With masters like Goya and Velázquez in its heritage, Spain could easily have rested on past laurels when reinvigorating its cultural domain in the wake of Franco's death. Instead, the country strongly embraced contemporary art as a key aspect of its revitalization strategies. Acting with amazing boldness and panache, various cities and regions moved to the forefront of international attention by constructing cutting-edge buildings designed by some of the world's leading architects. Museums, which figured prominently among these new edifices, also created a stir by presenting topnotch exhibitions of avant-garde art. Simultaneously, and with equal vigor, artists, galleries and corporate sponsors developed a diverse range of activities and support mechanisms. This handy guide explores the prevailing situation while shedding light on new art styles.