Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art

The Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA) is a municipal art gallery in Alicante, housed inside the Asegurada building — the oldest surviving civil building in the city. The museum was founded in 1976 thanks to the sculptor Eusebio Sempere, and after an extensive renovation it reopened in 2011 as a modern institution holding three permanent collections comprising roughly 800 works of 20th-century and contemporary art.

What can you see inside?

The heart of the collection consists of pieces donated to the city by Sempere himself, one of Spain's pioneers of kinetic art and op art. Alongside his sculptures and paintings, visitors will find works by other Spanish 20th-century artists spanning movements from cubism to geometric abstraction. The exhibition is arranged across three separate permanent collections, supplemented by rotating thematic exhibitions, so no two visits show quite the same selection.

The building itself is worth the visit on its own merits. Asegurada is the oldest surviving public building in Alicante, and its austere stone architecture creates a striking contrast with the museum's modern interior design — a compact but genuine dialogue between the city's history and its contemporary art scene.

How do you get to MACA?

The museum sits right in the historic centre of Alicante, near Plaza de Santa María and the basilica of the same name — the heart of El Barrio, the city's oldest quarter. The easiest way to arrive is on foot, whether coming from the harbour promenade or from the area around Santa Bárbara Castle; either walk takes only a few minutes. The nearest bus stops are within a short walking distance, and drivers will find municipal car parks nearby, though the old town itself has limited vehicle access, so walking remains the most practical option.

When is the best time to visit?

MACA pairs naturally with a stroll through the old town, and arriving in the morning helps you avoid both crowds and the strongest heat, especially in summer. Like most cultural institutions in Spain, the museum closes on Mondays, so it's worth building that into your itinerary. Admission to the permanent collection is free, which makes MACA an easy addition to any sightseeing route regardless of budget.

How long should you plan for a visit?

Thanks to the museum's compact layout and well-organised displays, seeing all three permanent collections typically takes between one hour and ninety minutes. That's enough time to appreciate both Sempere's work and the rest of the holdings without feeling rushed, while still leaving room to combine the visit with other nearby sights such as San Nicolás Cathedral or the central market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is admission to MACA free? Yes, entry to the permanent collection is free for all visitors.

What kind of art does MACA display? The museum focuses on 20th-century and contemporary Spanish art, with particular emphasis on the legacy of Eusebio Sempere and movements such as cubism and geometric abstraction.

Is the museum open every day? No, like many Spanish cultural institutions, MACA is closed on Mondays.

How much time should I set aside for the visit? Most visitors need between one hour and ninety minutes to see all three permanent collections at a comfortable pace.