A defining feature of MACA is that its display is never static. The museum has extensive holdings, and only a portion of the works is exhibited at any one time. The remaining pieces are rotated regularly, refreshing the exhibition every few months. This means that every new visit can offer a chance to see previously unexhibited masterpieces and gain a fresh perspective on contemporary art.

In addition to viewing permanent and temporary exhibitions, the Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art offers its guests various opportunities for deeper engagement with art. Visitors can take part in educational programs, engaging workshops, informative lectures, and insightful guided tours. MACA actively works with younger audiences and families, organizing special events and hosting various cultural activities related to contemporary art, making it accessible and interesting for the general public.

The Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA) is conveniently located in the heart of Alicante, at Plaza de Santa María, 3. It is situated in the immediate vicinity of the famous Basilica of Santa Maria and the picturesque waterfront, making it easily accessible for those exploring on foot. If you are staying in the historic center of Alicante, reaching the museum by walking is effortless. Additionally, there are bus stops nearby serving various city routes, and for those who prefer to travel by car, parking facilities are available close to the museum.

If you are arriving in Alicante via the airport, you can reach the city center—from where MACA is a short walk away—by taking the C-6 bus. This is a convenient and economical option. Alternatively, you can always use taxi services to be dropped off directly at the museum, or rent a car for greater freedom of movement around the city and its surroundings.

The Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA), located in the heart of Alicante, owes its existence to the generosity and initiative of the prominent Spanish artist and sculptor Eusebio Sempere. A native of Alicante, Sempere donated his extensive collection of 20th-century art to the city in 1976, which formed the foundation of the museum. The first public exhibition opened two years later, in 1978, offering residents and visitors a unique opportunity to discover works by both Sempere himself and other iconic artists.

In 2011, the museum underwent a significant transformation. It was reorganized, received its current name—the Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA)—and moved into a new, more spacious building. Essentially, the renovated MACA became the successor to the former museum known as the Museum of La Asegurada, preserving and building upon its cultural legacy. This event marked a new chapter in the cultural life of Alicante, strengthening its position as one of the centers for contemporary art in Spain.

The building that houses MACA today is known as the Casa de la Asegurada and is a historical landmark in its own right. Its walls hold memories of many eras and events. Built in 1685, it originally served as a granary, supplying the city with food. In the following centuries, its purpose changed repeatedly: the Casa de la Asegurada served as a prison, a gunpowder store, a commercial school, and even a temporary city hall.

Today, this ancient building—one of the oldest civil structures in Alicante—has found a new life as the home for impressive collections of modern art. The historic architecture of the Casa de la Asegurada creates a unique contrast and a harmonious frame for the exhibits, symbolizing the link between eras and the continuity of the city's cultural development. Visitors to the museum can not only enjoy the works of art but also touch the rich history of the building itself.

When planning a visit to the Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA), you should allow for 1.5-2 hours to fully appreciate its collections. This amount of time is generally sufficient to explore both the permanent exhibitions and any temporary shows that may be taking place at the museum.

Of course, the duration of your visit may vary depending on your personal interest in contemporary art and your desire to study specific works or installations more closely. If you are a connoisseur who enjoys thoughtfully examining every exhibit, you might need a bit more time. However, for a general introduction to the main masterpieces and the atmosphere of the museum, the suggested timeframe will be quite adequate.

The Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA) is pleased to welcome visitors during the following hours: from Tuesday to Saturday, the museum doors are open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. On Sundays and public holidays, you can enjoy the exhibition from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Please note that the museum is closed on Mondays.

While the information provided indicates a regular schedule, it is always a good idea to confirm current hours before your visit, especially if your trip coincides with major holidays. We also recommend checking the museum's official website or contacting them directly to find out about the need for advance ticket booking or any possible changes to the schedule, particularly during peak tourist seasons. Generally, the museum is open year-round, but it is best to double-check the details.

A visit to the Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA) is undoubtedly a highlight for any art lover. However, to make your trip to Alicante even more fulfilling and memorable, it is worth exploring the attractions located in the immediate vicinity. Exploring the museum's surroundings will allow you to dive deeper into the city's atmosphere, discover new interesting spots, and get a more complete picture of its cultural and historical heritage.

A stroll through the nearby streets and neighborhoods after your museum visit can be a pleasant addition to your cultural program. You might find charming cafes, historic buildings, or picturesque corners that don't always make it into standard tourist guides. Here are some of the attractions and points of interest located near the Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA):