Centro de Innovación Cultural "El Almacén"

Located in the heart of Arrecife on the picturesque island of Lanzarote, the El Almacén Cultural Innovation Center (CIC El Almacén) is a unique space in Spain where history meets contemporary art. The building itself is an architectural monument, created by merging two 19th-century bourgeois mansions while preserving the charm of that era.

El Almacén Cultural Innovation Center. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Today, El Almacén is a dynamic multi-functional hub dedicated to promoting avant-garde culture and innovation. Visitors will find several exhibition zones, including the main Sala de Exposiciones and the experimental El Cubo. A special place in the center is held by the Sala de Cine Buñuel cinema, which screens arthouse films and world classics, as well as the legendary Bar Picasso, where cultural discussions continue over a glass of local wine.

Thanks to its multi-level structure, which includes atmospheric basement spaces, the center has become an icon of the island's cultural life. With a high rating among both tourists and locals, it attracts anyone seeking inspiration and wanting to see the intellectual and creative side of Lanzarote.

To check the current exhibition program or book tickets for events, you can contact the center directly. The El Almacén Cultural Innovation Center is open to communication and always ready to provide information about ongoing cultural events.

A visit to the center offers guests an immersion into the world of contemporary art through visual and auditory experiences. Start your exploration with the El Almacén and El Cubo galleries, which host regularly changing exhibitions by local and international artists. Here, you can see everything from classical painting to bold installations and digital art, often occupying the most unexpected corners of this historic building.

Film lovers should check the schedule for Sala de Cine Buñuel. This cozy cinema specializes in arthouse and festival films, offering an alternative to mainstream cinema. The center also serves as a venue for live performances and discussions in the Sala HuB, where members of the creative community frequently gather to exchange ideas.

A must-do is a visit to Bar El Almacén (known as Bar Picasso). This iconic spot, surrounded by historic walls, is where you can try traditional tapas and taste Lanzarote wines. The bar's atmosphere encourages long conversations about what you've seen, making it the perfect end to a cultural walk through Arrecife.

If your visit coincides with workshops at Aula El Almacén, you can try your hand at creative work under the guidance of professionals. The integration of art, gastronomy, and education makes this center a place where every visitor becomes part of a living cultural process.

Located at C. José Betancort, 33, the cultural center is in the heart of the historic district. The easiest way to get here is on foot if you are already strolling through the city center. A walk from the main Cabildo Square or the city port takes no more than 5–10 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the old town atmosphere along the way.

If you are using public transport, take the Guaguas Lanzarote bus lines. Routes 2, 5, and 8 have stops in the immediate vicinity of the center. For those arriving from Lanzarote Airport, a taxi ride takes about 20 minutes and costs approximately 25–30 euros.

For travelers by car, follow the LZ-2 or LZ-1 highways toward the city center. Keep in mind that the center is in a densely built-up area, so parking spaces on the surrounding streets may be limited. It is recommended to leave your car in one of the nearby municipal parking lots and continue on foot.

The building that hums with creative life today has deep historical roots. It was formed by joining two 19th-century bourgeois houses, becoming a fine example of traditional Canarian architecture. Before becoming an arts center, from 1933 to 1970, these walls housed the Arrecife School of Arts and Crafts, which symbolically foreshadowed the building's future.

A new chapter began in 1973 when the famous artist and architect César Manrique purchased the building to realize his bold vision. In February 1974, he opened the “Centro Polidimensional El Almacén” here—an experimental platform for the development of modern culture. Together with like-minded colleagues, Manrique transformed this space into an avant-garde hub where music, literature, film, and painting converged.

During those years, the center became a magnet for the intellectual elite, hosting such prominent figures as the poet Rafael Alberti and the painter Antonio López. El Almacén laid the foundation for Lanzarote's modern art community and contributed to the opening of the International Museum of Contemporary Art (MIAC) in 1976.

After extensive renovations and temporary closures, the center reopened in 2022 under its modern name while preserving the legendary Bar Picasso. Today, it continues the mission started by the great Manrique, remaining a catalyst for innovation and a primary meeting place for everyone who values authentic art.

To explore all levels of the center at a leisurely pace and soak in its atmosphere, it is recommended to set aside 2–3 hours for your visit. This will be enough time to get acquainted with the current exhibitions in the main halls, peek into the experimental spaces, and spend some time over a cup of coffee in the historic bar.

If your visit includes watching a film at the Buñuel Cinema or participating in one of the creative workshops, your stay may be longer. For those who have only one hour, it is best to focus on the main exhibitions on the first floor and in the basement areas, which make the strongest impression with their architectural integration.

The center welcomes visitors on weekdays and Saturdays, with Sunday being the day off. The standard opening hours are as follows:

• Monday — Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed

Please note that the bar's opening hours and cinema session times may differ from the general schedule. It is recommended to check the official website for the latest information before your visit, as hours may be extended during special cultural festivals or holidays.

A visit to the cultural center can easily be combined with a stroll to other interesting locations in the city. Arrecife is rich in cozy squares, historical monuments, and picturesque promenades, all just a few steps apart, making it easy to plan a rewarding walking route.

Exploring the surrounding area will help you better feel the spirit of Lanzarote, transitioning from contemporary art to historical landmarks and natural salt flats. Below are the nearest attractions that deserve your attention: