Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Façade
American architect Richard Meier's stark, white,
geometrical façade makes a startling impression
against the backdrop of this dilapidated working-class
neighbourhood. Hundreds of panes of glass reflect
the skateboarders who gather here daily.
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Puzzle Area
On the ground floor,
several tables are set
out with jigsaw puzzles
(left)
. The puzzles, which
feature photos taken in
neighbouring flats, give
an intriguing glimpse
of life in the nearby
tenement buildings.
^
A Sudden
Awakening
One of the only pieces
of art on permanent
display is Antoni Tàpies'
deconstructed bed
(1992-3), with its bedding
flung across the wall in
disarray
(above)
. Its pre-
sence to the right of the
main entrance underlines
Tàpies' importance as a
key player in the world
of Catalan modern art.
&
Thinking &
Reading Spaces
Pleasant and unusual
features of MACBA are
the white leather sofas
between the galleries.
Usually next to a shelf of
relevant books and a set
of headphones, these
spaces provide the
perfect resting spot to
contemplate - and learn
more about - the art.
*
El Patio de les Donnes/CCCB
This courtyard
(left)
off Carrer Montalegre
forms part of the neighbouring CCCB. An ultra-
modern prismatic screen provides a mirror
reflecting the 18th-century patio - a magical
juxtaposition of different architectural styles.
)
Plaça Joan
Sights Guide
The MACBA and CCCB
have separate
entrances, though they
share the Plaça Joan
Coromines courtyard.
The CCCB is accessible
from C/Montalegre and
MACBA from the Plaça
dels Àngels. Both multi-
level galleries have
flexible display spaces.
Coromines
The contrast between
the modern MACBA,
the new University
building, the Tuscan-
style CCCB and the
19th-century mock-
Romanesque church
make this square one
of the most enchanting
in the city. It is home to
the terrace restaurants
of MACBA and CCCB.
(
Temporary
Exhibitions/CCCB
Unlike MACBA, exhibitions
at the CCCB tend to be
more theme based than
artist specific. Home to
both a festival of cinema
shorts (Sep) and the Sònar
techno festival (Jun), the
CCCB always manages to
be at the forefront of the
latest cultural trend.
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For more sights in El Raval
See pp80-83
