Museu Europeu d’art Modern (MEAM): Barcelona’s Most Remarkable Museum?

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Continuing with my series of photographs (finally!) from the most epic European dad-daughter trip of (probably?) our lifetime –
29 days from December 2023 to January 2024 via planes, trains and automobiles.

As a long-time art nerd, I’ve visited some of the finest art museums around the world but have I ever been so blown away by an exhibition as I was during my visit to the Museu Europeu d’art Modern (MEAM) during our five days in Barcelona? I don’t think I have. Seriously. The museum’s “Figurativas” competition wasn’t just another art exhibit, it was a mind-blowing collection of figurative art (not usually my favorite category) by some of the most talented artists from around the world.

“Ophelia’s last song” by Russian artist Evgeniy Monahov

The significance of the prestigious 12th International Figurative Painting and Sculpture Competition, biennially organized by the “Fundació Privada de les Arts i els Artistes”, lies in its ability to showcase the most current and avant-garde visual creations. And showcase them they did. And many of these creations had my daughter and I just gawking at them in utter amazement (“no way that’s a painting!”).

It was art nerd heaven.

“Wrapped in You” by Australian artist Narelle Zeller

The Museu Europeu d’art Modern (MEAM), which opened in 2011, seeks to exhibit the finest contemporary figurative art. Its aim is to discover a new contemporary language that does not reject tradition but emerges from it to leap forward into the new century. It stands out from other contemporary art museums by supporting artists who practice figurative art.

Museu Europeu d’art Modern (MEAM)

The Fundació de les Arts i els Artistes was created in December 2005 by architect José Manuel Infiesta (who died in October 2021) and is officially based in Barcelona. The Foundation’s main purpose is the promotion and dissemination of art at all levels with a focus on figurative art, and specifically, art from the late 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.

“Elia” by Spanish artist Adrián Sánchez Moreno

The MEAM is located in the Palau Gomis, an 18th-century palace built in 1792, among the narrow streets of Barcelona’s Born district, a neighborhood where culture is ever-present and where the charm of the old town is reflected. This area has successfully united tradition and modernity and has become a must-see for tourists interested in Barcelona’s monuments and museums.

The exhibit ran from October 6, 2023 ⟶ January 14, 2024 but the exhibitions that have followed look equally remarkable. So should you ever find yourself in Barcelona (and you really, really should find yourself there one day), do not pass up the opportunity to visit this ground-breaking art museum. Nuff said.

MEAM is open Tuesday to Thursday (and Sunday) from 11am to 7pm and until 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays. General admission is a well spent €18. Go. Now.

Enjoy the gallery below…