The building is stark but elegant, yet modern and contrasts with the ancient feel of most other places in Santiago. Portuguese designer Alvaro Siza built the museum of smooth, angled granite, which mirrors the medieval convent of San Domingos de Bonaval next door. In fact, the site of the CGAC is an old garden of the monastery. Inside, the lobby gleams of white Italian marble and gives way to white-walled, high-ceiling exhibition halls flooded with light from massive windows and skylights. The museum has a good permanent collection and even better changing exhibits. The CGAC is known for its attention to up and coming artists, as well as the most renowned names in Galician art history of the 20th century. They have a wonderful bookstore as well.
Also, DO NOT miss the amazing restaurant/cafe inside the museum (KuinartSCQ)... I had the most amazing meal there!

This gallery has no permanent collection. It is just a good space for temporary exhibitions. When we arrived there was nothing on and they were just preparing for a new exhibition, so that was a bit disappointing.
The gallery does, however, have a fantastic bookshop. One of the best ranges of art books that I have seen for a very long time. Most were in Spanish, but not all. Also, a great cafe for perusing your purchases.

If you love contemporary art, it is well worth a visit. One of the places I visit every time I come to Santiago, and I've never been disappointed. Visit also the Parque de Bonaval, right next door!

Let's start with the good things: it has an excellent restaurant, the staff is very friendly, the bookstore is excellent and the architecture of the building is interesting. It was free when we went. What about the art? Hmm. well, let's say I would visit the museum if I had extra time or it is a rainy day