See modern masterpieces at Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona – MACBA.
MACBA Tickets
Skip-the-line access to MACBA and enjoy stunning works of contemporary art.
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Benefits
Tickets and Prices
Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona – MACBA has several ticket options for those wanting to enjoy its collection.
You can choose a General Entrance for unlimited access to the permanent collection and current exhibitions for a month, with free entry for under 18s, students, seniors 65+, people with disabilities, and single-parent families. The MACBA Saturdays ticket is complimentary as the museum opens its doors for free from 16:00.
For a deeper dive, you can combine a General Entrance ticket with Guided Visits to special exhibitions like Carlos Motta: Pleas of Resistance, Coco Fusco, or Project a Black Planet: The Art and Culture of Panafrica. Guided tours are offered in Spanish during the second and fourth weeks of the month and in Catalan during the remaining weeks.
FAN OF MUSEUMS?
Grab the Barcelona Museum Pass and enjoy skip-the-line entry to MACBA + 5 more best museums in Barcelona: Picasso Museum Barcelona, Fundació Antoni Tàpies, Joan Miro Museum, MNAC, CCCB Barcelona!
Plan Your Visit
MACBA is open daily except on Tuesdays, with last entry and ticket purchases allowed up to 30 minutes before closing. Exhibition rooms start closing 15 minutes before the official closing time.
Regular opening hours:
| Day | 25 Sep – 24 Jun | 25 Jun – 24 Sep |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 11:00 – 19:30 | 10:00 – 20:00 |
| Tuesday | Closed | Closed |
| Wednesday – Friday | 11:00 – 19:30 | 10:00 – 20:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 – 20:00 | 10:00 – 20:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 – 15:00 | 10:00 – 15:00 |
Special opening hours and closures:
| Date | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| 1 January | Closed |
| 6 Jan, 1 May, 9 June, 8 & 26 December | 10:00 – 15:00 |
| 18 & 20 April, 24 June, 15 August, 11 & 25 September, 1 November, 6 December | 10:00 – 20:00 |
| 24 & 31 December | 11:00 – 18:00 |
Tip:
MACBA says its quietest time is weekdays from 14:00 and Saturday and Sunday mornings when there are no school and group visits.
You can easily reach MACBA via all modes of transport:
Look for the colorful flags and you’ll find yourself at the museum’s entrance on Plaça dels Àngels, a wide open square.
MACBA makes contemporary art accessible to everyone. Visitors with disabilities get free entry for themselves and a companion, plus preferential access if there are queues. The museum has ramps, lifts, adapted toilets, rest areas, and wheelchairs available at reception.
Assistance dogs are welcome, and hearing loops, monocles, and magnifying glasses help those with hearing or vision challenges. Digital guides and specially designed visits make the exhibitions easy to enjoy for everyone, including visitors with cognitive or learning needs.
What to See & Do
Step inside MACBA and dive into the wonderful world of contemporary art.
The Collection
MACBA’s permanent collection is alive and constantly evolving, showcasing over 6,000 works of contemporary art from the mid-20th century to today. Wander the first floor to see recent acquisitions, historical highlights, and incredible artworks. From experimental avant-garde installations to thought-provoking multimedia works, every visit feels different.
Fun fact: The collection strongly focuses on Catalan, Spanish, and Latin American artists and other overlooked voices in art history.
Current Exhibitions
MACBA’s current exhibitions offer a deep dive into contemporary art, highlighting diverse voices and ideas. Highlights include Like a Dance of Starlings: MACBA Collection – Thirty Years and Infinite Ways of Being, celebrating the museum’s 30th anniversary with works exploring migration, resistance, and collective experiences.
Carlos Motta: Pleas of Resistance examines art as activism. At the same time, Coco Fusco: I Learned to Swim on Dry Land presents the Cuban-American artist’s first solo exhibition in Spain, tackling themes like America’s immigration policies and the rise of the far right.
Other unmissable pieces include Oiseau, where stylized birds and whimsical characters leap from bronze and terracotta into imagination. Fluttering Hearts is playful pop art perfection, and Condensation Cube blends art with ecology and biology.
MACBA Store
Take a piece of MACBA home with you. The store is stocked with unique souvenirs, including art books, exhibition catalogs, photography, design objects, and cultural gifts.
MACBA Bar
Recharge your creativity at the museum cafe. Enjoy Spanish tapas, homemade sandwiches, delicious cakes and pastries, and vegan options in a bright, welcoming space. Drinks-wise, there’s everything from coffee to cocktails.
Reading and Family Space
As the name suggests, the Reading and Family Space is a quiet place welcoming all guests. Families can read, play, and engage with the art, while visitors of all ages can simply unwind.
The space is also part of Barcelona’s Climate Shelter network, offering comfort, rest areas, and drinking water for vulnerable visitors during extreme weather.
Digital Guide
Take your visit to the next level with the free MACBA Digital Guide. Listen to artists and curators share insights, follow a personalized route, and access multimedia content for a richer, self-guided experience.
Tip: Bring your own headphones for the best audio experience.
Did You Know That? Facts
- The museum’s central square has become an unofficial skateboarding hotspot, attracting worldwide skaters.
- The museum actively highlights underrepresented voices, including feminist, Latin American, and Mediterranean artists.
- MACBA helped breathe new life into Barcelona’s Raval neighborhood, turning it from a declining area into a bustling cultural center.
- The museum’s striking design comes from American architect Richard Meier, who was the same visionary behind the Getty Center in Los Angeles.
Insider Tips
History
1959
Art critic Alexandre Cirici Pellicer championed the idea of a contemporary art museum in Barcelona and began assembling a foundational collection.
1963
Political tensions during the exhibition L’art i la pau forced Cirici and collaborators to halt their efforts.
1985
Culture Councilor Joan Rigol revived the project, forming a consortium with Barcelona City Council to find a permanent location.
1986
Architect Richard Meier was commissioned to design the new museum building. Meanwhile, art critics Francesc Miralles and Rosa Queralt drafted the museum’s mission.
1987
The MACBA Foundation is established under Leopoldo Rodés, spearheading private support.
1991-1995
Construction of Richard Meier’s modernist building took place, shaping the museum’s iconic architecture.
28 November 1995
MACBA officially opened its doors to the public.
Mid-2025
Expansion work began to improve the exhibition spaces. Completion is expected in early 2027.
FAQs
Can I purchase tickets in advance?
Yes, the museum recommends booking your tickets online to select your preferred time slot and minimize wait times. Advance ticket holders also have dedicated entry points.
Do children need a ticket?
No, children under 18 enjoy free entry to MACBA. However, adults must accompany kids under 14.
How long is a visit to MACBA?
Visitors typically spend around 1.5 hours exploring everything MACBA has to offer.
Do I need a ticket to visit the museum shop?
No, the museum shop is open to everyone and does not require an admission ticket.
Can I take photographs in the museum?
Yes, photography without flash is permitted for personal, non-commercial use. However, specific exhibitions may have restrictions. If you wish to use a tripod, you must complete a form at reception.
Is there a cloakroom for my belongings?
Yes, lockers are available for €1 (coin-operated). Please note that bicycles, scooters, and large suitcases are not permitted inside.
When is the museum free to visit?
Enjoy free admission every Saturday from 16:00 onwards, and on select public holidays such as La Mercè (September 24), International Museum Day (May 18), and the Night of the Museums (May 17). Please note that advance booking is required.
Can I eat or drink inside MACBA?
Food and drinks are prohibited in the exhibition spaces, but you can enjoy them at the MACBA Bar.