The expansion of MACBA will be a reality in early 2027

The MACBA expansion works are getting closer. The mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, presented this Monday the reform project for the Plaça dels Àngels, where the new Raval Nord Primary Care Center (CAP) will be located in the Capella de la Misericòrdia building, as well as the museum's new spaces, which are facing the final procedures for the start of works this very 2024.

In addition to the new tenants, the square will incorporate new facilities, new civic uses, and will put an end to the monopoly of skaters. According to ACN, the remodeling of the square is based on the reformulation of the plinth of the current building that houses the MACBA, designed by architect Richard Meier. The 1,105 square meter space, currently occupied by skaters and a scene for outdoor drinking parties on weekends, will be rethought to incorporate more greenery and resting areas. Collboni explained that, with the reformulation of the spaces, the aim is to adapt these types of hard squares to a city that has to face climate change and requires more green spaces, shade, and water utilization.

The public space will also add a new viewing terrace in the new MACBA building, which will be open for public use. This space in the Convent dels Àngels will have 2,110 square meters of new rooms and 349 square meters on the viewpoint. Work is underway for it to be a reality in January 2027, as is also desired for the reform of the surrounding square.

After solving the last problems in the financing of the MACBA expansion, the Barcelona City Council plans to complete the urban planning process for the museum's expansion this month. With this procedure overcome, the works can be put out to tender in June and construction of the new spaces can begin this November. The operation will involve an investment of more than 16 million euros.

As for the new CAP, the tender is about to begin. The space will have 2,500 square meters and will involve an investment of 13 million euros. According to the council's calculations, it is expected to become operational in the first quarter of 2026. The new health facility will have to serve a reference population of 22,500 inhabitants, taking into account the current and future population.