Contemporary art in Palma, Majorca is renowned and is a major tourist attraction Take the time to enjoy the excellent collections that will transport you to days long ago as well as some exhibits by modern artists.
MUSEU D’ART ESPANYOL CONTEMPORANI has examples of 52 artists from the more recent Spanish artists such as the greatest modern painter Miquel Barcelo. The major feature is the permanent collection of 70 works of such twentieth century outstanding Spanish artists as Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Juan Gris, and others. Directed by the Fundacion Juan March, this legacy from the Mallorcan Joan March was opened in 1990 and is housed in his restored 18th-century mansion. Since he became the third richest man in the world during the Franco era, he was well able to afford to collect and display these magnificent works. An expansion and renovation in 2003 created an assembly hall and exhibition space where classes, lectures, concerts for children, and other cultural activities are held.
http://www.march.es/arte/palma/index.asp
The ES BALUARD CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM may be a small art gallery, but it is in an imaginative and interesting building that rivals the art on display. There is a Light Messages exhibition in the basement that is fascinating. The courtyard cafe overlooking the marina is a spectacular place to sit and watch the sunset and drink a glass of wine. Founded in 2004, this museum exhibits the work of Balearic Island artists. Housed in an old 16th-century bastion on Palma’s bay, the museum area is 5,027 square meters with half of that space being used for exhibitions including special emphasis on the artists of the second half of the past century and early years of the 21st century. In addition to paintings, there are photographs, drawings, and sculptures.
http://www.esbaluard.org/home/index.php
The PILAR AND JOAN MIRO FOUNDATION in Mallorca was the dream of Joan Miro, the son of a Majorcan and a Catalan, who spent his youthful summers on this island. He wanted to have a house with a workshop where he could work in freedom and peace. Josep Luis Sert, an architect friend of the artist, came up with the Sert Workshop, which gives an introduction into Miro’s creative world including some canvases, brushes, paints, tools, and other collectable items. The etching workshop has graffiti on the walls. The foundation was founded in 1981 when Joan and his wife Pilar donated to the Palma Town Council the four workshops where Joan worked from 1956 until his death in 1983. The donation included a large number of paintings, sketches, sculptures, collages, graphic work, and many of Milo’s personal documents. In 1981 the Palma City Council drew up a charter to govern this dynamic cultural center. Architect Rafael Moneo, a disciple of Josep Luis Sert, designed the new headquarters of the Foundation, which opened in December 1992. The three buildings set in the hills have Mediterranean vegetation and sculptures by Miro blended into the natural setting. Although mainly featuring the prolific artistry of Milo, temporary exhibitions are dedicated mostly to young artists, who have a workshop on the upper floor. Guided tours can be arranged by making an appointment.
http://www.spain.info/en/conoce/museo/mallorca/fundacion_pilar_y_joan_miro.html
