ESSENTIAL in

www.spain.info INTRODUCTION

Spain is the perfect destination for enjoying art. There are over 1,500 museums and some of the most important collections in the world.

PICASSO The blend of cultures and civilisations in mainland Spain has left a cultural her- itage which is both vast and valuable. Here you can visit the extraordinary Paseo del Arte or Art Walk in works by masters of great stature like with some of the best collections of Velázquez, Murillo, Zurbarán and Goya, paintings in the world. The Prado who symbolised the evolution of paint- Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza ing in the 17th, 18th and 19th centu- Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum ries. At the beginning of the 20th cen- alone would justify a visit to Spain's tury the modern art movement came CONTENTS capital. to the fore, with leading players like . Juan Gris and Joan Miró. They Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Introduction 3 Exhibited here, as well as in other fasci- Published by: © Turespaña were followed by the sculptural cub- nating places like the Picasso Museum Created by: Lionbridge 10 essential museums 4 ism of Julio González, the surrealism of NIPO: 086-18-006-3 in Barcelona, the Dalí Theatre-Museum Dalí and Maruja Mallo... and onto the National Museum of El Prado in Figueres and the Fine Arts Museum FREE COPY unique works of Eduardo Chillida and Reina Sofía National Art Centre Museum in Seville, you'll find some of the best The content of this leaflet has been created with Jorge Oteiza. works by the greatest Spanish artists. the utmost care. However, if you find an error, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum If you'd like to take advantage of your please help us to improve by sending an email to From Roman Hispania in the National [email protected] Guggenheim Museum Bilbao trip to Spain to discover some of these Museum of Roman Art in Mérida to temples to art, then you're in luck. Spain Picasso Museum Barcelona Front Cover: Prado Museum, Madrid. the latest trends in contemporary art has excellent transport infrastructure Photo: nito500/123rf.com Institut Valencià d’Art Modern, IVAM in the Institut Valencià d’Art Modern Back cover: National Museum of Roman Art, so it's really easy to get around, with Mérida. Dalí Theatre-Museum Figueres (IVAM) in , the Guggenheim numerous connections by plane, high- in Bilbao and the Pompidou Centre in speed train and the freedom you enjoy National Museum of Roman Art Mérida Málaga, a visit to our museums is a tru- from our comprehensive road network. ly rewarding journey through history. Pompidou Centre, Málaga Come and discover museums which Museum of Fine Arts in Seville Somewhere between the distant past are a work of art in themselves and the and a promising future you have ­select artistic treasures they exhibit. Other museums that will surprise you 28

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time, the museum's website will sug- lection include Murillo, Ribera, Morales 10 ESSENTIAL MUSEUMS gest a number of short itineraries so and Sorolla. you don't end up missing the essential Apart from Spanish painters, there Photo: Pere Sanz/123rf.com works. With a special pass (for groups are works by Italian, Flemish, French, of from 12 to 30 people), you can vis- German, Dutch and British grand mas- it the museum exclusively before the ters... Some really well known like The doors open to the public. Nobleman with his Hand on his Chest by The museum houses a good many El Greco, The Three Graces by Rubens, works by Velázquez and Goya. The The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch Triumph of Bacchus, Christ Crucified and Adam and Eve by Dürer. Then and The Spinners by Velázquez, and there are works by Titian, Caravaggio, The Naked Maja, The Clothed Maja and Raphael, Fra Angelico and Rembrandt, The 3rd of May in Madrid, by Goya, are to name just a few, which make El some good examples of these. Other Prado one of the best collections in the outstanding Spanish artists in the col- world.

b THE GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS BY HIERONYMUS BOSCH PRADO MUSEUM, MADRID Photo: Visions Of America LLC/123rf.com

a PRADO MUSEUM MADRID

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF EL PRADO As you stroll along the lush Paseo del As you enter, you'll be surprised by a Prado, the oldest garden in the city, the circle of columns capped by a dome first thing you see will be the slender, in the centre of which stands an enor- monumental building of the El Prado mous 16th century bronze sculpture of Museum. It is Neoclassical in style and Carlos V and the Fury. Nearby is the start surrounded by gardens and it is well of the great gallery, the focal point of worth stopping for a moment to admire the museum and the heart of El Prado. the Doric façade, with numerous col- Here there is a blend of paintings by umns, medallions and female sculptures. European great masters, sculptures and You soon reach the statue of Velázquez, decorative objects. which gives the name to the gate which If you're here for the day, the best thing was originally exclusively for monarchs is study each painting and hall in de- and dignitaries. tail. But if you really don't have much

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REINA SOFÍA NATIONAL ART CENTRE MUSEUM One of the best museums in Madrid is very near Atocha station and the Paseo del Prado. It was designed to be the

Photo: Visions Of America LLC/123rf.com Photo: Visions Of America LLC/123rf.com continuation in time of the works ex- hibited in the Prado Museum, and ex- hibits modern and contemporary art in two unique, interconnected buildings. The museum's main collection can be Photo: flaperval/123rf.com Photo: flaperval/123rf.com found in the Sabatini building, formerly a REINA SOFÍA NATIONAL ART MUSEUM an 18th century Madrid hospital. The MADRID most eye-catching feature is the twin steel and glass, panoramic lift towers. play are Figure at the Window and The Get your camera ready, as you'll have Great Masturbator by Dalí; Man with a wonderful views from the top of the Pipe and Painting (Snail, Woman, Flower, tower over the square outside and part Star) by Miró; Pink Bells, Tattered Skies, of the city. by René Magritte, and Lying Figure, by Francis Bacon, and so many more. Inside the gallery you'll find one of the finest collections of Spanish art, with In the centre of the building there is a important artists like , delightful gardened patio with foun- Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, Juan Gris tains and sculptures, an ideal spot to a BY VELÁZQUEZ relax for a while. You can then contin- EL PRADO MUSEUM, MADRID and Antoni Tàpies. They are accom- THE STAR OF THE SHOW panied by important works by artists ue by visiting the new area designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel Las Meninas, Velázquez from all over the world and in every imaginable format, with contributions Painted in 1656, it is one of the crown- To complete your visit, you should go by Kandinsky, Francis Bacon, Diego ing works of Spanish and universal art. A to the museum's extension designed Rivera, Robert Delaunay and Yves masterpiece of layout and perspectives, by the Spanish architect Rafael Moneo, Klein. where you'll find a café, the shop and a where the artist challenges the customs number of information points. of the time by painting himself togeth- This fascinating journey through er with the family of Philip IV of Spain contemporary Spanish art is divid- One of the most interesting features of Photo: maudis60/123rf.com and his servants. It is one of Velazquez' ed into three separate itineraries: the extension is the renovated Cloister greatest works, in which he tried to "The Irruption of the 20th Century: of Los Jerónimos , a unique area dis- capture the feeling of life and reality playing El Prado's excellent collection Utopias And Conflicts (1900-1945)", by painting an everyday scene from life of sculptures and where new tempo- "Is the War Over? Art in a Divided in the Madrid Alcázar. It inspired Goya rary exhibitions are held. The outer World (1945-1968)" and "From Revolt nearly two hundred years later to paint door is a work of art made of bronze by to Postmodernity (1962-1982)". REINA SOFÍA NATIONAL ART MUSEUM his famous work, Charles IV of Spain and MADRID the sculptor Cristina Iglesias. Some of the incredible works on dis- His Family, which you can also see here. L For more information and to buy entry 6 7 tickets, go to: www.museodelprado.es ESSENTIAL MUSEUMS IN SPAIN 10 ESSENTIAL MUSEUMS which features an enormous, triangular THE STAR OF THE SHOW red ceiling . In the central courtyard you , Picasso are greeted by a large Roy Lichtenstein statue. From here you can access the The most famous work in this museum is rest of the collection and the tempo- this enormous painting, and in the neigh- rary exhibitions. On the first two floors bouring halls you can also view sketches you get first-hand experience of exper- and photos depicting the creative pro- imental and interactive art, with instal- cess. The scene represented by Picasso in lations, performances and works which this historic painting was inspired by the invite you to become a part of the ar- bombing by German and Italian aircraft tistic experience. (who fought alongside the faction which rebelled against the Government of the The Reina Sofía also organises numer- Second Republic during the Spanish Civil ous workshops, temporary exhibitions War) of the Basque town which gave its and cultural activities throughout the name to the work. It is a true reflection year. There is also an impressive pub- of the era and its dramatic circumstances lic library on the ground floor in the and the painting is an overwhelming out- Nouvel wing. The cafeteria-restaurant cry against barbarity and war, which has is an array of colours and flavours, you become a universally recognisable icon. can enjoy a brunch on the terrace or a delicious dinner accompanied by a DJ L For further information and in unique surroundings. the purchase of entry tickets go to: a THYSSEN-BORNEMISZA MUSEUM www.museoreinasofia.es MADRID

THYSSEN-BORNEMISZA MUSEUM Almost at the start of the Paseo del building up a collection which includes Prado, very near the Neptuno Fountain, prominent works by Raphael, Titian, Photo: gkrm/123rf.com Photo: gkrm/123rf.com there is a lovely garden through which Cézanne, Van Gogh, Picasso, Juan you can access this Museum which Gris, Degas and Hopper, to name just aims to provide a comprehensive pres- a few from an impressive list of prom- entation of Western art and the history inent artists. There are also sculptures of painting. It is located in Villahermosa by Auguste Rodin, a personal friend of Palace, an old, aristocratic stately home the family. restored by Rafael Moneo, who has You'll be amazed by the 3-dimensional been able to create a beautiful muse- effect of the Annunciation Diptych by um that is totally adapted to modern Van Eyck. The artists tricks you into times. thinking that the figures are real statues The collection reflects the tastes of made of stone. Admire Caravaggio's its founders, the Thyssen-Bornemisza chiaroscuro technique in his painting family, who have spent many years of Saint Catherine of Alexandria and the

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GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM BILBAO The Guggenheim Museum looks like a titanium ocean-going liner anchored in the Bilbao Estuary. Each of the sides has a different façade resulting from the intricate shapes and forms created by the Canadian Architect, Frank Gehry. A sculptural structure which blends perfectly into the Bilbao skyline and the surrounding area, it has become an undisputed icon of the city. The outside of the building is a work a THYSSEN-BORNEMISZA MUSEUM of art. The metallic reflective panels on MADRID the façade shine with different colours, depending on the time of day and the weather conditions. If you're already surprising pop art of Woman in Bath surprised by the Guggenheim's shapes, by Roy Lichtenstein, who adopted the you'll be left speechless by the gigan- language of the comic to revolutionise Photo: ©Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza tic sculptures like Puppy, the iconic art in the 1960s. a SWAYING DANCER (DANCER IN GREEN) BY EDGAR DEGAS dog by Jeff Koons that stands guard THYSSEN-BORNEMISZA MUSEUM, MADRID The museum also provides several in front of the museum, and The Tall themed tours with an audio guide, such FEATURED WORK Tree and The Eye, a creation by Anish as a journey through the evolution of Swaying Dancer (Dancer in Green), Kapoor composed of 80 stainless-steel fashion, art in jewellery and gastrono- Edgar Degas spheres. my in painting, all of which are unique The impressionists aimed to express Once inside, you'll discover one of ways of experiencing the collection. the moment, capturing the light, col- the world's most unique museums. This museum completes the tour our and movement. And at this Degas The Guggenheim's three levels are known as the Paseo del Arte or Art was a true master. This can be seen in ­organised around a central atrium. Walk. You can purchase a combined works like this which was painted with Gehry uses titanium, glass and lime- ticket to visit the permanent collec- his characteristic pastel shades on pa- stone to connect the different areas tions in the El Prado, Reina Sofía and per, between 1877 and 1879. He was via curved walkways, lifts and towered Thyssen-Bornemisza museums, which very interested in ballet as the study of staircases. In this museum no two gal- will help you avoid having to queue up the body in movement, and here the leries are the same. This means that at each one. French artist reveals the influence of you are constantly being surprised, You may also find Paseo del Arte im- Japanese engraving and photography ­alternating large-format works with prescindible (Essential Art Walk) very on his work, creating a scene which ap- others which are much more intimate. practical. It is a free APP for mobile pears to be cut like a photograph taken phones which functions as an audio from one of the theatre's boxes. guide covering 24 masterpieces in the three museums. L For further information and the purchase of entry tickets 10 go to: www.museothyssen.org 11

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Photo: Lukas Bischoff/123rf.com You really shouldn't miss The Matter of A really surprising way to enjoy the col- Time by Richard Serra. Eight enormous lection is to experience Art After Dark. steel sculptures which invite you to walk One Friday each month you can expe- around them and discover their interi- rience the feeling of seeing the exhibi- or with absolute freedom. Examining tions at dawn in the company of some the narrow passageways and winding of the best DJs in the world. curves is an unforgettable experience. Photo: DAVID HERRAEZ/123rf.com Photo: DAVID The works are displayed in a majestic, column-free gallery, the largest in the THE STAR OF THE SHOW whole museum. Experience the feel- , Louise Bourgeois ing of movement which emanates from Maman each piece, then climb up to the look- A walk amongst the sharp legs of the giant out point to look at them from above. bronze, steel and marble spider which is dis- played at the rear of the museum is quite To make your experience as compre- an experience. Its disturbing aspect embod- hensive as possible, the museum has ies a number of meanings. According to this a visitor centre, a shop, a bookshop, a French artist, it symbolises the two sides of café, a bistro-type restaurant and a gas- maternity, it is both a cage and a shelter. tronomic restaurant with one Michelin star where you can enjoy real culinary L For further information and the purchase works of art. of entry tickets go to:

a GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM www.guggenheim-bilbao.eus BILBAO

The permanent collection starts with the second half of the 20th century, taking us right up to the present and may be defined as contemporary art in capital letters. Here you'll find, for ex- ample, a pop image of Marilyn Monroe repeated in series by Andy Warhol, Photo: Isabel Fernandez Fernandez/123rf.com Photo: Isabel Fernandez contrasting with Barge, a large-for- mat silkscreen on canvas by Robert Rauschenberg. The list of prominent artists present in the Guggenheim is endless: Miquel Barceló, Antoni Tàpies, Anselm Kiefer, Gerhard Richter, Jean-Michel Basquiat, James Rosenquist… There are also sculp-

GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM tures by the Basque masters Eduardo BILBAO Chillida and Jorge Oteiza.

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You really shouldn't miss the sketches for Guernica, his most important work, his beautiful ceramics and the collec- tion of engravings exhibited in another of the galleries. To complement the magnificent works Photo: sportgraphic/123rf.com displayed in the museum, there is a bookshop with a comprehensive se- lection of books, objects and souvenirs based on the most emblematic works of this genius from Málaga. The Picasso Museum may also be the starting point for the Picasso Route in Barcelona, a tour of the different places where he lived with his family, his first painting studio, and the Giants' Frieze on the façade of the Catalonia College

of Architects. Photo: csp/123rf.com

a PICASSO MUSEUM a PICASSO MUSEUM BARCELONA BARCELONA

PICASSO MUSEUM BARCELONA THE STAR OF THE SHOW A stroll through the magical, narrow al- last years of his life. The museum gives The Wait (Margot), Picasso leyways of the Gothic Quarter will take you the chance to discover the strong An explosion of colour depicting the you to the Calle de Montcada, where links Picasso had with the city. You'll Parisian nightlife that Picasso discov- you'll find this gallery which is essential be surprised by his dexterity and the ered at the beginning of the 20th cen- for any visit to Barcelona. The Picasso strength of his lines when he was only tury. Take a closer look at this mysteri- Museum occupies five Gothic man- 15 years old, in one of his first self-por- ous woman dressed in red and focus on sions from the 13th and 14th centu- traits and those depicting his parents. ries which have been appropriately re- the broad brushstrokes and the black stored and refurbished to provide total As you visit the different galleries com- silhouette around the body, influenced immersion in the life and works of this prising these five mansions, you can by Van Gogh and Toulouse-Lautrec. genius from Málaga. accompany Picasso as he progressively increases his mastery of techniques and L For further information and During his childhood and early years, artistic styles, with such representative the purchase of entry tickets Picasso had an intimate connection works as Harlequin, Science and Charity go to: www.museopicasso.bcn.cat with Barcelona, the city to which Jaume and the Cubist series of Las Meninas, a Sabartés, his secretary and friend, do- critical study of the famous painting by nated his collection of works from this Velázquez. period of apprenticeship and from the

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_ THE WAIT (MARGOT), PICASSO PICASSO MUSEUM, BARCELONA ESSENTIAL MUSEUMS IN SPAIN 10 ESSENTIAL MUSEUMS Photo: radub85/123rf.com INSTITUT VALENCIÀ D’ART MODERN, IVAM Opposite the park in the Turia Gardens, the IVAM building houses some of Spain's

best contemporary works of art. Visit the Photo: radub85/123rf.com translucent galleries, with huge windows providing so much light, and discover great works of art by the sculptor Julio González and the painter Ignacio Pinazo, essential points of reference for the be- ginning of the modern era in Spain. If you're interested in the most up-to- date contemporary art, then you'll love the temporary exhibitions displaying the latest video art and the most fash- INSTITUT VALENCIÀ D’ART MODERN, IVAM ionable artistic trends. If you prefer VALENCIA something a little more classical, its col- lection of works by historical avant-gar- de artists is one of the most important The IVAM's collection includes all the in Spain, with international personal- artistic disciplines. Apart from painting ities like Jean Arp, Alexander Calder, and sculpture, there are galleries dedi- Paul Klee, Robert Delaunay... It would cated to graphic design, photomontage not be complete without pop art and and photography by some of the 20th other artistic expressions which have century's masters like Man Ray, Robert arisen since the 1960s and 1970s. Capa and Brassai. But perhaps the most surprising gallery in the museum is the Sala de la Muralla, used for temporary exhibitions. In the centre of the gallery, and crossing it from end to end, there are the pre- served remains of the old medieval city wall of Valencia. A sharp contrast be- tween the city's historical past and the contemporary works of art hanging on the walls. After your visit, nothing could be better

Photo: FRANCISCO GONZALEZ SANCHEZ/123rf.com than to take a drink on the nice terrace with lovely views of the surrounding

INSTITUT VALENCIÀ D’ART MODERN, IVAM Turia Gardens. VALENCIA

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INSTITUT VALENCIÀ D’ART MODERN, IVAM VALENCIA ESSENTIAL MUSEUMS IN SPAIN 10 ESSENTIAL MUSEUMS

DALÍ THEATRE-MUSEUM FIGUERES

Going into the Dalí Theatre-Museum is like looking through the keyhole into this brilliant artist's subconscious.

More than a museum, this is an incred- ible journey to the heart of surrealism, the definitive work of art by the most elusive Spanish artist. Photo: IVAM a INSTITUT VALENCIÀ D’ART MODERN, IVAM You'll see it raining inside a car, Mae VALENCIA West's lips turned into a sofa and amaz- ing jewels in the form of an elephant. A dream, an illusion, or the largest surre- THE STAR OF THE SHOW alistic object in the world? All this and

Photo: IVAM so much more. Woman in the Mirror, Julio González Here, nothing is what it seems to be. All This cubist sculpture contains all the the works have a double meaning, big characteristics of Julio González who and small secrets which are an essential was considered to be "the master of feature of the experience of visiting the iron". This artist, who collaborated with galleries without a pre-established route. Picasso in the 1930s, put all his imagi- native spirit into artistically welding iron "I am surrealism", he declared, and this Filimonov/123rf.com Photo: Iakov sheets and bars. You could spend hours unique museum is proof of that. He de- a DALÍ THEATRE-MUSEUM FIGUERES contemplating this major work of mod- signed it himself over what were the ru- ernist sculpture, in which the profile of ins of the Figueres Municipal Theatre, a woman reflected in the mirror can be there are golden bread loaves on the discerned amongst abstract forms and façade and a parapet topped by giant tic career are represented, from his ear- different perspectives. It is part of the eggs which is just a precursor for the ly impressionist, pointillist and futurist exhibition entitled Constellations by Julio outrageous experience which awaits creations, to the surrealist installations González. Between Representation and you inside. and paintings from the final years of Abstraction, which you can see in Gallery You won't find any explanatory panels his life. Dalí himself is buried here, in 2 of the museum by booking beforehand. and there is no chronological order for a crypt below the stage under a great L For further information and the you to follow. All the stages of his artis- slab of granite. purchase of entry tickets go to:

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_ WOMAN IN THE MIRROR, JULIO GONZÁLEZ INSTITUT VALENCIÀ D’ART MODERN, IVAM ESSENTIAL MUSEUMS IN SPAIN 10 ESSENTIAL MUSEUMS

The surprises are never ending: a huge THE STAR OF THE SHOW geodesic dome glass that lights up the Mae West Room, Salvador Dalí night sky, a deconstructed portrait of Abraham Lincoln which recomposes Art was just a toy in Dalí's hands. This can when looked at through a lens, large gold- be seen here, we he ­converted the en mannequins in different postures... American actress's face into a ­furnished apartment: the eyes are two paintings Photo: Iakov Filimonov/123rf.com Photo: Iakov And constant reminders of Gala, who was his life-long muse and companion. of the Seine, a chimney ­represents the nose and a sofa becomes her mouth. Apart from the works by Dalí, in the You can walk around the apartment and Gallery of Masterpieces you can en- observe each detail from close up and joy part of his private collection, with then climb the stairs to view the ­portrait works by some of his favourite artists, of the Hollywood star in three dimen- including Meissonier, El Greco, Marcel sions through a special magnifying glass. Duchamp and Bouguereau. An exten- sion to the building houses another L For further information go to: treasure of incalculable value: a collec- www.salvador-dali.org/es/museos/ tion of jewellery designed by this genius born in Empordà, with precious stones transformed into fantastic designs. Just let yourself go and look at it through DALÍ THEATRE-MUSEUM FIGUERES b MAE WEST ROOM, SALVADOR DALÍ the eyes of a child looking for games, DALÍ THEATRE-MUSEUM symbols and dialogues between the different works created by Dalí. Photo: Pavel Lipskiy/123rf.com Photo: Pavel Photo: phototraveller/123rf.com

DALÍ THEATRE-MUSEUM FIGUERES

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NATIONAL MUSEUM THE STAR OF THE SHOW OF ROMAN ART Boar Hunt mosaic MÉRIDA Roman mosaics were used as floor- ing in wealthy houses and public Avant-garde architecture and the dis- spaces. This enormous mosaic was tant Roman past converge in this ex- discovered in what is known as the Photo: joserpizarro/123rf.com traordinary museum designed by Rafael "Villa de las Tiendas", and represents Moneo. Here you'll discover different a hunting scene, one of the pleasures aspects of daily life for the inhabit- of the wealthier citizens of Augusta ants of one of the main settlements Emeritus. Take a close look and you'll in Roman Hispania, Augusta Emerita, appreciate the thousands of tiny which was declared a World Heritage cubes of stone called tesselae re- City by the UNESCO. quired to complete the image.

Mérida was named to honour the L For further information and the Emperor Augustus, and in its streets purchase of entry tickets go to: and most important monuments it still turismoextremadura.com/viajar/ preserves the glorious memory of what turismo/es/explora/Museo-Nacional- would become the capital of Lusitania. de-Arte-Romano-MNAR/ a DOMUS ROMANA, NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ROMAN ART Very near the Roman theatre and am- MÉRIDA phitheatre, and connected to them by a b BOAR HUNT MOSAIC series of galleries, the National Museum NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ROMAN ART, MÉRIDA of Roman Art (MNAM) is a surprising contrast between the orange-coloured city walls and the brickwork on which the pieces are exhibited. The building consists of spacious vol- umes, with numerous slender arches Photo: Juan Aunin/123rf.com a NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ROMAN ART and spectacular roof lighting. It is the MÉRIDA perfect scenario for a tour through Roman gods, imperial busts and sculp- tural portraits, and all kinds of archaeo- The MNAM is on four floors and there logical remains recovered from the city. are 30 extraordinary monographic Special mention should go to the mo- galleries. Once you have crossed the saics, like the enormous Mosaic of the Roman road, take the stairs down to Chariot Drivers. It is one of the largest the crypt and see the faithful recon- they have found in Mérida and it has struction of a Roman room with mu- been given this name because it repre- rals representing spectacles from the sents two horse-drawn chariots. Roman circus.

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Here, the architecture takes a discreet second place. And it's no wonder, be- cause the journey through 20th and 21st century art displayed in its trans- lucent galleries includes great art- ists like Marc Chagall, René Magritte, Frida Kahlo and Francis Bacon. And, of course, Pablo Picasso, born in Málaga and present in the Pompidou with works like A Hat with Flowers. There are more than 70 works in the permanent collection which belong to the Pompidou Centre in Paris and they Photo: © DOMAINE PUBLIC RYTHME, JOIE DE VIVRE, 1930 stand alongside groundbreaking con- a LA VECCHIA DELL’ORTO (THE OLD LADY IN THE GARDEN), FRANK STELLA POMPIDOU CENTRE, MÁLAGA temporary works of art. The exhibition is renewed every two-and-a-half years and there are two or three temporary THE STAR OF THE SHOW exhibitions each year. So each time La vecchia dell’orto (The Old Lady in the you come you'll be able to discover a Garden) new world of sensations and artistic experiences. Frank Stella The American painter and engrav- er, Frank Stella, juxtaposes sculptur- al forms like cones, pillars, curves and

Photo: pabkov/ 123rf.com Photo: pabkov/ other architectural elements in this a POMPIDOU CENTRE abstract work from the mid-1980s. MÁLAGA You'll be surprised by the composi- tion's sharp relief created with acrylic paint, glycerophtalic lacquer and fluo- POMPIDOU CENTRE, MÁLAGA rescent paint over eleven elements and The Costa del Sol is renowned world- Uno shopping area, you'll find this ex- an alveolar aluminium panel. It is part wide for its wonderful climate, fine traordinary building crowned by a daz- of a Modern Utopias exhibition, which sandy beaches and its yacht marinas. zling, coloured-glass cube. revolves around great historical events But in addition to these irresistible at- in the 20th and 21st centuries which Take the stairs down to the large, un- have left their mark and nurtured the tractions, the capital city, Málaga, has derground galleries where you'll find a intriguing museums like the Pompidou imagination and ideals of modern and blend of every artistic discipline. It is contemporary artists. Centre, the first branch of this celebrat- the works that play a leading role and ed Parisian institution outside France. they can be viewed freely or with the L For further information and the Surrounded by the beautiful gardens help of the centre's specialised team of purchase of entry tickets go to: of the Paseo España, the blue of the mediators to make this a participatory www.malagaturismo.com/es/ recursos-turisticos/detalle/ Mediterranean and the modern Muelle experience. Ridley/123rf.com Photo: David centre-pompidou-malaga/910 a POMPIDOU CENTRE MÁLAGA 24 25 ESSENTIAL MUSEUMS IN SPAIN 10 ESSENTIAL MUSEUMS

Laid out in chronological order, from

Photo: joserpizarro/123rf.com the Middle Ages to the 20th centu- ry, the galleries are ideal for viewing large-format works and also include decorative arts with ceramics, precious metals, weapons and furniture. Photo: isogood/123rf.com In the splendid Gallery V, you'll be drawn to the beauty and strength of Murillo's Baroque paintings. His Immaculate Conception (known as La Colosal) demonstrates his command of the gyratory movement of the body and clothes. The gems of the permanent collection of paintings include a por- trait of the son of El Greco painted by his father, Apostle's Head by Velázquez and a small portrait by Goya. Admission is free for citizens of the European Union. A unique opportunity to see the masterpieces of Spanish reli- gious art firsthand. THE STAR OF THE SHOW a THE ANNUNCIATION, MURILLO MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, SEVILLE

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS The Annunciation, Murillo IN SEVILLE Murillo plays a leading role in the exhi- In a delightful little square in the histor- exceptional religious paintings and bition as the greatest exponent in the ical centre of Seville stands a magnifi- sculptures . Photo: joserpizarro/123rf.com history of Sevillian art. In this master- cent building, formerly the Convent of The building has the atmosphere of a piece, which used to be part of the fa- La Merced Calzada, which is just begging convent which surrounds and captures mous altarpiece in the Convent of Los you to come in and discover the greatest you with extraordinary tiled panels cov- Capuchinos, the artist creates an inter- treasures of Spanish Baroque painting. ering the richly decorated walls, vaults play between light, colour and juxtaposi- The peaceful patios with fountains and and ceilings and works of art by three tion of the earthly and the celestial. columns, passageways and trellised lit- of the greatest artists in 16th and 17th tle corners and the extraordinary stair- century Spain, known as the Golden case create an ideal atmosphere for Age: Zurbarán, Valdés Leal and, above enjoying some of our country's most all, Murillo.

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MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS SEVILLE ESSENTIAL MUSEUMS IN SPAIN OTHER MUSEUMS THAT WILL SURPRISE YOU

Culture in Madrid goes well beyond the true oasis far from the hustle and bus- Paseo del Arte art walk. As you walk tle of the city. Apart from some of his around the city you'll come across small most significant paintings and drawings, and large art galleries to suit all tastes. there are a number of objects he col- OTHER Some of them, like the , lected during his lifetime on display, like located in the family home of the artist sculptures, ceramics, jewellery and old MUSEUMS from Valencia, are so lovely that one photos. visit will probably not be enough. The L www.esmadrid.com/en/tourist- Photo: Juan Jimenez Fernandez/123rf.com THAT WILL garden, designed by Sorolla himself, is a information/sorolla-museum SURPRISE YOU Abstract art, science, toys, miniatures b SOROLLA MUSEUM MADRID and even underwater. In Spain there are so many museums of such different types that any trip here becomes an in- credible opportunity to immerse your- self in our culture. Photo: Visions Of America LLC/123rf.com

` MUSEUM OF SPANISH ABSTRACT ART CUENCA

The first thing you notice about the Who would have thought that in the in- MUSAC (Castile-Leon Museum of terior of the Hanging Houses, the most Contemporary Art) is the façade which iconic buildings in Cuenca, you'd find is made out of stained glass. The build- abstract paintings? These 15th century ing was awarded the 2007 Mies van buildings with wooden balconies hang- der Rohe architecture prize by the ing out over the Huécar River valley European Union and stands as a tribute are home to the Museum of Spanish to the stained-glass windows in León Abstract Art. Its collection of paint- Cathedral. In the interior you'll find the ings and sculptures by Spanish artists latest in contemporary art and a strong from the generation of the 1950s and link between local artists and recent in- 1960s contrasts very sharply with the ternational trends. historical surroundings and natural landscapes of Cuenca. L www.musac.es L www.march.es/arte/cuenca

28 29 ESSENTIAL MUSEUMS IN SPAIN OTHER MUSEUMS THAT WILL SURPRISE YOU

But perhaps the most unusual museum in the whole of Spain is the Lanzarote Atlantic Museum in the Canary Islands. It's an art gallery under the sea, where you'll have to dive down amongst shoals of sardines, oc- Photo: Jason deCaires Taylor/Atlantic Museum Lanzarote Photo: Jason deCaires Taylor/Atlantic topuses and sea sponges to discover the 12 figures installed by the North American artist Jason deCaires Taylor. The figures, inspired by the inhabitants of the island of Lanzarote, are a call in defence of the oceans against contamination. And they are constructed with pH neutral materials so they are adapted to marine life and will ultimately generate an artificial reef. a SAN SEBASTIÁN AQUARIUM MUSEUM L For further information go to: www.cactlanzarote.com/es/cact/ If you're looking for surprises then museo-atlantico you really should visit the avant-garde City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, the great galleon in the Barcelona Maritime Museum or perhaps the San Sebastián Aquarium Museum. The Perfume Museum in Barcelona, with over 5,000 containers originating from every culture and era, and the Astorga Chocolate Museum (León) are just some of the extraordinary museums you'll find in mainland Spain.

L www.cac.es www.aquariumss.com www.astorga.co/es

L For further information go to: www.españaescultura.es www.spain.info

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MINISTERIO DE INDUSTRIA, COMERCIO TURESPAÑA Y TURISMO

32 @spain @spain Spain.info /spain