CCCC (Centro del Carmen de Cultura Contemporánea)

CCCC, the Centro del Carmen de Cultura Contemporánea, is a free contemporary art centre in a former 13th-century monastery in Valencia’s old Carmen quarter. Temporary exhibitions bring painting, sculpture, video and other modern work into historic rooms, including a Gothic cloister and a former monks’ dormitory. Look for the arched balconies, Baroque staircase and garden, where old stone remains among the greenery. The centre also hosts performances and cultural events, so check its programme if you want to see what is on during your visit.

A monastery becomes an arts centre

The Centro del Carmen occupies a former Cistercian monastery in Valencia’s old Carmen quarter. The convent dates to the 13th century, and the building is now used for contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events.

The centre’s programme changes, with exhibitions spanning painting, sculpture and video installations. Works by local artists appear among the changing displays. The historic rooms give each exhibition a different setting, from the Gothic cloister to the former monks’ dormitory.

Rooms, cloisters and garden

Look beyond the exhibition works to the building itself. Arched balconies, a Baroque staircase and the old monastery corridors show different parts of its architecture. In some corridors, paintings and urban art sit against the historic fabric of the building.

The Gothic cloister has bird paintings and an open courtyard. Outside, a garden combines greenery with old stone relics. The centre also has lockers near the entrance and toilets on site.