The Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno (CAAM) is a contemporary art museum located in the historic center of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, in the Canary Islands. The museum is housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century building and is known for its outstanding temporary exhibitions that showcase the work of both established and emerging artists from around the world…
As a benchmark museum of contemporary art in the Canary Islands, the Atlantic Centre of Modern Art (CAAM) stands out for its commitment to critical thought and artistic culture from three continents: Africa, America, and Europe. The museum’s galleries are flooded with natural light, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere that enhances the visitor’s experience.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, a visit to the Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno is a must. With its diverse range of exhibitions, workshops, and events, the museum offers something for everyone, making it a perfect destination for locals and tourists alike.
History and Significance
The Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno (CAAM) is a contemporary art museum located in the historical quarter of Vegueta in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the capital city of Gran Canaria. The building was designed by the architect Francisco Javier Sáenz de Oiza, who retained the façade of two older neoclassical houses. It was inaugurated in 1989 and has since become a benchmark museum of contemporary art in the Canary Islands.
The CAAM is dedicated to contemporary art and culture, with a focus on the promotion and dissemination of modern art from the Americas, Europe, and Africa. It also has a significant collection of Canarian art, which is an essential part of the museum’s identity and mission.
The museum’s permanent collection includes works from the 1940s to the present day, with a particular emphasis on the second half of the 20th century. The collection features a wide range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and video art.
The CAAM is housed in a historical building that has been restored and adapted to meet the needs of a modern art museum. The building’s design and architecture are significant, as they reflect the museum’s commitment to preserving and showcasing the historical and cultural heritage of the Canary Islands.
Exhibitions and Collections
Permanent Collection
The Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno (CAAM) boasts an impressive permanent collection of over 2,500 works of contemporary art from Africa, America, and Europe. The collection includes works by renowned artists such as Manolo Millares, Martín Chirino, and Pablo Serrano, among others. Visitors can explore a wide range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and video art.
The permanent collection is organized thematically, with sections dedicated to topics such as identity, memory, and migration. The museum also features a collection of works by Edgar Degas, which includes drawings, prints, and sculptures.
Temporary Exhibitions
In addition to its permanent collection, the CAAM regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase the work of both established and emerging contemporary artists. These exhibitions cover a wide range of themes and mediums, providing visitors with a diverse and engaging experience.
Upcoming temporary exhibitions include “Isla de Arte,” which explores the relationship between art and the island of Gran Canaria, and “Bodygraphies” by Analivia Cordeiro, which focuses on the body as a site of artistic expression. The museum also features “Matriz” by Paula Scamparini and “Batallón Sin Fronteras” by Alexis W.
Visitors can also take advantage of guided tours of the temporary exhibitions, which provide insights into the artists and their work. Advanced booking is required, and there needs to be a minimum of five people for the tour to take place.
Location and Surroundings
The Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno (CAAM) is located in the historic quarter of Vegueta in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the capital city of the island of Gran Canaria. The museum is situated on Calle Los Balcones, a charming street filled with neoclassical architecture and picturesque balconies.
Vegueta
Vegueta is the oldest part of Las Palmas and is known for its beautiful colonial architecture and cobbled streets. Visitors to the museum can take a stroll through the historic quarter and explore the many shops, restaurants, and cafes in the area.
Triana
Triana is another historic neighborhood in Las Palmas and is located just a short distance from Vegueta. The area is known for its lively atmosphere and is home to many shops, bars, and restaurants.
Las Canteras
Las Canteras is one of the most popular beaches in Las Palmas and is located just a few kilometers from the museum. Visitors can enjoy a day at the beach and then head to the museum to explore the many contemporary art exhibits on display.
Alcaravaneras
Alcaravaneras is another popular beach in Las Palmas and is located just a short distance from the museum. The beach is known for its clear waters and is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Nearby Attractions
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a city full of cultural and architectural attractions. Visitors to the Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno can also explore several nearby attractions. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Santa Ana Cathedral
The Santa Ana Cathedral is a beautiful Gothic-style cathedral located in the historic district of Vegueta. The cathedral was built in the 15th century and has an impressive façade with two towers and a rose window. Inside, visitors can admire the intricate carvings and stained glass windows.
Pueblo Canario
Pueblo Canario is a charming village-style complex located in the heart of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The complex was designed to showcase traditional Canarian architecture and culture. Visitors can wander through the narrow streets and admire the white-washed buildings with their wooden balconies and colorful flowers.
Néstor Museum
The Néstor Museum is a small museum dedicated to the work of the Canarian painter Néstor Martín-Fernández de la Torre. The museum is located in a beautiful colonial-style building and features a collection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures by the artist.
Alfredo Kraus Auditorium
The Alfredo Kraus Auditorium is a modern concert hall located on the seafront of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The auditorium is named after the famous Spanish tenor Alfredo Kraus and hosts a variety of concerts, operas, and other cultural events throughout the year.
Pérez Galdós House Museum
The Pérez Galdós House Museum is located in the birthplace of the famous Canarian writer Benito Pérez Galdós. The museum is dedicated to the life and work of the writer and features a collection of personal belongings, manuscripts, and other memorabilia.
Gabinete Literario
The Gabinete Literario is a beautiful 19th-century building located in the heart of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The building was originally a literary society and now serves as a cultural center. Visitors can admire the ornate façade and interior and attend concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural events.
Visitor Information
If you’re planning to visit the Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno (CAAM) in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, it’s important to know the opening hours and admission details to make the most of your visit.
Opening Hours
The CAAM is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, and on Sundays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays and bank holidays.
Admission
One of the best things about the CAAM is that admission is free for everyone. However, some temporary exhibitions and events may require an admission fee. It’s always best to check in advance to avoid any surprises.
If you’re interested in taking a guided tour of the museum, they are available from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. However, advanced booking is required, and there needs to be a minimum of 5 people.
Educational Programs
The Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno offers a range of educational programs to enhance visitors’ understanding and appreciation of contemporary art. These programs include courses and seminars that cater to different levels of knowledge and interests.
Courses
The courses offered by the Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno are designed to provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary art. These courses cover a wide range of topics, from the history of contemporary art to the latest trends in the field. They are taught by experienced professionals and are open to anyone who is interested in learning more about contemporary art.
Some of the courses offered by the Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno include:
- Introduction to Contemporary Art: This course provides an overview of contemporary art, its history, and its major movements.
- Contemporary Art and Society: This course explores the relationship between contemporary art and society, and how art reflects and shapes our culture.
- Contemporary Art and Technology: This course examines the role of technology in contemporary art and how artists are using new technologies to create innovative works.
Seminars
The seminars offered by the Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno are designed to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of specific topics related to contemporary art. These seminars are led by experts in the field and are open to anyone who is interested in exploring a particular aspect of contemporary art in greater depth.
Some of the seminars offered by the Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno include:
- Feminism and Contemporary Art: This seminar explores the role of feminism in contemporary art and how female artists are challenging traditional gender roles.
- Contemporary Art and Politics: This seminar examines the relationship between contemporary art and politics, and how artists are using their work to comment on social and political issues.
- Art and the Environment: This seminar explores the relationship between contemporary art and the environment, and how artists are using their work to raise awareness about environmental issues.
Museum Shop
The Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno (CAAM) has a well-stocked museum shop that offers a wide range of art-related items. Visitors can find unique souvenirs, books, postcards, and posters related to the museum’s exhibitions and contemporary art in general.
The shop’s collection includes a variety of art books, ranging from exhibition catalogs to monographs and reference books. Visitors can also find books on art history, theory, and criticism, as well as children’s books on art. The shop offers a selection of postcards and posters featuring works from the museum’s exhibitions, which make for great souvenirs.
In addition to books and paper products, the shop also sells a range of art-related items, including jewelry, ceramics, and textiles. Visitors can find unique pieces created by local and international artists, as well as limited edition items created exclusively for the museum.
The shop is staffed by knowledgeable and friendly personnel who are happy to answer any questions visitors may have about the museum’s exhibitions and the items for sale. The prices are reasonable, and visitors can purchase items using cash or credit card.
Library
The Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno (CAAM) has a well-equipped library that is open to the public. The library has a vast collection of books, periodicals, and audiovisual materials related to contemporary art and culture. Visitors can access the library’s collection and use it for research or leisure purposes.
The library has a wide range of materials, including books on modern art, photography, design, architecture, cinema, and literature. The periodical section has a collection of national and international magazines and journals related to contemporary art and culture. The audiovisual section has a collection of videos and DVDs related to contemporary art and culture.
The library also has a computer room with internet access, where visitors can browse the web, access online resources, and use the library’s online catalog. The library staff is always available to assist visitors with their research needs and to answer any questions they may have.
The library is a great resource for students, researchers, and art enthusiasts who are interested in contemporary art and culture. It provides access to a vast collection of materials, including rare and hard-to-find books and periodicals. The library is open from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 2 pm and from 4 pm to 8 pm. On Saturdays, it is open from 10 am to 2 pm. Admission to the library is free.