MACA Museum of Contemporary Art Alicante
MACA Alicante: A free contemporary art museum in a historic building, showcasing Spanish and international modern masters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
MACA Museum of Contemporary Art Alicante
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
MACA Alicante: A free contemporary art museum in a historic building, showcasing Spanish and international modern masters.
"It’s a peaceful space, perfect for escaping the heat and spending an hour or two thinking and exploring something new."
🎯 Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy incredible contemporary art without any cost. It's a major highlight for visitors!
♿ Wheelchair Friendly
The museum is accessible with lifts to all levels, making it easy to explore.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Eusebio Sempere's Mesmerizing Works
Various Galleries
Experience the geometric, light-filled, and mesmerizing works of Eusebio Sempere, a local artist celebrated at MACA.
Equipo Crónica's Colorful Depictions
Various Galleries
Admire the vibrant and thought-provoking colorful depictions of Spanish women by Equipo Crónica.
Kara Walker's Powerful Silhouettes
Temporary Exhibitions
Be captivated by Kara Walker's intense, large-scale black-and-white silhouette artworks exploring themes of slavery and freedom.
Masterpieces by Art Legends
Permanent Collection
Discover pieces by renowned artists like Picasso, Dalí, Miró, Chillida, and Calder, showcasing immense creativity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Big Impact
Art Meets History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy incredible contemporary art without any cost. It's a major highlight for visitors! +1
♿ Wheelchair Friendly
The museum is accessible with lifts to all levels, making it easy to explore.
📚 QR Codes for Info
Look for QR codes for English translations of exhibits, though not available everywhere.
👜 Bag Storage Available
You can store your bags at reception and receive a token for safekeeping.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy incredible contemporary art without any cost. It's a major highlight for visitors! +1
♿ Wheelchair Friendly
The museum is accessible with lifts to all levels, making it easy to explore.
📚 QR Codes for Info
Look for QR codes for English translations of exhibits, though not available everywhere.
👜 Bag Storage Available
You can store your bags at reception and receive a token for safekeeping.
🖼️ Open Mind Required
Embrace contemporary art; an open mind enhances the experience of the diverse works.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
MACA Alicante is widely praised as a peaceful, beautifully curated cultural gem offering a surprising and engaging contemporary art experience. Visitors highlight its free admission, elegant historic building, and diverse collection featuring both Spanish masters and international icons. While some contemporary art requires an open mind, the museum is considered a worthwhile and enriching stop for all.
"MACA – A Peaceful Cultural Gem in Alicante
Well! What a lovely surprise. MACA is a calm and beautifully curated space with a great selection of contemporary artworks. Whether you’re into art or just curious, it’s an enjoyable stop.
Best of all? It’s free to visit, making it a perfect cultural break while exploring the city. The atmosphere is peaceful, the building itself is elegant, and the collection is surprisingly engaging.
If you’re in Alicante, definitely pass by—art lover or not. It’s worth your time."
SAI KIRAN REDDY TEEPI
"Quite interesting museum. Space is filled with exhibitions in a very artistic way, gives you the opportunity to explore on you own and experience the art in its finest. I’m impressed"
Daria Paszkowska
"We visited the MACA museum in Alicante today and were genuinely blown away. We weren’t quite sure what to expect, but the ground floor exhibition was something special—it completely grabbed us from the moment we walked in.
The main display right now is by Kara Walker, and it’s unlike anything we’ve seen before. The room is filled with large black-and-white silhouette artworks that tell a story—some of it dark, some of it emotional, and all of it incredibly powerful. It’s based on themes around slavery and freedom, using the idea of the Emancipation Proclamation from American history, but presented in such a striking and creative way. You don't need to know anything beforehand to feel the impact.
Some of the images are intense, but that’s what makes them so thought-provoking. They really make you stop and think—not just about the past, but about how those stories still matter today.
The rest of the museum is also well worth exploring. There’s a great mix of modern Spanish art, including big names like Picasso and Miró, as well as local artists like Eusebio Sempere. The building itself is beautiful—modern inside but with an old historic shell, right in the heart of the old town.
Best of all, entry is free, and the staff are friendly and helpful. It’s a peaceful space, perfect for escaping the heat and spending an hour or two thinking and exploring something new.
If you’re in Alicante, definitely take the time to visit MACA. It’s not just a museum—it’s an experience."
James Farquharson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
MACA is located in the heart of Alicante's old town at Plaza de Santa María, 3. It's easily accessible on foot from most central accommodations. You can also take local buses that stop nearby.
Yes, it's situated right next to the beautiful Basilica of Santa María, a prominent landmark in the old town, making it quite easy to locate.
From Alicante Airport (ALC), you can take a taxi or a bus (like the C-6) to the city center, and then it's a short walk to the museum.
Parking in the old town can be challenging. It's recommended to use public transport or walk if staying centrally. There are paid parking garages available nearby.
Absolutely! MACA is close to the Basilica of Santa María, Alicante Cathedral, and the historic old town streets, making it easy to plan a walking tour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The best part? Admission to MACA is completely free! This makes it an accessible cultural experience for everyone. +1
MACA is typically open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays. Always check their official website for the most current hours. +1
No, advance booking is not required as entry is free. You can usually just walk in during opening hours.
Yes, MACA frequently hosts temporary exhibitions featuring both established and emerging contemporary artists. Check their schedule for current shows.
While it's a contemporary art museum, many find the exhibits engaging. The free admission makes it a low-risk option for a family outing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
MACA showcases a diverse range of 20th and 21st-century art, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and video art, featuring Spanish and international artists.
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the collections and temporary exhibitions, but you could easily spend longer if you're deeply engaged.
Yes, MACA is wheelchair accessible and has lifts to all levels, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
While not always advertised, special guided tours for exhibitions are sometimes offered, especially for student groups. It's worth checking their schedule or inquiring at the reception.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artworks. Some special exhibitions might have restrictions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
MACA does not have an on-site cafe or restaurant. However, the surrounding old town is filled with numerous cafes, tapas bars, and restaurants to enjoy before or after your visit.
The area around Plaza de Santa María and the old town offers a wide variety of dining options, from traditional Spanish tapas to international cuisine.
It's best to consume food and drinks outside the museum to avoid any potential damage to the artworks. There are clean restrooms available inside.
📸 📸 Photography
The museum's architecture itself, with its blend of old and new, offers great photo opportunities. Many of the artworks, especially installations and sculptures, are also highly photogenic.
Yes, phone cameras are generally permitted for personal use, but always check for signage regarding flash or professional photography restrictions.
The large-scale silhouette works by Kara Walker and the geometric pieces by Eusebio Sempere are often highlighted as visually striking.
The museum generally has good ambient lighting, and some areas are designed to highlight the art effectively. Natural light also plays a role in certain spaces.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the more visually dynamic pieces or discussing the stories behind the art in simple terms. The free admission means you can pop in for a shorter visit if needed, making it a flexible option for a family day out in Alicante.
💰 Budget Travelers
It provides a substantial cultural experience without impacting your spending money, allowing you to allocate your budget to other experiences like dining or exploring the city. It’s a perfect way to enrich your trip without extra expense.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the temporary exhibitions, which often bring unique and thought-provoking works to the forefront. The museum's blend of historic architecture and modern curation creates an inspiring environment for appreciating art.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art Collection: A Glimpse into Modern Masters
The collection is thoughtfully curated, often displayed in dialogue with temporary exhibitions, creating a dynamic viewing experience. Whether you're drawn to abstract forms, vibrant colors, or conceptual pieces, MACA provides a comprehensive overview of modern and contemporary art, making it a significant cultural hub in Alicante.
Beyond the permanent collection, MACA frequently hosts temporary exhibitions that bring diverse artistic voices to Alicante. These can range from solo shows of established artists to group exhibitions exploring specific themes or mediums, ensuring there's always something new and exciting to discover.
Architectural Fusion: Historic Shell, Modern Soul
Inside, the museum has been transformed into a sleek, modern exhibition space. Architects Sancho-Madridejos were responsible for the contemporary design, which features clean lines, ample natural light, and versatile gallery areas. This thoughtful renovation ensures that the focus remains on the art, while the building's historical significance is preserved and celebrated.
The result is a space that is both visually striking and highly functional. Visitors often comment on the peaceful ambiance and the elegant way the exhibitions are presented, highlighting how the architecture enhances the overall art-viewing experience. It’s a perfect example of how historical structures can be revitalized to serve contemporary cultural purposes.
Engaging with Art: Beyond the Canvas
+1Temporary exhibitions, such as the impactful works by Kara Walker, delve into complex social and historical themes, prompting reflection and discussion. The museum also participates in events like the ALC International Video Art Festival, showcasing cutting-edge digital art and expanding the definition of contemporary artistic expression.
+1Furthermore, MACA fosters community engagement through projects like the 'Palabras Mayores' podcast, which explores art and culture from the perspective of older adults, demonstrating a commitment to making art accessible and relevant to a broad audience.
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