The Centro José Guerrero
art gallery in Granada

The Centro José Guerrero, a restored building directly opposite the Cathedral's south facade is a perfect place to visit before or after touring the royal chapel. The building itself was constructed by Indalecio Ventura Sabatell in 1892 following the plan of architect Modesto Cendoya, exponent of eclecticism and author of the Alhambra Palace Hotel. Until 1963 it was the print workshops and offices of the newspaper Patria and after being adapted to meet all the criteria of a modern museum it was inaugurated in June 2000 as the ideal showcase for contemporary art.




This museum is located in the Alcaiceria, the most important trading centre of the Arab medina sharing the same street as La Madraza, the ancient Arab university. The great mosque was very close, where the Renaissance Cathedral and Royal Chapel stand today and José Guerrero had his first studio in the bell tower of the cathedral as did Alonso Cano four hundred years previously. Therefore, this area is loaded with historical and artistic significance.

As well as being a dominant figure in the art world in the second half of the twentieth century, Jose Guerrero was also one of the most singular voices of American abstract expressionism and a pivotal figure in the renovation of the Spanish art scene during the Transition. Although the museum was consecrated in his memory, it does not focus solely and exclusively on his life and works, but also displays itinerant collections of contemporary art and culture.

This building is a perfect place to enjoy a quiet time and contemplate some interesting, thought-provoking and sometimes controversial pieces that make modern art such a great talking point. Like many small museums the Centro Jose Guerrero offers bite-size exhibitions of contemporary masters and has its ownwebsite.

There is a book shop on the ground floor where you can buy catalogues, art books, postcards of the works of Guerrero and posters of the exhibitions.