Updated Aug 13 2023
The CCCB, known also as Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona in Catalan or Centre of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona in English, is a centre dedicated to showcasing all types of contemporary art, and specialises in creating and organising temporary exhibitions, concerts, festivals and conventions.
The centre is located in the upper part of El Raval in the building which used to house Casa de la Caritat (House of charity) and stands next to other leading art centres such as MACBA.
Important information about the CCCB
Since the CCCB opened in 1994, it has hosted a great number of temporary exhibitions and different conventions and cultural activities. Always working in the area of contemporary art, the centre has now become one of the leading examples for culture in Barcelona.
Tickets to visit the CCCB
If you want, you can buy tickets for the CCCB at the ticket office on the same day as your visit. But, if you are a big art fan and want to visit another art museum or foundation in the city, there is another option to buy the ArticketBCN. This gives you entry to the CCCB, the Picasso Museum, MACBA, MNAC, the Miró Foundation and the Fundació Antoni Tàpies.
ArticketBCN: The Art Passport
Access to the CCCB and 5 other museums and art foundations in Barcelona
Save money & skip the line
Entry to the CCCB
Entry to the Picasso Museum
Entry to MNAC
Entry to MACBA
Entry to the Miró Foundation
Entry to the Antoni Tàpies Foundation
*45% off
* Compared to the total amount if you buy the tickets individually.
Temporary Exhibitions
The main attraction of the CCCB are the temporary exhibitions that they organise. Some of the best and most popular includes the World Press Photo, a yearly exhibition where the wining photos are shown from this prestigious organisation.
Each year there are usually 10 temporary exhibitions and sometimes there are more than one on at a time. The main reason for organising such a small number of exhibitions each year is to prioritise the quality, which the CCCB without a doubt achieves and then some.
The average time that an exhibition is on for is usually three months, although this can be more or less depending on the exhibition.
El Mirador – The CCCB Viewing point
Although this viewing point is not always open to the public, from the top floor you get stunning views of El Raval. We recommend that when you buy tickets at the CCCB, ask if you can go up to the Mirador on the top floor whilst you’re there so that you can take some great photos.
Pati de les Dones
One of the most beautiful areas of the centre in terms of architecture, is the interior patio of the CCCB called El Pati de les Dones (Women’s Patio) which is great for taking photos.
The patio is called this as it was reserved solely for women seeking shelter in Casa de la Caritat (House of Charity).
You can also see moral phrases that the women read in the restored ceramic tiles that cover the lower part of the patio walls.
Occasionally, the Pati de les Dones also hosts organised events such as a clothing and accessories market.
Music and other scenic arts
In many of these exhibitions the photos and art are the main stars of the show, but the CCCB also has an important space for music and scenic arts exhibitions and activities. They organise concerts and audio-visual projections as well as every type of documentary related to the contemporary arts.
Before or after your visit to the CCCB we recommend you head to the Laie bookshop, located next to the entrance of the Pati de les Dones from carrer (street) Montalegre. Here you can find a huge selection of books, many of which are of course related to contemporary culture, as well as other souvenirs.
Photo gallery
Where is the CCCB? Map and how to get there
Address
C/ (street) Montalegre 5, Barcelona.
Opening hours for exhibitions
Tuesday to Sunday (and public holidays): from 11:00 to 20:00.
Reduced hours: from 11:00 to 15:00 (26th December and 5th and 6th January).
Closed: Mondays, 1st January and 24th, 25th and 31st December and .
Ticket prices
1 Exhibition: €6.
2 Exhibitions: €8.
Reduced: €4 1 exhibition and €6 2 exhibitions (ask for more information at the ticket office).
Free: Sundays 15:00 to 20:00, International Museum Day, the Night of the Museums, Santa Eulàlia, La Mercè Festival and for the accredited unemployed.
How to get there
Metro: Universitat (lines 1 and 2) and Catalunya (lines 1 and 3).
Bus: Lines 7, 13, 14, 16, 17, 20, 24, 37, 41, 42, 50, 54, 55, 58, 59, 62, 63, 64, 66, 67, 68, 91, 120, 121, 141, H12, H16, L94, L95, V15, V17 and tourist bus.
FGC and RENFE: Catalunya.
By foot: you can easily reach the CCCB from the city centre as it’s just a few minutes from Plaça de Catalunya.
Nearby places of interest
MACBA
Plaça Universitat (square)
Plaça Catalunya (square)
La Rambla street
Canaletes Fountain