The Santa Monica Art Center is located on the eponymous section of La Rambla Boulevard, in the old building of the Augustinian monks' monastery. It was built back in 1626 and has seen a great deal in its lifetime. In 1984, it was recognized as a monument of national significance and closed for a large-scale reconstruction, and four years later, under the auspices of the government of Catalonia, Centre d'Art Santa Mònica, abbreviated as CASM, opened there.
Thanks to the talented work of architects Helio Piñón and Albert Viaplana, the 17th-century building preserved its historic appearance while at the same time acquiring a modern ambiance. A kind of balcony-ramp runs around the building, offering a wonderful view of the Old Town. This space also connects the exhibition halls with one another.
There is no permanent exhibition at the Santa Monica Art Center, but exhibitions of contemporary artists from all over the world are regularly held here. Each year, the center hosts about 20 diverse exhibitions. In addition, a specialized library is always open, and various events are regularly held.
