Next door to MACBA in the Raval, the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona — CCCB — occupies a beautifully converted 19th-century former poorhouse (the Casa de la Caritat). Where MACBA focuses on the visual arts, CCCB casts a wider net: exhibitions, film festivals, music, lectures, debates, and interdisciplinary projects that explore the intersections between culture, technology, and urban life.
The Architecture: Old and New in Dialogue
The building itself is a landmark. The architects Helio Piñón and Albert Viaplana inserted a stunning glass curtain wall into the historic facade — a gesture that has aged remarkably well and creates one of the most distinctive courtyards in the city. In summer the courtyard hosts outdoor concerts and events that attract a broad and enthusiastic local audience.
What Happens Here
CCCB’s programme changes constantly. In any given season you might find a major retrospective exhibition on an influential filmmaker, a festival devoted to electronic music, a series of talks on urban inequality, or a programme of short films. The centre has hosted events connected to the Sónar Festival, the LOOP video art fair, and the Kosmopolis literature festival — positioning it as a hub for Barcelona’s creative and intellectual life.
Entry prices are very reasonable compared to other Barcelona museums, and some events are free. The bookshop stocks a thoughtful selection of titles on architecture, art, and urban culture.
Visiting Tips
CCCB is at Carrer de Montalegre, 5 in the Raval, immediately beside MACBA. Check the CCCB website before visiting to see the current programme — what’s on will significantly shape your experience. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 11am; closed Mondays.