Where to See Art in Palma de Mallorca (Part 1)
Spain, a country rich in art and culture, is home to numerous impressive museums. From the world-famous collections in the Prado in Madrid to the avant-garde Guggenheim in Bilbao to the fascinating Dalí Museum in Catalonia – the choice is overwhelming. But if you want to experience authentic Spain away from the tourist crowds, you will find a rich and diverse art scene in Palma de Mallorca. Here you can discover the cultural treasures of the island in peace without having to push through crowds.
Here, hidden in the city’s medieval sandstone streets, there are several museums, galleries and intimate artist studios filled with some of the best work by Spain’s most important painters and contemporary masterpieces.
A welcome escape from the scorching summer sun and hordes of tourists, all of these museums and galleries offer the chance to see remarkable art without the crowds, even in peak season.
Here are ten of Palma’s art hotspots not to be missed on your next trip:
The Miró Mallorca Fundació
The foundation is dedicated to the life and work of the legendary Spanish artist Joan Miró and consists of the Moneo Building, which houses an extensive collection of Miró’s works, as well as the Sert Studio and Son Boter – his workshops.
It is an intimate and unique insight into his artistic expression. You can follow the evolution of his work from the first sketches on the walls of Son Boter, through the madness of notes, paint and canvases in the Sert Studio, to the finished artwork in the Moneo Building.
Visit the exhibition early and take time to enjoy the morning sun in the foundation’s garden, where Miró’s sculptures coexist with many native plants. Then head up to the Sert Studio to admire its brilliant modernist design.
Fundacion Bartolome March
Next to Palma’s Royal Palace lies Fundación Bartolomé March – an eccentric home to five distinctive collections, including contemporary sculptures, Josep M. Sert’s murals and historic navigation maps.
Also pay attention to the building itself: the stunning Palau March was built in the 1940s and was the family home of the Mallorcan banker Juan March Ordinas. A special feature is one of the rooms with a mural by Sert. Decorated in black and gold tones, the walls are covered with unique wood paneling, carved in incredibly smooth and flowing shapes, reminiscent of curtains.
The foundation, founded by the patriarch’s youngest son, Bartolomé, features sculptures by artists such as Barbara Hepworth and Auguste Rodin. There is also an excellent library of ancient manuscripts and the crown jewel – almost 2,000 nativity figures from 18th century Naples.
Museu Fundacion Juan March
Easily confused with the Fundación Bartolomé March, this museum is located in the heart of Palma in a 17th-century mansion. Century. Free to enter, it houses a small but significant permanent collection of 70 works of art by artists who defined Spanish art, including Picasso, Juan Gris and Salvador Dalí.
The museum’s collection of abstract art is particularly fascinating. A unique artist featured here includes Mallorcan sensation Miquel Barceló. Don’t miss his large-scale works La Flaque, Constelación n.º 4 and Gran fons submarí.
Fundacion la Caixa
Within the walls of one of the most beautiful Catalan modernist buildings from the 20th century is the headquarters of the CaixaForum Palma art foundation. A must-visit, it includes fantastic temporary exhibitions (like the “Gods of the Prado” in early 2018) and a stunning permanent collection of works by Hermen Anglada-Camarasa.
The collection is a captivating journey through the artist’s creative evolution, from dazzling color palettes to folkloric elements and gypsy motifs – but you’ll never be prepared for the impact of El tango de la corona. Everything about this painting, from its remarkable size to its expressive colors, will take your breath away.
Es Baluard
Es Baluard is one of the most important contemporary and modern art museums in Spain and has a permanent collection of more than 600 works, all related to the Balearic Islands. Opened in 2004 in a former military fortress, it is one of Palma’s premier art destinations.
The permanent collection includes paintings, sculptures and drawings by artists such as Paul Cézanne, Picasso and Sean Scully. The exhibition is presented in three different sections, offering a chronological development of the modern history of Balearic art.
One of the best features of this museum is its terrace – come up here for breathtaking views of Palma, the Catedral de Mallorca and the Mediterranean.
