Wednesday 21 May 2008

Joan Miró Foundation


The Joan Miró Foundation possesses an incomparable collection of work by the 20th-century master, and is an essential part of any visit to Montjuïc. Miró's iconic Spanish paintings are displayed on gleaming white walls, lit by natural light from above.


Miró himself set up the Fundació in 1971 and it was expanded in the 1980s. The Miró archives boast thousands of drawings, 200 paintings and 150 sculptures created between 1914 and 1978. Artistic treasures by leading lights of 20th-century art also contribute to the permanent show - Henri Matisse, Marcel Duchamp, Claes Oldenburg, Henry Moore and Fernand Leger all feature. Also check out the reconstruction of kinetic artist Alexander Calder's Mercury Fountain outside.


Downstairs is the Espai 13, which is devoted to young up-and-coming contemporary artists. It shows cycles of exhibitions devoted to certain themes or countries and provides a refreshing contrast to the more familiar names in the hallowed halls above.


There's not only art at the museum - in the summer it also plays host to classical music concerts.


Cost:
Permanent collection €8, concessions €6
Temporary exhibitions €4, concessions €3

Opening Hours:
Oct-Jun Tue-Sat 10am-7pm
Jul-Sep Tue-Sat 10am-8pm
All year: Thu 10am-10.30pm, Sun 10am-2.30pm

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