Inaugurated in 2004, Es Baluard Museu d’Art Contemporani de Palma offers visitors a panoramic view of 20th century art, with special emphasis on artists with a Mediterranean connection. If you’re in Palma and have an interest in contemporary art and architecture, this museum is certain to impress you.
Leading exhibitors of modern-day art
Boasting a collection of over 800 works of art which range from the end of the19th century to the present day, representing the most important artists and movements that have converged on the Balearic archipelago, this cultural space brings us works by great painters from the last century including Joaquim Mir, Santiago Rusiñol, and Hermenegildo Anglada-Camarasa, who spent long periods of time on the island. Other famous artists with works on display are Joaquín Sorolla, Antoni Gelabert, and Tito Cittadini. The avant-garde movements of the early 20th century are represented by Joan Miró, Robert Motherwell, Jorge Oteiza, Picasso, Juli Ramis, and Antoni Tàpies, among others. In the post-modernist section, Es Baluard Museu d’Art Contemporani exhibits works by recognised painters such as Miquel Barceló, José Manuel Broto, Miguel Ángel Campano, or Maria Carbonero. Let’s not forget the great figures of today’s art scene, artists that include Lida Abdul, Marina Abramović, Pilar Albarracín, Christian Boltanski, Robert Cahen, Daniel Canogar, Toni Catany, Carles Congost, Ñaco Fabré, Mónica Fuster, Alberto García-Alix, Susy Gómez, Núria Marqués, Jorge Mayet, Joan Morey, Michael Najjar, Marina Núñez, Bernardí Roig, Francisco Ruiz de Infante, Amparo Sard, Antoni Socías, and Nicholas Woods.
Disruptive architecture in a historical setting
The largest centre for the preservation and diffusion of contemporary art in the Balearic Islands is blessed with a privileged location and is perfectly integrated within the medieval city walls. Spread over three floors with a surface area of 5,027 m², the building has simple, clean lines and is a modern building that is respectful of the surrounding heritage. Materials such as concrete and glass were used in the construction to achieve this. The exterior areas, connected via ramps, skylights, and interior balconies, allow us to walk around the walled perimeter and access the central patio, used for open-air cultural events.
Other interesting features include Els Arcs, on the walls, a fabulous viewpoint that affords spectacular views of the Cathedral, the Paseo Marítimo promenade, and the Puig de Sant Pere neighbourhood, or the magnificent Aljub, an ancient well that supplied the area and the boats arriving from the port that has been converted into a multipurpose space without losing its unique essence.
The Tower, of Islamic origin, is situated at the entrance to the Es Baluard Cultural Centre from Puig de Sant Pere and is also worth a visit. Do not miss the grand terrace found on one of the museum’s side façades. It has an amazing balcony with fantastic views of the Cathedral, the Bay of Palma, and Bellver Castle.
