MACBA

MACBA, or Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona as it’s officially called, is one of those museums that arouses more interest among students of architecture than art lovers.

While the building – much to the local authorities’ disappointment – isn’t Guggenheim-ish impressive, it fascinates in the way that it contrasts to the gritty Raval surroundings. Characteristically Richard Meier, the boxy structure gleams with its white surfaces and glass façade, allowing you to ogle the young skater boys practicing outside from the long ramps between the three floors of galleries.

The quality of the exhibitions varies but continues to improve and in summer provides a good enough reason to enjoy a few glasses of wine on the terrace bar.