Plaça dels Àngels

El Raval, Barcelona –

Inaugurated in 1995, the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA) is a vast white temple to modern art designed by American architect Richard Meier, but it’s the space around the building, including the Plaça dels Àngels, which has become a daily hangout for hordes of young people.

Lit up by blinding white light from the museum, the plaza’s mix of flat paving, steps, and stone benches creates the perfect arena for an international crowd of skateboarders who aren't shy about practicing their tricks while like-minded spectators cheer them on from their perches on the surrounding walls.

Across the way, that CCCB cultural center reflects the backsides and heelflips of the skaters from its massive glass façade, and inside hosts a constantly varied range of events, exhibits, film series, festivals, and more.

A slightly older bohemian crowd fills the numerous café terraces around the museum’s periphery, sipping claras (beer with lemonade) and enjoying yet another warm Barcelona evening in laid-back company.

Hard to believe this area of El Raval was considered undesirable before the MACBA moved in, as Plaça dels Àngels is now part of one of the city’s coolest districts.