Introduction
Nestled in the heart of the historic Santa Cruz quarter, the Museu D’art Contemporani D’alacant (MACA) represents a stunning dialogue between Alicante’s storied past and its vibrant creative future. The museum is housed in the city’s oldest surviving civil building, the Casa de la Asegurada, a 17th-century Baroque masterpiece originally built as a granary. Following a bold, light-filled expansion by architects Sol Madridejos and Juan Carlos Sancho, the space now stands as a premier cultural landmark where ancient stone walls meet the sharp, minimalist lines of modern design.
The MACA is a cornerstone of Spanish contemporary art, largely thanks to the generosity of renowned local artist Eusebio Sempere, who donated his private collection to the city in 1976. Today, the museum serves as a sanctuary for 20th-century masterpieces, featuring works by iconic figures such as:
- Pablo Picasso
- Joan Miró
- Salvador Dalí
- Juan Gris
- Julio González
A Must-See Cultural Destination
For travelers visiting the Costa Blanca, the MACA offers a sophisticated alternative to the sun and surf. Beyond its permanent collection, the museum hosts a dynamic rotation of temporary displays, such as the evocative "Home MACA" exhibition running through February 2025. Whether you are drawn by the architectural contrast of the building itself or the chance to stand inches away from avant-garde history, the museum provides an essential, thought-provoking experience in the center of Alicante.
Highlights
Masterpieces of the 20th Century
- Móvil by Eusebio Sempere (1955): This pioneering kinetic sculpture uses overlapping chrome rods to create a shifting moiré effect that changes as the viewer moves around the work.
- Nature morte by Pablo Picasso (1946): A refined example of the artist’s post-war style, this painting demonstrates a mastery of simplified geometric forms and a balanced, rhythmic composition.
- Composition by Joan Miró (1970): A vibrant work that features the artist’s signature surrealist vocabulary of celestial symbols and lyrical lines set against a bold background.
- Vertical by Antoni Tàpies (1956): A seminal piece of Spanish Informalism that emphasizes the physical materiality of the medium through thick, wall-like layers of earth-toned impasto.
- Lugar de encuentros IV by Eduardo Chillida (1973): This striking work captures the sculptor’s career-long preoccupation with the tension between heavy industrial forms and the negative space they define.
- Untitled by Salvador Dalí (1971): A late-career surrealist piece that highlights the artist's technical precision and his enduring fascination with the dreamlike distortion of perspective.
The Juana Francés Collection
- El hombre y la ciudad by Juana Francés (1963): A somber, highly textured painting that utilizes sand and found objects to critique the isolation and existential angst of the individual within modern urban environments.
Getting There
MACA is located at Pl. Sta. María, 3, in the historic heart of Alicante. You can view the location and plan your route via Google Maps.
From the Airport
Alicante-El Altet Airport is situated 11.8 km from the museum.
- Bus: The C-6 bus line provides a direct link from the airport to the city center. The closest stop is Plaza del Mar, which is a 5-minute walk from the museum.
Public Transport
- Train: The Renfe station is located 1.3 km from the museum at Avda de Salamanca, 1. Visitors can reach the museum from the station via a short taxi ride or a walk through the city center.
Walking
The museum is easily accessible on foot from most central locations in Alicante. It is located just 5 minutes away from the transit hub at Plaza del Mar.
Taxi and Car
The museum is situated in the city center at Pl. Sta. María, 3. Taxis can drop passengers near the museum entrance. For those driving, the museum is accessible via the city center's main roads near the waterfront and Plaza del Mar.
Admission & Opening Hours
Admission
The Museu D'art Contemporani D'alacant (MACA) is a highly accessible cultural destination, offering FREE admission for all visitors.
Opening Hours
The museum is open to the public from Tuesday through Sunday, though it remains closed on Mondays. Please note the specific daily schedule:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00-20:00
- Wednesday: 10:00-20:00
- Thursday: 10:00-20:00
- Friday: 10:00-20:00
- Saturday: 11:00-20:00
- Sunday: 10:00-14:00
For any information not listed here, or to verify schedules for public holidays, please check the official website.
Nearby Attractions
- The Ocean Race Museum Alicante (2.65 km, 33-minute walk): An interactive museum dedicated to the history and spirit of the world's most challenging professional sailing competition.
- Ereta Park Alicante (2.70 km, 34-minute walk): A scenic park located on the slopes of Mount Benacantil that offers visitors panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean.
- Santa Barbara Castle (0.8 km, 12-minute walk): A historic hilltop fortress and one of Alicante's top-rated must-see attractions, providing a deep dive into the region's heritage alongside stunning coastal vistas.
Know Before You Go
Accessibility
- Please be aware that the museum is not wheelchair accessible. Visitors with mobility requirements should take this into consideration when planning their visit to the gallery.
Photography
- As specific photography guidelines are not specified, it is recommended to check for signage at the entrance or consult with staff upon arrival to confirm the current policy for the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions.
Best Time to Visit
- To enjoy a more contemplative experience with the contemporary artworks, consider visiting during weekday mornings. While a typical visit duration is not specified, arriving early allows you to explore the exhibits at your own pace before any potential crowds.
Facilities
- Information regarding on-site services is not specified. Given its central location, visitors may wish to explore the official museum website for the most up-to-date information on available amenities or nearby services in the surrounding area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the MACA and what makes it unique? A: The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante (MACA) is a premier cultural institution that bridges the gap between history and modernity. It is housed in the city's oldest surviving civil building—a 17th-century Baroque gem—which provides a striking architectural contrast to the 20th and 21st-century masterpieces displayed inside.
Q: Where is the museum located? A: The museum is situated in the heart of Alicante’s historic center at Plaza de Santa María, 3. It sits directly opposite the Basilica of Santa María, making it a central stop for those exploring the Casco Antiguo.
Q: How much does it cost to visit the museum? A: Entry to the MACA is free of charge for all visitors. This includes access to the permanent collections as well as temporary exhibitions, though some specialized workshops or events may require prior registration.
Q: What are the museum’s standard opening hours? A: The museum typically operates Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. On Sundays and public holidays, it is open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Please note that the museum is closed to the public on Mondays.
Q: How do I reach the MACA from Alicante-Elche Airport? A: The airport is located 11.8 km from the museum. You can take the C-6 bus line, which runs regularly to the city center. The most convenient stop is Plaza del Mar, which is a flat, 5-minute walk from the museum entrance.
Q: Is the museum accessible from the Renfe train station? A: Yes. The main train station is located on Avenida de Salamanca, approximately 1.3 km from the museum. It is a pleasant 15-to-20-minute walk through the downtown shopping districts, or a quick trip via taxi or local bus.
Q: What are the highlights of the museum's collection? A: The museum is home to three major collections:
- The 20th Century Art Collection, featuring works by Picasso, Cocteau, Dalí, Miró, and Braque.
- The Juana Francés Collection, bequeathed by the artist.
- The Eusebio Sempere Collection, which showcases the kinetic and geometric works of the famous Alicante-born artist.
Q: Are there any special exhibitions currently on display? A: In addition to the permanent galleries, the museum hosts rotating temporary shows. Currently, visitors can experience the "Home MACA" exhibition, which is scheduled to run from September 27, 2024, through February 10, 2025.
Q: Is the museum accessible for visitors with limited mobility? A: Absolutely. While the museum occupies a historic 17th-century building, it underwent an award-winning modern expansion. The facility is fully equipped with ramps and elevators, ensuring that all galleries and public spaces are accessible to wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility.
Q: Can I take photographs inside the galleries? A: Photography for personal, non-commercial use is generally permitted in the permanent collection areas, provided you do not use a flash or a tripod. Some temporary exhibitions may have specific restrictions, so look for signage or ask a staff member upon arrival.