Contemporary Art Museum of Ibiza, Ibiza (must see)

The Contemporary Art Museum of Ibiza (MACE) stands as one of Spain's oldest institutions dedicated to modern art, having first opened its doors in 1969. The museum was established by Ibiza’s City Hall, spurred by the success of the first Ibiza Biennial in 1964. It is situated in the historic Hall of Arms and Prova warehouse, an emblematic structure designed by Simón Poulet in 1727, nestled within the old town area of Dalt Vila.

The museum underwent a significant transformation over five years, reopening in 2012 with a modern glass building integrated into its original garden space. During the renovation, archaeological excavations revealed Punic dwellings dating back to the 4th century BCE, which have been incorporated into the museum's layout through a transparent floor, offering a glimpse into Ibiza's ancient past.

MACE’s permanent collection is a testament to the island’s vibrant artistic heritage, particularly highlighting works created from the 1960s onwards. It features pieces from prominent artists such as Tàpies, Will Faber, Eduard Micus, Erwin Broner, Erwin Bechtold, Gilbert Herreyns, and Rafael Tur Costa, as well as award-winning works from the Ibiza Biennial and the Ibizagráfic exhibitions. The museum is also known for its extensive collection of engravings, donated by the gallery owner Carl van der Voort.

In addition to its permanent collections, the museum hosts numerous temporary exhibitions and events, making it a dynamic cultural hub within Ibiza’s historic Dalt Vila quarter. Its unique juxtaposition of modern art housed within a historic building, combined with its archaeological treasures, offers visitors a compelling intersection of the contemporary and the ancient.