“Los Borrachos” by Diego Velazquez[/caption]If I told you that I’m a great lover of Spanish art then I’m afraid I’d be lying. When I visit a new city I’m always keen on visiting its main architectural attractions and (more importantly) its sports venues. Unfortunately, I’ve never been a great fan of art galleries but my time in Spain has at least allowed me to develop a certain appreciation of the world of art thanks to the wealth of Spanish art on display in the country’s countless museums and galleries. Even the most indifferent of visitors could not fail to be impressed.
Many great artists have lived and worked in Spain including El Greco, Diego Velázquez, Francisco Goya, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí. Their works, along with masterpieces by other lesser known Spanish and foreign artists appear throughout the country in some of the world’s finest galleries as well as in small museums and churches nationwide.
Madrid’s Art Scene
“Guernica” by Pablo Picasso
Barcelona’s Art Scene
Although Barcelona is best known for its Gaudi architecture it is also home to some fairly outstanding galleries. The Picasso Museum is the city’s most visited gallery and contains one of the most extensive collections of the artist’s works in the world. A personal favourite is the National Art Gallery of Catalunya as much for the magnificent building in which it housed as for the collection itself. Barcelona’s Museum of Contemporary Art has revitalised the central area of El Raval just off the Ramblas. An essential day excursion from Barcelona for every art lover is to the Dalí Museum in Figueres.
Spanish Art Beyond Madrid & Barcelona
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Valencia is beginning to make a name for itself on the European art circuit and the Museo de Bellas Artes has long been considered one of Spain’s finest galleries. Seville has a wealth of artistic treasures with the Museo de Bellas Artes the main attraction thanks to the its display of works by local 17th century masters Murillo and Zurbarán.
Also in Andalucia the Picasso Museum has been built inside the artist’s birthplace in Malaga. Further north in deepest Extremadura, the National Museum of Roman Art in Merida is one of the finest collections of Roman art that you’ll come across outside Rome.
And what about cave paintings? In Altamira (Cantabria) there are cave paintings of animals which date back to 12,000BC whilst the lesser known and unspoilt Cueva de la Pileta near Ronda is a ‘must see’ if you’re in the area (though few people go there!). There’s no end to the artistic treasures that abound in Spain and no matter which cultural centres you head for in search of masterpieces, you’re unlikely to be disappointed.
Are You a Lover of Spanish Art?
If you have any tips for fellow travellers regarding Spain’s art galleries and museums we’d love to hear from you. Please add any comments at the bottom of the page.
Hi Gerry
Just to show that this is a small world regardless of some distances.
My grandfather on my father’s side, Antonio Campos Rueda, was also born in 1881 as was Pablo Picasso.
Living not far from each other, they did know each other. However, when my grandfather turned 17 in 1898, his two uncles that had an established business in Manila, Philippines asked him and his two brothers to move to the Philippines and help with their growing business. Eventually, when the 3 Campos Rueda brothers were old enough, they sold the business and the uncles returned to Malaga to retire.
Unfortunately, after the move to the Philippines my grandfather and his brothers lost all contact with Don Pablo. My grandfather never went back until 1949 but I guess it never occurred to him then to look for him. Pity, because since I turned 21 in 1957, I visited Madrid and Malaga often.
Tony Campos
Thanks for this story Tony.
Wouldn’t it have been great if your grandfather could have met up with his old friend Pablo for a few glasses of sweet Malaga wine in Picasso’s famous old drinking haunt at Antigua Casa de Guardia (Alameda Central, 18). Guess he’s have moved on to Paris and Barcelona at that stage in his life.
Regards
Gerry
Just back from Spain, loved the Prado with its splendid “educational” captions in Spanish and English. Example: notice the torsos of the four forge workers in this painting are positioned to allow the artist to show his skill with all angles of the human torso. Just a magnificent museum. Remind your readers that seniors with proof of eligibility may be admitted at reduced price to museums.
Thanks for this tip Marian
You must add Antonio Tapies to your list. A fantastic Barcelona and world renown artist who died last year, Tapies captures the true Catalonia experience in a post modern abstract venue.
I so look forward to visiting Spain; to be able to look at it’s amazing beauty and experience walking the streets my family once walked and so many greats before them.