Home » Special Features » The World’s Best » Best Museums Barcelona
These can’t-miss museums offer an array of attractions designed to mesmerize art addicts and curious gallery-goers alike. Distinguished by their modern art masterpieces, architectural triumphs, oddball collections, or undeniable cool factor, these are the best-in-class museums in the world’s hottest cities.
The Draw: Located in an old modernista textile factory, CaixaForum presents three shows simultaneously in a trio of halls. The Scene: Juxtaposing Puig i Cadafalch’s 1911 landmark edifice with an underground plaza by Arata Isozaki was inspired. Pulling in some of the best exhibitions doing the rounds of Europe is a coup. The CaixaForum comes up trumps in both art and architecture, and its shows reflect that. Expect to see anything from monographs on Mies van der Rohe to Francis Bacon. Sun–Fri 10am–8pm, Sat 10am–10pm. Hot Tip: Afterward, head across the road to the Mies van der Rohe pavilion and relax outside in the park.
El Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB) C/Montalegre 5, El Raval, 93.306.4100 cccb.org
The Draw: This epicenter of El Raval’s art scene is host to the city’s hottest festivals. The Scene: From shows on French anarchism to press photography, animation, and installation, the state-run CCCB generally picks up anything deemed too alternative to be displayed in the larger venues. The edifice itself is a gem, a former poorhouse overhauled with steel and glass extensions. Tue–Wed, Fri–Sun 11am–8pm, Thu 11am–10pm. €- Hot Tip: The CCCB really shines during its full calendar of festivals, when theater, live music, or DJs take over the courtyards. The biggest is Sonar, but check the website for other events.
Iguapop C/Comerç 15, El Born, 93.310.0735 iguapop.net
The Draw: At this cutting-edge commercial gallery, the curators have an uncanny eye for the next big thing. The Scene: Iguapop was one of the first galleries to answer the question: Just what is the difference between art and design? (Answer: There is none). The boundaries are blurred here; anything from graffiti to installation art and ceramic works goes into this large whitewashed space. Mon 5–9pm, Tue–Sat 11am–2:30pm and 5–9pm. Hot Tip: Exhibitions change almost monthly, and the Thursday night preview parties are hot. Ask when the next one is or check the website.
