MIAC- Castillo de San José

The capital of Lanzarote, Arrecife, has two forts that in the past served as the first escoyo against pirate attacks. In addition to the Castillo de San Gabriel, also located on the coast of Arrecife, there is the Castillo de San José which is now the home of International Museum of Contemporary Art.

The Castillo de San José was built between 1776 and 1779 by the king Carlos III, also received the name of Fortress of the Famine since in times of famine the fortification served to give work to the inhabitants of Arrecife.

From its location it was possible to spot any possible attack that came from the sea, after remitting these attacks the fortress was abandoned until the twentieth century that was practically demolished.

The artist César Manrique saw potential at Castillo de San José and turned the construction into what it is today, the International Museum of Art Contemporáne or inaugurated in 1976.

Manrique got an interesting collection with works by artists such as Picasso, Tápies, Miró, Mompó, Millares and works of own César Manrique. The building has a concert hall and spectacular views through a window at Puerto de los Mármoles.