Introduction
Located in the heart of Móstoles, the Museo Centro de Arte Dos de Mayo—widely known as CA2M—stands as a premier destination for creative innovation in the Community of Madrid. Since opening its doors in 2008, the museum has evolved from a regional initiative into one of Spain’s most vital hubs for 20th-century and contemporary art. Its striking modern architecture serves as a bridge between the historic identity of the city and the bold, forward-thinking spirit of the artworks housed within, making it a cornerstone of the Spanish cultural landscape.
The museum’s significance lies in its dual role as both a guardian of heritage and a laboratory for the future. It serves as the permanent home for the Contemporary Art Collection of the Community of Madrid, which boasts over 1,500 pieces across a wide array of disciplines. Furthermore, the museum houses the prestigious ARCO Foundation Collection, adding another 300 seminal works to its repertoire. Together, these collections offer a "present continuous" narrative of art, where historical movements directly inform the radical experiments of today’s creators.
For the curious traveler, CA2M offers a dynamic and accessible alternative to the traditional museum experience. Its programming is designed to be lived rather than just observed, featuring:
- Rotating individual and collective exhibitions that showcase cutting-edge international talent.
- A diverse schedule of film screenings, live performances, and academic conferences.
- Interactive workshops and community-driven activities that bring art to the street level.
Whether you are a dedicated art enthusiast or a visitor looking to explore the vibrant culture beyond Madrid’s city center, CA2M provides a sophisticated and thought-provoking escape that captures the pulse of contemporary Spain.
Highlights
- The Museum Architecture by Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos (2008): This striking building blends a traditional 19th-century facade with a modern, multi-level industrial space designed for flexible contemporary art displays.
- Móstoles by Lara Almarcegui (2008): A site-specific conceptual piece that investigates the urban transformation and geological composition of the museum’s local neighborhood.
- Untitled (Celosía) by Cristina Iglesias (2006): This large-scale sculptural installation uses light and shadow through complex latticework to transform the viewer’s experience of the architectural environment.
- I Am Still Alive by On Kawara (1973): A series of minimalist telegrams from the ARCO Foundation Collection that documents the artist’s daily existence as a conceptual exploration of time.
- The ARCO Foundation Collection by Various Artists (1987-Present): A prestigious assembly of over 300 international works that tracks the major movements and innovations of the global art market over the last four decades.
- The CA2M Collection by Various Artists (1980-Present): The heart of the museum, featuring over 1,500 pieces that provide an essential overview of the development of Spanish contemporary art.
- A Journey that wasn't by Pierre Huyghe (2005): A significant film and installation in the ARCO collection that blurs the lines between reality and fiction through an expedition to Antarctica.
Getting There
The Museo Centro de Arte Dos de Mayo (CA2M) is located at Avenida de la Constitución, 23, in the center of Móstoles. It is easily accessible from Madrid and the surrounding region via several modes of transport.
Public Transport
- Renfe Cercanías (Train): Take line C5 to the Móstoles station.
- Metro: Use Line 12 (MetroSur) and exit at either the Móstoles Central or Pradillo stations.
- Bus: The museum is served by a wide range of bus routes, including lines L1, L2, 519, 520, 521, 525, 526, and 527.
Cycling
Visitors traveling by bicycle can make use of the public bicycle parking located directly in front of the museum.
Taxi and Car
For those arriving by taxi or private vehicle, the museum is situated at Avenida de la Constitución, 23, 28931 Móstoles. As the museum is located in a central urban district, drivers should utilize available public parking facilities in the immediate vicinity or look for authorized street parking in the surrounding neighborhood.
Walking
The museum is conveniently located for pedestrians in central Móstoles. It is a short walk from both the Pradillo Metro station and the Móstoles Central transport interchange, which connects the Renfe and Metro lines.
Admission & Opening Hours
Opening Hours
The museum is open to the public from Tuesday through Sunday, remaining closed on Mondays. Visitors can access the galleries during the following hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 11:00-21:00
- Wednesday: 11:00-21:00
- Thursday: 11:00-21:00
- Friday: 11:00-21:00
- Saturday: 11:00-21:00
- Sunday: 11:00-21:00
Admission
For information regarding admission fees and entry requirements, please check the official website before your visit.
Nearby Attractions
- Plaza del Pradillo (210 m, 3 min): The historic and social heart of Móstoles, this central square features pedestrian-friendly spaces, monuments, and a variety of local café terraces.
- Museo de la Ciudad de Móstoles (450 m, 6 min): Housed in a traditional neo-Mudéjar building, this museum explores the municipality's archaeological history and its significant role in the 1808 uprising.
- Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Santos (400 m, 5 min): A 17th-century hermitage known for its impressive Baroque altarpiece and its status as a key cultural and religious landmark in
Know Before You Go
Accessibility
- The museum is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that all visitors can navigate the exhibition spaces and public areas comfortably.
Photography
- Photography policies may vary depending on the specific contemporary art exhibitions on display. Visitors are advised to check the signage in each gallery or consult with museum staff regarding the use of cameras.
Best Time to Visit
- For the most up-to-date information on opening hours and to plan your visit around scheduled events, please refer to the official museum website.
Facilities
- For details regarding available visitor services and amenities, please inquire at the information desk upon arrival at the museum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Museo Centro de Arte Dos de Mayo (CA2M)? A: Opened in 2008, CA2M is a prominent Spanish museum located in Móstoles that specializes in 20th-century and contemporary art. It serves as the primary home for the contemporary art collections belonging to the Regional Government of Madrid.
Q: Where is the museum located and how can I contact them? A: The museum is situated in the heart of Móstoles at Avenida de la Constitución, 23, 28931 Móstoles (Madrid). You can reach the center by phone at (+34) 91 276 02 21.
Q: What are the highlights of the museum's art collection? A: The museum houses two major collections:
- The Contemporary Art Collection of the Autonomous Community of Madrid (CA2M Collection), featuring over 1,500 pieces.
- The ARCO Foundation Collection, which includes approximately 300 significant contemporary works.
Q: How do I get to CA2M from central Madrid using public transport? A: The museum is easily accessible via several transit options:
- Renfe Cercanías: Take line C5 to the Móstoles station.
- Metro: Use Line 12 (MetroSur) and exit at either Móstoles Central or Pradillo.
- Bus: Multiple lines stop nearby, including 519, 520, 521, 525, 526, 527, and local lines L1 and L2.
Q: What kind of programming can I expect to see? A: The museum’s program is divided into four distinct sections: permanent museum collection displays, collective exhibitions, individual artist exhibitions, and a variety of public activities including conferences and film screenings.
Q: Are there facilities for visitors arriving by bicycle? A: Yes, there is public bicycle parking conveniently located directly in front of the museum entrance.
Q: Can I find visitor regulations online before my visit? A: Yes, you can download the visitor regulations via the official website to review current guidelines and safety protocols.
Q: What disciplines are represented in the 1,500+ pieces at the museum? A: The collection is highly diverse, encompassing various modern and contemporary disciplines including painting, sculpture, installations, and digital media.
Q: Who is the current director of the museum? A: The CA2M Centro de Arte Dos de Mayo is currently led by director Manuel Segade.
Q: Is there staff available to help with questions during my visit? A: Absolutely. If you have any questions while exploring the galleries, you are encouraged to consult the room staff and follow their instructions for the best experience.