Bay of Palma Tourism Guide - Palma Art, Film and Culture

Contemporary Art at the Palau March

The Palau March in Palma de Mallorca houses many contemporary art objects and lies in the historic centre of Palma, close to the Cathedral and the Almudaina Palace. The interior is a superb setting for the contemporary sculpture collections on display, along with masterpieces by the pioneers Rodin, Chillida and Henry Moore.

Big attractions include the 18th century Neapolitan Nativity Scene, a thrilling production of the popular tradition, the work of prominent sculptors and artisans of the era and murals by the great Spanish painter Josep Maria Sert.

Museum of Contemporary Spanish Art

The Museu d'Art Espanyol Contemporani in Palma de Mallorca is a must visit, with one of the best collections of contemporary Spanish art you're likely to find outside of Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia! This museum in Palma has a permanent collection of seventy works by renowned Spanish artists of the twentieth century such as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Juan Gris and Salvador Dali. Mingled with these greats are examples of the most recent generations of Spain's artists. In all you'll discover the work of fifty-two artists at this superb contemporary Spanish art gallery. Don't miss it!

The Museum also has temporary exhibitions of works by both national and international contemporary artists so check their web link to the right for current visiting works. The art gallery itself opened in 1990, and is set in a stunning 18th century building, centrally located in Palma. The building is a regionalist style with touches of modernist inspiration. There's been considerable development of the building recently, resulting in a new major exhibition space and an assembly hall for cultural activities, classes and lectures, concerts for children, and other activities. There are many educational events and workshops run by the museum. Check their website for details. There's some prime choice work by Joan Miro, Dali and Picasso in here as well. It's a joy, and it's cheap to get in. Not to be missed, with a great shop too offering a great selection of posters from past exhibitions.

The 16 galleries in the Museu d'Art Espanyol Contemporani in Palma display a permanent collection of seventy works by fifty-two artists. The collection begins with such gems as Head of a Woman (1907) by Pablo Picasso. Move on to ceramic work by Miquel Barcelo. As well as work by Picasso, there are works by Juan Gris, Julio Gonzalez, Joan Miro, and Salvador Dali. Contemporary art galleries such as this are fast giving Palma a renowned reputation on the international contemporary art scene. For a Spanish city cultural break all year round, Palma de Majorca is hard to beat!

Museu d'Art Espanyol Contemporani (Contemporary Art Museum, Palma de Majorca), Sant Miquel, 11, 07002, Palma de Mallorca, Tel: + 34 971 713515, + 34 971 710428. Visiting hours are Monday to Friday, 10 am to 6.30 pm, Saturday 10.30 am to 2 pm, Sunday/Holiday Closed. Guided Tours are available with prior appointment, available Monday to Friday, 11 am. to 3 pm. It is recommended that groups be no larger than 25 people, especially for visits to complementary workshop activities.

The Pilar i Joan Miro Mallorca Foundation

"I do not want them some day to build one of those horrendous skyscrapers which I see all around me... I am tormented by the idea that some day a gang of workmen could carry away the walls and the Son Boter drawings would be lost for ever more" (Joan Miro) Start your Joan Miro journey here just outside of Palma at the Miro Foundation. Here you'll discover a selection of Joan Miro's work specifically during his time in Majorca. He lived here from 1956 up until his death in 1983. Miro's work on display includes paintings, drawings and other graphic works but there is also an important collection of documents, fascinating stuff. Check the web link to the right for current educational workshops on Miro. A must for Joan Miro fans!

Winter visiting times (from 16th September to 15th May), Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00 - 18.00 hrs. Sundays and Public Holidays from 10.00-15.00 hrs. Closed Monday.

Summer visiting times (from 16th May to 15th September), Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00-19.00 hrs, Sundays and Public Holidays from 10.00-15.00 hrs. Closed Monday.

Fundacion Pilar y Joan Miro a Mallorca (Joan Miro Foundation Mallorca), C. Joan de Saridakis, 29-07015 Palma, Balearic Islands. Tel: 34-971-701420.

Joan Miro and Parc de la Mar

Palma de Mallorca is superb for public art, especially scluptures by Joan Miro dotted about the city. If you're looking for one of the best strolls through public art you're likely to find anywhere, head towards Parc de la Mar just below Palma Cathedral. Plenty of cafes down here to sit and admire the Miro sculptures.

The Parc de la Mar evolved in the 1960s, and stretches along between the southern section of the city walls and Ronda Litoral. Two rather famous names designed this park, Josep Lluis Sert and Joan Miro. The highlights include a giant man-made lake famous for it's reflection of Palma Cathedral, magical indeed. The tiled giant mural by Joan Miro is a must see in Palma. This park works on many different levels, with different focal points. Check out also the nearby Sas Volves which is an exhibition space for art, concerts and the like. Open access and free to all, Palma is a cultural capital full of surprise gems such as Parc de la Mar. Miro certainly left his mark on the city.

Palma de Majorca Festivals

Join the striking procession every January in Palma de Majorca that precedes the animal blessings, or beneides, of Sant Antoni on January 17, in which a hundred riders on horseback, colourful floats and numerous animals participate. Good chaotic fun!

Following it is the patron saints day fiestas of Sant Sebastia during which the whole city of Palma is the scene of live music in all its plazas, street entertainment and the Ciutat de Mallorca award. The Cavalcade of the Beata, a parade of floats in honour of Santa Catalina Tomas winds its way through the streets of Palma accompanied by bands. This takes place on the third Saturday every October.

The Catalan conquest of the island is celebrated on the last day of the year with the Fiesta of the Estendard, or banderole, a rite which dates back to the fourteenth century. Travellers deciding to spend Christmas in Palma should pay a visit to the Christmas Fair in Plaza Major and come to the Cathedral on the morning of December 24 to hear the Cant de la Sibil'la.

The Carnival fiestas, Easter Week celebrations and the evening street celebrations of Sant Joan fill the Parque del Mar with people and activities. All superb gatherings!