Original and little-known museums to discover in Spain
Not many people know that, in Spain, the routes for enjoying art and museums do not always lead to the big cities. There are also small towns and inland destinations that hide some surprising collections and spaces. Visiting them is an opportunity to enjoy experiences that stimulate the senses, explore fascinating landscapes or get to know curious traditions and stories. Here are some of those unknown museums that once you know them, you will never forget them.
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Montenmedio Contemporary Foundation (NMAC)
Since its inauguration in 2001, more than 40 artists have created specific projects for this exceptional open-air museum, located just nine kilometres from Vejer de la Frontera. Each of the works is closely related to nature and the environment in which they are located: the surroundings of the La Breña y Marismas de Barbate Nature Reserve, in the province of Cadiz. Great names in contemporary art such as Marina Abramovic, Maurizio Cattelan, Pilar Albarracín and James Turrell, have all left their mark on this fabulous place in the form of installations, sculptures, performance, photography, video, painting, etc.You can wander through the forest and discover the pieces on your own, or sign up for a guided tour, where you will be given a detailed explanation of the works and the inspiration behind them, for example. In addition, during the months of July and August there are creative workshops and activities for families, open-air concerts and evening tours.
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Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture
This is an essential, must-visit destination for any Spanish wine buff. It’s located in one of the most charming villages in La Rioja, Briones. Here, through its rooms and exhibitions, you can immerse yourself in the world of viticulture with all your senses. Created in 2004 by the Vivanco family, its wine tourism experiences and its work in disseminating information have since garnered them numerous international awards.The winemaking processes; the cultural significance of wine throughout history; the sensations of a wine tasting, and so much more, experienced through all kinds of objects, interactive panels and a collection of art works that includes pieces by renowned artists like Picasso, Sorolla and Miró. In the outdoor Bacchus Garden you can discover more than 220 grape varieties from all over the world and, if you wish, you can also book a guided tour of the Vivanco Wineries and enjoy a tasting menu of traditional Riojan gastronomy.
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Sa Bassa Blanca Museum
This is another hidden gem where the union of art and nature produces a special magic. Just eight minutes away from Alcúdia, one of the most beautiful villages in Mallorca, this estate has many surprises in store. Like the Hispano-Moorish house designed by the pioneer of sustainable architecture, Hassan Fatty. Inside, the collection of contemporary African art, photography and sculpture offers a unique contrast to the Mudejar coffered ceiling from 1498 which is preserved in one of the rooms. You can also see the original exhibition of portraits of European royal and aristocratic children from the 16th to the 19th centuries; and in the Sókrates Space, an installation by James Turrell, a spectacular Swarovski curtain of 10,000 crystals, and works by the masters Miquel Barceló and Gerhard Merz, among other exhibits.Strolling through the gardens you will encounter a "zoo" of giant granite sculptures and experience the fragrance of its rose garden, with a hundred different varieties. Finally, don't miss the chance to go up to the Observatory to contemplate the views and enjoy its Camera Obscura; and don’t forget to try some of the dishes at the museum's café prepared with products from the organic garden.
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Vostell Malpartida Museum
The Natural Monument of Los Barruecos, in Extremadura, houses the museum created in 1976 by German artist Wolf Vostell, one of the early adopters of video art and founder of the Fluxus group. Located 12 kilometres from the city of Cáceres and only three from the municipality of Malpartida, it occupies a complex of 18th century buildings that was used as a wool washhouse, in a beautiful setting surrounded by large granite rocks and the water of a reservoir. Described by Vostell as a "Work of art of nature", the artist devised an institution worthy of being awarded the Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts by the Spanish Ministry of Culture in 2018. The permanent collections and temporary exhibitions are housed in the halls of the complex, as well as the interpretation centre dedicated to transhumance and the old wool washing activity. The visit also includes the open-air section of the museum: on the one hand, the sculptures by Wolf Vostell, Yoko Ono and Raphaël Opstaele installed in the courtyards; and on the other hand, in the Los Barruecos area, at the foot of the Peña del Tesoro, there are several other works by Vostell and other artists.
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