MACA, Alicante’s contemporary art museum, occupies Casa de la Asegurada, a 17th-century building beside the Basilica of Santa María in the historic centre. Its collection of around 800 works includes pieces by Picasso, Dalí, Miró, Chillida and Alicante-born Eusebio Sempere. Look for Sempere’s geometric art and works by Juana Francés, then notice how the restored historic structure meets its modern interior. Admission is free, and the galleries make a manageable stop between nearby sights.
Casa de la Asegurada and its collections
MACA is housed in Casa de la Asegurada, a former granary dating to the 17th century and described as Alicante’s oldest surviving civil building. The museum stands beside the Basilica of Santa María in the historic centre. Its renovation joined the older structure with a modern interior and extensions, creating exhibition spaces for a substantial collection of 20th-century and contemporary art.
The collection contains around 800 works and is organised into permanent collections. The 20th-century art collection includes works by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró. Two collections focus on artists with close ties to Alicante: Eusebio Sempere, whose work is known for geometric forms and kinetic art, and Juana Francés, represented by paintings, sketches and other graphic works. Works by artists including Eduardo Chillida and Antoni Tàpies are also part of the museum’s holdings.
What to look for in the galleries
Sempere’s collection gives particular attention to geometry, with works ranging from gouaches on paper to sculpture. Look for pieces that use form and movement to shape how you see the work. The museum also displays art across different media, including painting, sculpture and mixed forms.
Francés’s collection offers another view of 20th-century art through paintings, drawings and graphic work. Together, these artist-focused collections sit alongside works by major Spanish and international artists. Displays can change as pieces rotate from the larger collection, and temporary exhibitions add further material. If you have a particular artist or work in mind, check the museum’s current exhibition information before setting out.
Planning a visit
The galleries are arranged across several floors, so leave enough time to explore beyond the first rooms. A typical visit takes about 30 to 40 minutes, though temporary exhibitions or a closer look at the collections can extend your stop. Free admission makes it easy to add MACA to a walk through the historic centre.
The museum is closed on Mondays. It is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Weekdays and early mornings are the quieter times suggested for a visit. The entrance, elevator and restroom are wheelchair accessible.
Perguntas frequentes
Is MACA free to visit?
Yes. Admission is free.
How long do you need at MACA?
Allow about 30 to 40 minutes for a typical visit.
What artists can you see at MACA?
The collection includes works by Picasso, Dalí, Miró, Chillida, Eusebio Sempere and Juana Francés, among others.
Is MACA wheelchair accessible?
The museum has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, elevator and restroom.
