The Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno (IVAM) is a large, dynamic museum showcasing 20th-century artistic movements and creation. Opened in 1989, it was Spain's first exclusively modern art museum; today it's Valencia's most outstanding modern art institution as well as one of the most important in the country. Artistic movements on display range from Abstract Art to Pop Art, New Figurative Movement, European Informalism and many others, and there's a diverse variety of mediums: sculpture, video, photography, painting, prints, etc.
The objectives of the IVAM revolve around the investigation and promotion of modern art, as well as exploring the repercussions of modern art on society over the course of the 20th century and up through today. Over 7,000 works spanning the major artistic movements of the 20th century are on display as the permanent collection, and the museum also hosts numerous lectures, workshops, courses and a revolving door of fantastic temporary exhibition. In fact, the permanent collection is quite small in comparison to the sheer number of temporary exhibitions promoting new names. Furthermore, the museum seeks artists who not only create good artwork, but who also go the extra lengths to use their artwork to make an impact.
An interesting part of the IVAM, which also forms a unique contrast considering the subject matter of the museum, is the so-called Sala de la Muralla (Wall Room), where you can take a look at some of the remaining sections of Valencia's centuries-old medieval walls and fortifications, which were taken down long ago.