Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo

Interesting facts

1. 1

   Christopher Columbus was buried at the monastery for several years before his remains were moved to Havana.

2. 2

   The site contains the remains of the historic ceramic factory 'La Cartuja de Sevilla', famous for its fine porcelain production.

3. 3

   The complex features massive, bottle-shaped ceramic kilns that have been preserved as historical industrial heritage monuments.

4. 4

   The monastery was visited by Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon during their residence in Seville.

5. 5

   The site hosted the 'Art and Nature' pavilion during the 1992 Seville Universal Exposition.

Overview

The Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo (CAAC) is housed within the Monasterio de la Cartuja de Santa María de las Cuevas, a site dating back to the 15th century. This historic facility serves as a stark contrast to the avant-garde installations and contemporary exhibitions displayed throughout its former cloisters and industrial kilns. The site functioned as a ceramics factory founded by Charles Pickman in the 19th century, leaving behind distinctive kiln chimneys that now punctuate the skyline. It serves as a laboratory for experimental artistic practices, focusing on international and Andalusian creators. The vast grounds incorporate gardens and outdoor spaces that frequently host large-scale sculpture installations. It also functions as a center for contemporary music, performance, and cross-disciplinary arts. The architecture preserves layers of history, spanning monastic ruins to repurposed industrial machinery.

Insider tips

• Wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate the gravel pathways and uneven stone flooring of the historic grounds.

• Bring a hat or sunscreen, as much of the outdoor garden area lacks natural shade.

• Check the official website's calendar before visiting, as the site periodically hosts evening concerts that may restrict access to certain galleries.